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This section includes answers to some of the questions most commonly asked by individuals who are considering joining our MSVA Community.
 

Q1. Is there a minimal skill set I must have to be a MSVA?

A. Every VA comes to the table with their own unique skills - there is no "right" or "wrong" skill set for a VA, though naturally the broader their skills the more marketable a VA will be.

 We find that VAs who have solid "core" skills are quite successful. These skills include a working knowledge of the Internet, computer usage, and software. Basic word processing and spreadsheet capabilities are a definite plus!

 Skills range from the basics listed above to highly-specialized areas like Web design, graphic arts, "foreign" market expertise, technical writing, and more.

Q2. What equipment must I have to launch a VA practice?

A. A VA should look at equipment acquisitions as investments of valuable capital that will be made only after a careful analysis of the practice's needs. It is possible to launch a successful practice with very little equipment. Start with:

• a computer with Internet access (a dedicated line for the modem is best, if possible);
• A telephone with voicemail or an answering machine;
• A fax machine or computer-based fax application;
• Basic software applications (Microsoft, Corel, and Lotus are sound investments for most).

Q3. Can I transition to a VA practice gradually and keep my present job until my practice "flies?"

 A. ABSOLUTELY! It is said that every great journey starts with a single step - you simply need to decide how large or small that first step will be for you. Financial, lifestyle, or other considerations often dictate that we make a gradual change.

Easing into your VA practice on a part-time basis is one of the safest and least painful ways to make the transition. Many new VAs keep their regular employment while building their practice "after hours." Both jobs can coexist peacefully; however, it will require some careful planning.

Make sure that your clients understand the limitations of your hours from the start, and be certain that you take into consideration the effect this transitional period will have on the significant others in your life (spouses, life partners, kids, etc.).

You are sure to be working longer hours as you establish your practice, but it is a sound way to make the transition from employee to entrepreneur.

Q4. Do I have "the right stuff" to make it as a VA?

A. With so many "get rich quick without lifting a finger" schemes on the Net it's very important to be realistic. Yes, the industry is growing. Yes, there is room for enormous growth. No, it will not happen overnight or without a strong marketing effort.

Self-employment is not for everyone. Asking yourself these simple, baseline questions is a good place to start:

• Are you a self-starter?
• Do you like to work with dynamic people?
• Are you confident about your ability to get the job done?
• Are you trustworthy and honest?
• Are you creative?
• Can you adapt to rapid change?
• Do you have good problem-solving skills?
• Can you set goals and follow them to completion?

Q5. How does the Request for Proposal (RFP) System work?

A. When a Member joins the Staffcentrix Community for MSVAs they are added to the RFP system. 

Prospective clients use an online RFP form to list the skills, expertise, software, etc., that he or she wants the "ideal" VA to possess. The information they provide is forwarded to Members in two stages; first to members who have completed the Portable Career & Virtual Assistant Training Program for Military Spouses™ and then, five days later (if the post has not been filled), to all Members so that those who meet the criteria and feel they are an excellent candidate can reply directly to the prospect.

When the query is received, the VA responds to the prospective client directly (Staffcentrix is no longer involved), explaining how he or she can meet the client's needs.

Q6.  Does Staffcentrix guarantee that I will receive referrals?
While it's our hope that each member of the Staffcentrix community will receive many referrals - via the Membership Directories and the RFP Systems - we cannot guarantee referrals for any VA, nor can we guarantee that an interview or job offer will result from any referral.

It is very important to pay close attention to the information provided in the Directory. If the Directory Data is not accurate or lacks detail, the VA will likely be selected less often by prospective clients.

All members can access to their Directory information via the "Update" link in the Resource Area. If the Directory is to be effective for the MSVA and the prospective client, it is vital that information be kept up-to-date and accurate. Members may update as often as they wish, but at least once per quarter is strongly recommended.