Owner: Angela Smith

1. How long have you been in business?

I officially launched my business in August 2006, but I landed my first client several months before that.

2. Why did you start your business?

I established my virtual assistance practice in order to combine my diverse interests and experience into a single tailor-made career. You can’t do that in the corporate world!

3. What types of businesses do you service?

I work with a lot of other virtual assistants on a subcontracting basis, and in working with their clients, I get to work with just about every type of business under the sun. The variety certainly keeps things interesting.

4. What is your niche?

My niche is proofreading and editing, but I offer a variety of administrative services as well. I really enjoy learning new skills and polishing the ones I haven’t used in a while.

5. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since opening your virtual doors?

Here’s the most important lesson I’ve learned so far: It’s great to get advice from others, but ultimately, you have to go with your gut instinct when making decisions. Only you know what is truly best for your business and your life. Even if you don’t get it right the first time, you’ll continue to learn from your mistakes.

6. What resources can you not live without?

I couldn’t live without my two favorite VA forums: the VA Revolution and VANA. Both groups have provided me with the camaraderie and support that many solo entrepreneurs yearn for.

7. What’s the best part about being a VA?

The best part about being a VA is having the ability to work from home, of course! I enjoy running my own business and having the opportunity to mold my own future. Plus, I love being involved with a huge network of virtual assistants from all over the world!

8. What’s the greatest thing you’ve done for your business?

Joining the Revolution was one of the best things I’ve done for my business–and no, Becki and Heather didn’t pay me to say that! I know I wouldn’t think nearly as BIG if I hadn’t joined the Revolution.

9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I look forward to developing a business that isn’t totally dependent on the number of billable hours I have available. We all have only 24 hours in a day, but I’m always looking for innovative ways to serve higher numbers of clients with less time.

10. What is the biggest obstacle you face in your business? How did you overcome it?

Client work always takes top priority, which makes it difficult to find the time to develop all of my new business ideas! I’m not sure there is a way to completely overcome the time restraints that each of us deals with. It’s just a matter of finding the time to work on my business.

11. In your opinion, what’s the best feature of the Revolution?

Revolution members are very serious about their businesses, and the motivation really rubs off. When we put our heads together, we can be downright dangerous!

Angela Smith is the owner of Accu-Assist and author of Online Networking for the Newbie. Angela specializes in proofreading and editing e-books, newsletters, articles, and Web content. She also provides a variety of general administrative services to small business owners and self-employed professionals.