Tip #3: Do you have the proper equipment and home working environment?

Based on the list you created in Tip #3, do you have the proper equipment you’ll need to complete/do the tasks on your list? If not, can you afford to upgrade or purchase these items now or will you need to slowly build things up as you can afford them (before you can start your VA business)?

Here are my recommendations for what you need for a good, workable VA home office:

• Pentium computer (Windows 98, 2000 or XP)
• Minimum of 32 MB of RAM
• Minimum of 1 gigabyte of hard drive space
• Cable or high-speed Internet connection
• Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox or Opera internet browsers
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Current/updated virus protection
• Good printer
• Fax (or eFax…I do not use a “real” fax machine…I only use eFax! Check it out and sign up for a free 30-day trial…it’s really cool!)
• Speakers for your computer
• System backup (Norton Ghost; Online backup or downloadable backup system of some type)
• Business/office phone (with headset and speaker phone)
• A space that provides you with the most optimal, productive work environment for YOU (For me that means that I need an organized, inviting, and comfortable space.)