Are you running a charity or a business?

I participate in several VA forums to share information and learn from others and it’s at these places that some of my material for this blog comes from.

One recurring theme or should I say ‘thought’ is the one that makes VAs, particularly newer ones, think they should be able to get stuff cheap or at no cost.  These are things that relate to running their VA businesses.

Don’t forget that those providing the tools for you to run your business are also running a business. They need to be able to live too. So, of course it’s going to cost to get things designed, printed, created, produced, advertised and so on.

If we are teaching our clients that they can’t do everything themselves and that they need to outsource their admin support needs to us, then doesn’t it ring true that we also must outsource various needs for our businesses to others?

Perhaps it’s the internet and the fact that there is so much in the way of ‘cheap’ or ‘free’ out there that makes them think this way? Or perhaps it’s years in a corporate job where they were given everything they needed to operate the job they had.  Whatever it is, the reality is, that when you’re in business it is going to cost you. Not just time and effort but also $$.

There is a cost to being in business and that old saying ‘you have to spend money to make money’ is very true.  While we need to be frugal, particularly in the early stages of our businesses and not overspend we also need to understand that some things are not negotiable. It will cost to purchase equipment, software, have materials printed, pay for web hosting, have a logo and website designed and so on. If you have the skills and ability to do some of that, then go for it as you are showcasing your skills to sell to others. But if it’s not something you can do, then please don’t expect to get it for free or very cheap elsewhere.  After all you are running a business and that does have a cost.