Starting a Virtual Paralegal Business

The two most ask questions about the virtual paralegal business come from both new and experienced paralegals. The new paralegals want to know how to get started and experienced paralegals want to know how to market services via the internet and make more income.

First I will ask any new Virtual Paralegal to determine whether or not they really want to launch a business or just want the flexibility of working from a home office?  If you prefer to work from home to reduce gas expenses and have a more flexible schedule, talk with your current employer; more firms today are open to having their staff work from their home offices.  This will actually cut costs for them, even if only on a Part-Time basis.

However, if you are sure that you want to start your own business then I would suggest that you start out on a part-time basis. Take your time to do the necessary planning and research before launching on a full time basis. There are several things you can do before you officially start your business while holding on to your day job. You can create a blog documenting your journey on how you started your virtual paralegal-assistant business; create your website, and social networking accounts as well as market your services.

You should also purchase the basic items that you will need to operate your home office including these basics:

1. Computer with Internet Access
2. Current Software
3. All in One Printer (Fax, Scanner, Copier and Printer)
4. Anti-virus  
5. Flash Drive 
6. External Hard Drive (Protect both Attorney & Client Information)

Begin by offering free services to your local state legal aid.  Most paralegal and legal professional associations are affiliated with organizations that provide pro bono opportunities for paralegals and assistants.  You can also contact your local Bar and ask for any information they can provide on who in your state offers such pro bono services if not just the legal aid.  Work with the lawyers on staff there so they can get to know you and how your work is done.  Then in turn those lawyers and clients will help you out by referring you to other lawyers they know, who will pay for the services.  This is how you build a social network of your own.  Making connections that are positive to begin with is the best way to start a career and a new business!

We all have to give a little to get a little in return in life...

Personally, I have tried several social networking media including Craigslist, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.  I have had more success with LinkedIn than I have had with the other social media.  Most of my current clients are attorneys who I have worked with in the past that have also referred my services to their friends, family and colleagues.

Next join ALL the freelance sites offering a legal service section.  On Elance my profile reached the #1 Ranked Paralegal and Legal Researcher WORLDWIDE within only months!  This was through dedication and hard work but it can be done!  Also using sites such as Guru, Freelancer.com, etc... will help you get noticed.  These sites provide a feedback score rating system and will give you a reputation via the internet.  Be careful with these though because most sites will not allow revisions of feedback.  So if you get an angry client, make sure they're happy when the job is done or you can ruin all the good work you put into this with just 1 bad client! 

If you have more questions on how to become the best Virtual Paralegal or Executive, send me an email or contact me via my website at http://virtualadminparalegalservices.com/ today!

Also my Elance profile can be found at http://paralegalpros.elance.com