How to Start a Typing Business

Many businesses are outsourcing administrative functions, which creates opportunities for those interested in starting a typing business. These professionals can handle a variety of work including: virtual assistant tasks, medical transcription and general data entry. But before launching your business, it's important to apply for a business license and determine what types of projects you'll complete. This will assist in targeting potential clients through online bidding sites and networking in your community. Here's a guide to starting a typing business.

Instructions

1. Apply for a business license. The first step in launching your typing business is getting a business license with your city. Applications are often available at your city hall office. The application fee will cost up to $100, and processing takes between one and two weeks for most cities.

2. Check out virtual assistant projects. Small companies often outsource administrative typing tasks to virtual assistants. To find projects, check out Virtual Office Assistants (see Resources). This is a company that connects qualified individuals with companies. It's free to sign up, and new projects are sent to your email weekly.

3. Bid on data entry projects. Many companies outsource data entry work at bidding sites like Guru (see Resources). Guru allows you to bid on data entry positions in your area for free, but to get access to projects across the world, you will need to pay a membership fee; this will cost about $30 a month.

4. Check out writing projects. Another avenue for a typing business professional is writing projects. This can include a variety of opportunities including: writing articles, press releases or newsletters. These projects are posted at sites like Elance and Guru (see Resources).

5. Consider applying for medical transcription projects. If you have a background in the medical industry, you can take on transcription projects. To apply for this type of work, check with local medical practices and hospitals in your community. If the businesses you approach aren't outsourcing work right now, offer to take care of overflow work. This will provide an opportunity to prove yourself, and may even turn into a larger contract.

Tips & Warnings

• Create marketing materials for your typing business. You don't need to spend a ton of money, but having business cards and inexpensive fliers is a must. Your local print shop should have templates that will make designing your materials easy, and save on costs.

• Don't forget about a business plan. When launching your typing business, it's important to have a business plan. This plan will outline strategies for marketing, operations and financial planning. If you haven't created a business plan before, check out the free samples offered at Bplans (see Resources).

Resources

• Virtual Office Assistants
• Online Bidding Site
• Elance
• Business Plan Templetes