Is There Such a Thing as a Research/Info Retrieval VA?

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I'm lost and I'm hoping I can find someone to help! Is there such thing as a VA who specializes in researching topics for clients? I know that specializing in a niche is important and I think I've found one--just hope it doesn't exist in a vacuum! I would like to offer research services for authors, writers, journalists, etc. If the information is out there, I can find it. I can work tirelessly at a problem, love to learn and look up information. One of my strongest skills is being able to think very creatively to solve problems (looking at finding information as a problem) and handling tasks. I can conceptualize and come up with great ideas but it's best for me to hand them on to those who can carry it out!

I'd like to specialize in medical topics--modern and historical, learning disabilities--especially involving reading difficulties, processing problems, and attention deficit disorder, herbal medicine and aromatherapy, cultural beliefs and practices among minorities and indigenous peoples, astronomy, physics, and meteorology. I have other subjects that I feel knowledgeable enough about to find good infomation on.

I don't have any credentials, experience, or library science degrees but I do have what I feel are very good self-taught research and information finding skills. My lack of experience comes from not having any formal training in information retrieval and also for not working in the past 14 years (I have a chronic illness that I'm battling--stable enough to work now). I know how to check and quote references and verify the legitimacy of the information that I've located. I have no idea of how to jump in and start something like this when I have no foundation in education (I 'do' have an associates degree in laboratory medicine!), experience, or samples of work. I also have no idea of how to go about marketing, negotiating with a client for services, or where to even find the groups I'd like to do business with.

So, here I am doing research!! Can you help, give advice or suggestions? I would appreciate it very, very much. Now that I am a little better, I'm bored out of my mind and our one income is not cutting it any more in the least. I'm trying to focus on what I believe I'm good at and I'm hoping that I can really launch this ship. Thanks everyone and have a good day.

Andrea

[Mel]

Andrea,

I do a lot of research for my clients some of whom are authors, publicists and such. I sort of fell into it while doing some other publicity work but it's not bad work.

One thing I've found though is that a lot of clients don't want to pay much for research work. I'm not sure why unless it's because there are so many people willing to do it for a low wage that they know they can get it cheap elsewhere.

As far as starting out with no experience, the only suggestion I have is to visit some freelance websites like http://www.allfreelancework.com/ and bid on jobs. Then as you complete projects, ask for a testimonial or reference from those "clients" so you can offer that as proof of experience & a job well done. Of course after you've worked on a few projects it will be easier to market yourself to others because most people don't ask how much experience you have, they just want to know that others have used your service and were pleased with your work.

Good luck and maybe other members will have some better suggestions for you.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the reply. I can see falling into this sort of work--it seems like a 'talent' that some people have and other people ask them for help or it becomes a skill learned through frequent practice in a job.

How much is 'not much', if you don't mind me asking.

How should I begin? I have no idea of how to structure this kind of business.

[Mel]

Now mind you this is only from my experience so others may have been paid more (or less).

I've been paid...
$7 an hour
$10 an hour
$15 an hour (rarely) **This was extensive research work**
$0.08 per completed search
$0.10 per completed search
$1.00 per completed search (employment related work)

When I first started I was paid $7 an hour 90% of the time which by the time I took out taxes and such I was making about $4.50 - $5.00 an hour.

Now that my business is in full swing and I have the option of being a little more selective on what I do, I won't do research work for less than $10 p/h and sometimes not less than $15 if it's difficult.

If a client doesn't want to pay that much, I know a couple ladies who will do it for a flat rate of $7 an hour and I don't mind referring them because it keeps my client happy and they continue to use my services for other things.

As far as structuring your business, I think you should start by researching other VAs or freelance sites to see what people are offering, charging and needing. Then you can sit down make a plan -decide what types of research you want to offer, what you want to charge, etc. Once you have a plan you can then start bidding on jobs, visiting message boards and offering your services, etc.

It's also a good idea to get yourself a website or something so you have a place to send people who are interested in your services.

[Debbi]

Hi Andrea,

Mel has some very good suggestions. For research, I don't think 7 - 10 per hour is bad, really, especially if you're just starting out. I don't think taxes are an issue unless you are making quite a bit of money, and it sounds like your family probably isn't at that point now, so I wouldn't worry about that really, either. The thing you have to decide is what YOU are comfortable making. I've been known to work for free to help other people out. As long as what you're making makes YOU happy, you've won half the battle.

I agree that getting a web site is a good idea, just make sure it's professional and gives a solid impression of you, as a potential contractor. I would take some time to create a solid cover letter and resume, taking the time to go over all the reasons why you should be hired as a researcher, not why you shouldn't. Think positive and people will want to hire you :)

Also, you might try Lori's gigs page, or go to craigslist.org. There are some good leads there.

Best of luck!
D

[Mel]

Very good point Debbi, I didn't think about taxes not being an issue in the beginning but you're absolutely right, until you make a fairly good amount, your taxes wouldn't be an issue.

I also agree that you need to figure out what you are comfortable with. I too have done lots of freebie jobs just because someone needed help. I also barter my services sometimes if someone needs to have work done but just can't afford it or maybe they have something that I could use instead of money. For instance, a graphic, website header, website work or any number of other things.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Thank you both! I appreciate the generous feedback.

I know it may be very difficult starting out. It can take a lot of convincing to get someone to take a chance hiring someone that they've never worked with. Despite my lack of work history, I know how to be very professional and make a good presentation. I can write well---when I put my mind to it (and when I'm uninterrupted!)--so I think that will be useful in presenting myself and ______ (what is the text on a website called???) on a website.

Not making a great deal isn't an issue--getting some experience to point to is the main thing in the beginning. I am willing to volunteer especially if I can get a 'oh, yes, she did a wonderful job with our project'.

Putting a resume together may be a more difficult thing...how do I cover 13 years of being home??

On a very off-topic side note, I have also thought about writing articles for mothers with chronic illnesses. There is almost nothing available for these women--it seems like the terms 'chronic illness' and 'mother' are a contradiction. I have a LOT of medical knowledge and first hand experience with this. I can take this up in another forum, though.

[Mel]

There are several resume folder below this one that you might be able to get ideas for your resume. You could also check Nell's message board for resume tips... http://www.mommysplaceforums.net/bb/viewforum.php?f=87&sid=5b8f5825c571041b22a8060cf2d46da3

I also recommend Jenn at www.resumeasap.com if you need more help (she's also the resume expert on Nell's site). She has lots of tips and is willing to answer specific questions for beginners. She will also write your resume for a very reasonable price.

Once you're up and running, let us know.