More and more, businesses are using independent administrative support services word processing. Secretarial and word processing services often cross over, which sometimes makes it hard to differentiate them. Secretarial services may include typing, letter writing and mailing, transcription, general bookkeeping, dictation, copying, and other office-support services. Word processing services include producing the following: resumes, flyers, press releases, reports, term papers, catalogs and brochures, directories, and reports.
Your business can start by offering a wide range of secretarial and word processing services. Then by seeing what word processing services are most in-demand and/or profitable for you, you can determine in what areas to specialize. Your work history, training, and expertise will also help determine areas of specialization. Joining professional associations, trade publications, and networking with other secretarial/word processing services will keep you up-to-date with the industry.

Start-Up Costs And Financing Sources

* $3,000- $23,000
* Personal savings, small business loan, lines of credit on credit cards, loans from friends, family.

Pricing Guidelines

$20-$30 per hour
Some word processors charge per 1,000 characters or by the job.

Marketing And Advertising Methods And Tips

* Advertise in the business telephone directory.
* Network with business owners at local conferences.
* Join the local chamber of commerce; attend their meetings.
* Print business cards and brochures describing the exact services you offer.
* Offer fast service and free pick-up and delivery.
* Send direct mailings to small businesses that do not have a secretarial staff.
* Ask printers, copy centers, and satisfied customers to refer other clients to you.

Essential Equipment

You can start with a typewriter, word processor and manual file system, but it's best to have a computer with a modem, laser printer, desktop publishing and word processing service software, database and simple spreadsheet program that downloads addresses, charts, and graphs to documents. Also need a business telephone line, answering machine or service, fax, and a dependable vehicle if you make pick-ups or deliveries.

Recommended Training, Experience, Or Needed Skills

* Need secretarial, word processing, and business writing skills obtained through business school or college courses. It is also helpful to have worked in an office.
* Project a professional image; be fast and accurate with your assignments.

Income Potential

$20,000 to $60,000 or more

Type Of Business

In-home except to pick up and deliver work.

Best Customers

Small firms who cannot afford to have a full-time secretarial staff.

Helpful Tips

* Start out taking a variety of assignments until you have enough clients to handle and to see which are the most fun and profitable for you.
* Talk to friends or acquaintances to see if they know of any potential clients who might need your services.
* Stenographic service.
* File preparation and organization and/or public notary services may be offered in addition to your regular services.

Significance Of Secretarial Word Processing

You may start a home based business by offering the efficient secretarial word processing services which are accountable to handle all kinds of official, secretarial, and administrative functions with great efficiency and versatility. Secretarial word processing services are very helpful in performing the functions of word processing, database handling and official support for those entrepreneurs who are running small businesses. You have to manage the different functions to be operated exclusively including word-processing, official work maintenance, computation of databases, mail merge and book keeping etc. it is very effortless jobs which you may do easily by contacting your clients at home and you may manipulate all functions efficiently according to the demands of customers by getting some professional skills in administrative support services word processing.