Owner: Amy Kesler
Company: Competitive Computer Resource
Address: 9215 Central
                Kansas City, MO 64114
Web site: www.ccrsupport.com
Phone: (816) 822-9595
Type of Business: Virtual Assistant, Business Support Services

The Business: Competitive Computer Resource provides administrative, technical, business office and personal support services. Amy Kessler has more than 20 years of experience in these areas. Her specialties are Web design, desktop publishing, database design and administrative services. As a virtual assistant, she gives clients the flexibility to hire “by the project” or on an ongoing basis. This allows clients to cut overhead expenses associated with full-time or part-time employees.  

Main Challenge: Finding affordable health insurance

Advice: Be sure to have a business plan in writing. I highly recommend the First Step Fund FastTrac course because it helps you avoid pitfalls and walks you through all aspects of starting your own business. As a graduate, you are eligible for several ongoing business and networking opportunities to help you get started. After taking the course, launching my business was much easier than I thought it would be. Don’t get discouraged by minor setbacks. Be diligent in your efforts. Networking is the most important method of finding new business because it is up close and personal.

Support: My father is a great source of support. When I was 24, I saw how he decided to quit his secure job of 25 years and start his own home-based business. He was so successful that my mother quit her teaching job and worked alongside him for 25 more years until they retired.