Over the past few months we've seen an increasing number of new virtual assistants coming to join our chat forum and many of them start asking about transcription work - they want to know about the software to use, how much to charge, and how can they get experience? I wonder what the fascination is for doing transcription? Perhaps they enjoy typing and see it as an easy way to get work - just sitting in their home office, headphones on their head and typing merrily away. Unfortunately it … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2009
Looking for a standard rate…
I often get phone calls from prospective clients or emails from new VAs asking what the 'standard rate' is for carrying out particular jobs. I do understand their question but they haven't really thought about what they're asking. When you're buying a product such as a book, software or other things then there are often 'recommended retail' prices for that particular item. However, when it comes to providing services, it doesn't work the same way. It's not like you're paying an employee that … [Read more...]
The trouble with not being…
The trouble with not being at full capacity for awhile means eventually you have to catch up! 44 minutes ago ...at full capacity for awhile means eventually you have to catch up. It's been a long almost 5 months. 5 months of coping after losing a family member. 5 months of wondering why, thinking 'if only' and back tracking through our minds wondering if we could have changed what was to be. Life for my family will never be the same - it's now got a different feeling to it. You know, it's … [Read more...]
No. 8 Mistake VAs Make
Continuing on in our recent series... Using free accounts such as hotmail, yahoo, etc for their email address. Domains are very cheap to purchase and even if you don't yet have your own website, there is no reason why you can't have your own domain (to reflect your name or your business name) for your email. This assists with branding and people are more likely to remember your business or business name if you use a domain address to reflect that when corresponding with them. Show people you … [Read more...]
Victorian Bush Fires and the Need for Tourism
Last year I wrote about two different situations where the VA community grouped together to help one of its own. One was when a VA shared on her challenges and others rallied round to help her. The other was when I, myself, was going through a family tragedy and so many once again, rallied round to support me and let me know they were there in my time of need. Well, another need has been highlighted by one of my team today and it relates to the Victorian bushfires that most of the world now … [Read more...]
Has the spammer done me a favour?
I noticed this afternoon that someone has chosen to use my old email address to spam people. I got the first hint when a bounce back came to me saying it was stuck in a loop - it was addressed to my old address. Checking my spam filter shows there are heaps of returned messages there. Such a pain because it wasn't me sending them and I hate people thinking I'm responsible for them. I was checking my stats for the day and noticed a big spike in hits today - I wondered what brought that on? I … [Read more...]
1,000th Member Joins the ACS Team!
Well, it finally happened, our 1000th member has joined the ACS team! I can't reveal who they are yet, until they've received and acknowledged the notification. But just to remind you what they will receive. The gifts will be their choice of the following items (and they may choose more than one item - if they don’t yet have that item then they are welcome to it): 1 year’s membership to the “A Clayton’s Secretary” team valued at $187AUD (the amount will be refunded to the lucky new member or … [Read more...]
Would you like to attend my book launch?
If you are in Melbourne on Wednesday evening this week you could come along! Wednesday 11th February, @ 6pm. The Foyer, Bayside Church, Argus Street, Cheltenham (Mel78:C12). Opening by Rob Buckingham who wrote the Foreword with an appearance by fellow author Charles Widdowson (of 'Our Favourite Hymns') from Radio LightFM. Bookings essential. Please fill out the contact form to register your interest in attending, or reply to this email. Refreshments will be provided and autographed copies … [Read more...]
How much should I charge?
Regularly on the VA forums, and sometimes via direct email, I see this question from new VAs. They have worked out what services they are going to provide, have begun seeking ways to network and find new clients but then when they get asked 'how much?' they get stuck. That's ok, we've all been there in some form or another. What did I do when I was treading this same path 15 years ago? I looked at what I was earning the previous year in a corporate job. I knew that if I was going to make … [Read more...]