I had an email from one of my team recently who'd been sub-contracting to another VA. Turns out that while the job had been completed there had been some disagreement about how the job should have been handled and therefore billed. I've had similar emails from VAs from time to time. Sometimes things aren't that clear. They came to me for advice and we chatted about the outcome and what might have taken place before the job was secured. Basically it's like this (IMO). If you're … [Read more...]
Archives for July 2010
A VA for each thing…
Somewhere along the line the general public (and clients) have been given the idea that you can engage one VA and get everything done! What a neat idea that is. Trouble is, it's usually far from the truth. The reality is that some VAs are generalists, i.e. they can do wordprocessing, database management, website management and even help with social media. I'm one of those VAs. But when it comes to including book-keeping, graphic design, public relations, marketing and even sales, then the … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistance – a Real Profession
It's interesting to watch the commentary in various VA forums. There are those who have been in the industry a long time (like me), those who have been around between 3-5 years and those who are just learning what the industry is really about. They come from many different avenues of life and discover the industry in many different ways. Ultimately many have had the dream of working at home for a long, long time and eventually discover that what they have been doing, or thinking of doing, is … [Read more...]
The importance of reading and comprehension
I'm amazed at how many people apply to join my Virtual Assistant network and then can't follow simple written guidelines to ensure they get the most out of their membership. As with joining any forum or network, there are some guidelines and rules - it's important to read them and then work your membership accordingly. It's easy to get into hot water otherwise, or go away disillusioned. I know I've had my knuckles rapped on a couple of occasions at online forums if I've posted a link or done … [Read more...]
Who do you listen to? Pt II
I was busy chatting at a different forum this week - not a VA forum but a Work At Home forum which has a mixture of different industries represented there. But it seems that many industries all suffer the same problem - people who join an industry, spend a short time in it and then set themselves up as authorities to those newer than themselves. Some may well have truly picked up what those industries are about and may have a training or teaching background but many don't. All I can say is … [Read more...]
Is there enough work?
I run a training course for VAs as many of you know and occasionally I'll get responses from follow ups of those who haven't gone through with the course for whatever reason (usually time or money, or both). Below is a question from one recent prospective student and my answer to her. I am still very interested in doing your course as I think it will be a great help. I guess I wanted to feel more comfortable before deciding to establish a virtual PA business. My concern has been whether there … [Read more...]