On a VA forum the other day I read a question from a new member there, wanting to know how to get started and if she had to get any licenses or permits or anything? She is located in Los Angeles. This is my answer to her: Members here are from many countries so the answer to your question might not be as straightforward unless someone in your region is able to answer. What I can tell you that is really important, is that you find a local accountant who deals with small business. They'll be able … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2014
20 new Virtual Assistant members at a special price!
Well, as you may know by now, this year marks 20 years in business for me. I've seen a real lot of growth, both in technology and in our industry. So many 'new' things have been developed and become every day activities or items we use regularly. Things like the Internet, mobile phones, digital TV, social media, websites, ipads, tablets, laptops, and the list goes on and on and on. I wonder what will be here in another 20 years' time that we probably haven't thought of today. Who knows? I … [Read more...]
Do you have a website?
Getting a website created, or creating one for yourself, can be a daunting prospect. When you're setting up business there are so many things to think about, plan and pay out for, that often the website gets put aside for 'later on'. The reality is that people need to be able to find you online. The medium for doing business is the Internet so it makes sense that you are available there for people to find you. And all your competitors are already there! When you email people do you use a … [Read more...]
Can your prospective clients contact you?
Have you viewed your business card and website with your prospective clients' eyes lately? Over the past year I've noticed a trend in business cards having minimal details. Websites are often the same. A name, perhaps a business name, an email address (or, on their website a contact form) and a mobile phone number. That's it. Often the email address is not a domain address, i.e. they're using their ISP email, gmail, hotmail or similar. When considering whether I want to do business with … [Read more...]
Professional development for Virtual Assistants
When you are in business and self-employed, you no longer have the luxury of an employer organising professional development and footing the bill. Consequently, many self-employed business owner/operators tend to forgo this very important part of their business ownership. Making sure you keep up with technology and business trends is very important to keep ahead of what is needed for your clients and for your own business. Attending a conference is just one of the ways of getting a lot of … [Read more...]
Celebrating 20 years in business March 2014
It's almost here and I can barely believe it. Where have all those years gone? I do remember the excitement and the nervousness of branching out on my own and leaving the stability and safety of a government job back in 1993. Family and work events had been leading me to this point... where I would decide to be home full-time and develop a business so I could be home for my own children. As it turned out, it was also for my husband. There have been accidents and illnesses where he's needed me … [Read more...]