A few years ago I published my very first paperback. It was such an exciting feeling. Months of writing finally coming to fruition. And a nervous time too. Would others want to read the book? Would it sell? I already had a blog on the same topic that was well received and had many, many visitors every single month. Usually thousands and at May each year that easily doubles. Why? Because the topic relates to women working at home, primarily mothers. And the subject matter is searched for … [Read more...]
Do your clients direct your path?
I find that mine have. Over the years I've changed the services I provide, depending on what the client needs appear to be. I began with word-processing and data entry, and very quickly moved into managing databases for clients. I love database work and it was something I was doing in the corporate world so it was a natural progression for me. Although, when I first began my business, I couldn't see how I would attract clients needing database work done. Early in my business I began … [Read more...]
Saying thank you to clients
A couple of years ago I joined Send Out Cards, which is a company that allows you to design cards, or use existing templates, to send out cards to anyone you wish via their website. Good quality printed cards at a low price. I began using it as I wanted to get cards printed with my own photos on them and to bulk print was both costly and not effective, i.e. I didn't want 1-200 copies of the same card printed. I wanted to be able to do lots of different cards and just one or two of the same one … [Read more...]
Real Estate VA – niche
There are VAs who specifically support Realtors in the day-to-day running of their businesses. It's much more prevalent in the US than here in Australia, however there are VAs here who do support Real Estate agents. And I believe this is slowly growing. I've begun supporting a local agent recently and am learning about their systems, as well as advising on things they haven't yet ventured into, such as social media. What type of things can a VA do for a Real Estate Agent? These are just a few … [Read more...]
Niche VA – transcriptions
Transcription work is popular and plenty. From private individuals reciting their memoirs, to authors writing a new book, minutes of meetings, conference recordings, police reports, legal meetings, medical reports and so on, there is a growing need for conversations and public events to be recorded and then transcribed. Even podcasts and webinars. So, the need for a Virtual Assistant with excellent typing skills (speed and accuracy) is a must for those who need this type of work carried out. … [Read more...]
Niche VA – Blogs
I first began blogging in 2005 I think it was. Lost track really. Blogging for me was the perfect outlet for the frustrated writer inside. I love to write! I've found over the years blogging is a great way to keep fresh content on your site, and to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in an area. A marketing guy I was speaking to recently confirmed for me my own thoughts - the importance of keeping a blog to its topic of choice and then start a new one if you have another topic you want … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistants for Photographers – niche
As you know, photography is a passion of mine.... and it occurs to me this would make another great niche for a Virtual Assistant. What kind of things would photographers need assistance with? Diary management of bookings Database management of existing and prospective clients Cataloguing of images Setting up and ordering photobooks Promotion and marketing through ezines, newsletters, blogs, Facebook, etc Assisting photographers with setting up Twitter and Linkedin profiles Maintaining … [Read more...]
Niche VA – Send Out Cards
Many would have heard of Send Out Cards by now. It's an exceptional online program that allows you to pick or create a greeting card that is then printed on recycled card and posted within a short period of time. The cards are of good quality and there is a gift line available too. Now what has this got to do with being a Virtual Assistant? If you've already been assisting clients with their databases it's a natural addition to the services you have been providing. Have you ever been asked … [Read more...]
Niche VA – Social Media
I thought I'd touch on the various Niches that a Virtual Assistant can work in. Today I want to touch on Social Media - a subject that is very popular in today's business climate. Social Media covers so many things but largely relates to the form of networking you might do for your business and the tools you use for it. Tools can include: Blogs LinkedIn Facebook MySpace Twitter Plurk Gist, and the list goes on. It seems that almost every day there's a new tool being developed to … [Read more...]