This month...

• Re-inventing Self
• Global Readership
• Thought for the Day

Re-inventing Self

Last month I shared my plans for this year. Please let me affirm I was referring to myself only, and not that of my team - I have a team of over 200 very capable people who are more than happy to assist you with your needs. It just means that I personally, am changing some of the things that I'm doing in the field of Virtual Assistance. However, there are the occasional jobs that come through that I look at and think 'I'd love to do that!' and generally do.

I had a couple of queries about this news item last month after my newsletter went out so I wanted to clarify to all who read ACS News that "A Clayton's Secretary" is well and truly open for business and in most cases, you will receive responses from a few of our team after you have posted a request for work to be done at our site, or via phone to this office. You could receive a lot more responses if you require, however I tend to keep the number low so that clients aren't flooded with lots of calls and emails after placing a request. If you don't find the 'right' VA to work with, then we can always send along more team member responses on request. To place a job request, please go to Job Request. Some information that will assist you in seeking and working with a VA:

Advantages for working with a Virtual Assistant (VA)

• They are self-employed, therefore responsible for their own taxes, superannuation, insurances, etc
• They have their own equipment and work in their own office so you don't have to have the space or equipment available to them
• They own their own software so you don't have to buy it for them
• Available for short-term or long-term work, i.e. your personal virtual assistant whenever you need them
• You pay $$ per hour for the work they do, not for their lunch breaks, tea breaks, sick leave, holiday leave, etc
• Already experienced - in most cases you don't need to train them, other than explain how you normally operate and what your time frame is. However, many are prepared to put in time learning a new software program or skill if there is benefit to both parties.

Tips for working with a Virtual Assistant (VA)

• Be clear about your expectations at the beginning of your project to avoid misunderstandings
• Understand that the VA is not an employee but instead a business owner who will view your business from a different perspective - they should be seen as a consultant who provides support and in some cases, advice
• VAs do not need to be micromanaged - you're paying for someone who doesn't require a lot of supervision and who has experience on their side
• VAs are not sales people so do not expect them to generate sales for you.  They are there to assist with aspects of your business that prevent you from generating more income.

Global Readership

Blogging is quite common these days but the majority of owners forget they're telling it all to a global audience. This includes things like money - if you're talking about the cost of something you're promoting or selling, add the currency and let people know.

If you're talking about a certain date and time for something, don't just put the timezone of where you are - people outside your region, or country, often won't know what it means. Oh, and EST occurs in a lot of countries. Spell it out and tell them the nearest capital city or the name of your state and country - it helps a great deal.

If you're talking about a place and want to draw people's attention to it, make sure you explain that it's Melbourne, Australia, or Melbourne, Florida, USA, or London, UK or London, South Africa - don't assume the reader will know.

Basically it's important to remember that your readers could be on the other side of this earth, so why not add that little bit of extra information so they're not left guessing. Particularly if you are promoting something because you could be leaving behind potential customers!

P.S. The above also applies to ezines, newsletters and articles published online - remember that your audience is now truly global.

Have a great month everyone!

Kathie M. Thomas

Thought for the day:

"Nothing at all will be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome."
Samuel Johnson

About Our Organisation…

What is a Virtual Assistant?
It's a term for home-based secretaries, administrative and secretarial support, and others who supply remote or virtual support.

We are as close to you as your computer and can do almost anything traditional support staff do - except virtually. You don't need to provide office space, equipment, software or furniture - we have our own!

Location no issue as the work is carried out 'virtually' no matter where you are!  See our newest members listed at VA Directory