Simple answer is 'yes' - if you're going to operate a business virtually, it is important you have a web presence. I mean, most other businesses have websites don't they? So why not you too? Clients will want to check you out and also, once the search engines have got it listed, people should be able to find you when seeking out your particular type of service. I was asked this question and below is the answer I gave that new VA. However, if funds are tight you can choose to do some other … [Read more...]
It’s not going to happen today…
Or even tomorrow, or maybe next week, but it will happen, if you're persistent and consistent. What? might you ask. Your new business and, in particular, I'm talking about new Virtual Assistants. I see so many posting at forums lamenting that they haven't got a client yet, that they're despondent and sad it's not happening and they don't think they can make this work. When being questioned how long they've been in business the usual answer is 'a month', 'a few weeks', or 'I've just … [Read more...]
What is the most effective way to hire and manage virtual assistants?
This is another question asked at Quora and here is the answer I shared there. The most important thing for you to be aware of is that each and every Virtual Assistant (in the western world) are self-employed business owners. Therefore, they have your business at heart because without helping you to become successful it’s hard for them to be successful. Consider it more a partnership than an employer/employee type role. As already mentioned there are many (thousands) of stand-alone VAs and … [Read more...]
Are you keeping your business a secret?
I hear from so many who are starting their businesses and at a loss how to find clients. But the formula isn't a hard one and the secret is, you should not be keeping your business a secret! What do I mean by that? I mean 'tell everyone!' Not everyone is going to become a client but some you tell will tell others and, as a result, you'll start to get enquiries. However, it doesn't stop there. Do you have any social media profiles? What about a Facebook account? Their terms of use is that … [Read more...]
Quora – most viewed writer
Many readers, but not all, will know that I'm passionate about our Virtual Assistant industry and have been a part of it for a long time, over 20 years, in fact. Some months ago I came across a site called Quora and I've been answering questions there about being a VA and how VAs can help their clients. This month I've passed over 12,000 views in total, with 2,000 being just this month - and am currently listed as the most viewed writer for that category. It has been an excellent way to further … [Read more...]
I’m a Virtual Assistant and I don’t work for free
Ever been asked to work for free? I'm sure you have but if not, it will happen... sometime. Many people do not value the skills and abilities that VAs have. Yes, we've been to school, many have gone on to college or Uni, or have even done courses in their adult years. Many have Certificates, Diplomas and other forms of documents that show they've put in the work required to earn them. And then years of working in the corporate world, or a particular industry, to later set up a business as a … [Read more...]
Being a VA is not get-rich-quick
As anyone who's been in business for sometime would know, setting up a business and building a good client base takes considerable time. It would be rare to make a full-time income in the first year in business, let alone a profit - at least in traditional business. However, even in building a Virtual Assistant business, it still takes time to get sufficient clients to establish a full-time income, even if you show a profit much quicker than traditional business. There's a lot you need to do, … [Read more...]
Don’t leave building your business till it’s urgent
While some people achieve great things at the last minute, the majority fail because of lack of preparation. I watch and participate in a lot of discussions in the VA industry and periodically see people posting their particular predicament and why it's urgent that they have to get a client... now! Trouble is, they're asking their peers to help them find a client. Which really isn't the right place to find one :-) And often it's because not a lot of the right things have been done up to that … [Read more...]
Being a VA is not a fill-in role
It both amazes me and annoys me that people think they can become a VA while studying at Uni, or just as a fill in till something else comes along. I don't know about you, but in my way of thinking, a VA needs to have a good amount of past experience behind them to be a good VA. They must have a working knowledge and experience with the programs they're planning to provide a service with and experience in working with clients. None of the VAs in my network have less than 5 years' working … [Read more...]