A VA forum had a recent discussion on whether to join BNI or a Chamber of Commerce. As I'm a member of BNI here in Melbourne (East) I wrote about my own particular experience. I might work virtually but I meet these people face-to-face every week. I've gotten to know them and trust them. First thing anyone does in BNI is test the product/service of the other members. And they do this naturally through needs for their own business. So the printer, the accountant, the solicitor, the travel … [Read more...]
Combining passion and work
Those who have known me for awhile know that I have a passion for nature and photography, and over recent years, have been building up a photography website and tons of photos during my free time. Applying the skills I've learnt in my VA business, I've been able to do a number of things such as setting up a website and blog, Facebook page, and spending time networking with other photographers as I work on improving my skills and abilities in that arena. Two years ago I attended a 2 day … [Read more...]
Who should you be asking?
Sometimes on the VA forums I see people asking questions that really should be directed to others more equipped and qualified to answer those questions. For example, should I have a business license? Or, if in Australia, should I be registered for an ABN or GST? While people on forums can answer these questions, if the forums are global, rather than national, then the new VAs run the risk of receiving advice that really isn't relevant to them in their location. Who should they be asking? They … [Read more...]
Should I be receiving mail on behalf of a client?
Periodically requests might come through from a prospective client to receive mail on their behalf, and forward it on, as instructed, because they're out of the country. I believe this request could be fraught with problems, and possibly danger, and is one that should be handled with the utmost care and a lot of thought. Irrespective of your need, as a VA, to grow your client base, there are some client requests that should be handled with caution or declined. A recent request came from a … [Read more...]
Speed track your VA business!
Are you thinking about setting up a Virtual Assistant business and don't know where to start? So much to look at, learn, read and do. I know the feeling of being overwhelmed at the beginning, not sure what to do first or who to ask, or where to find clients. It seems almost endless but you know that lots of others are doing it, you have the skills to be a Virtual Assistant and you want to make it work... the first time! Well, I'm here to help you and the way I plan to do it is this: For the … [Read more...]
Becoming a VA
I recently received an email from a young lady looking to start her own VA business but concerned that there might be too many out there for her to make a living as a VA. She wanted to know my thoughts. This is my response to her: I can appreciate the concern or fear that might be the case, but it's not. Getting clients works a number of different ways: Register with VA networks so you can respond to client requests, but also, so clients can find you online. Make sure you have a presence … [Read more...]
Worried about engaging an Aussie VA?
A business forum I belong to online had someone asking about engaging a VA in an Asian country. When they were queried about engaging someone in Australia instead (as that is where they live) they came back with the following comment: I have been told that legally if you contract a subcontractor in Australia on a regular basis then there is the possibility that the govt will go after you for rorting the system, to try and stop people getting around employing people part-time/casual. I found … [Read more...]
Can’t decide if you should go to the VA Conference?
Let me use the words of a colleague and long-term VA, Nina Feldman, who resides in the US. She was referring to IVAA's VA Convention but her words also very much relate to any Virtual Assistant event that will be beneficial to the growth of your business. Make no mistake about that! Read on... "I have no ulterior motives for promoting the convention other than the joy I have seeing the smiling faces of other VAs there—newbies and old hands--and the chance I get to share with, and learn from, … [Read more...]
Should new VAs join an agency or go it alone?
That was the question at a forum recently. The writer also asked about certifications and credentials. My answer is below. Yes, the VA industry is growing and would you believe it's been around since 1996? It first started in the US and Australia and then grew beyond there. A whole lot of other countries have jumped on board in the past 8 or so years. When you talk about 'placement agencies' do you actually mean the Virtual Assistant Networks or agencies? There's a big difference. The VA … [Read more...]
