Somewhere along the line the general public (and clients) have been given the idea that you can engage one VA and get everything done! What a neat idea that is. Trouble is, it's usually far from the truth. The reality is that some VAs are generalists, i.e. they can do wordprocessing, database management, website management and even help with social media. I'm one of those VAs. But when it comes to including book-keeping, graphic design, public relations, marketing and even sales, then the … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistance – a Real Profession
It's interesting to watch the commentary in various VA forums. There are those who have been in the industry a long time (like me), those who have been around between 3-5 years and those who are just learning what the industry is really about. They come from many different avenues of life and discover the industry in many different ways. Ultimately many have had the dream of working at home for a long, long time and eventually discover that what they have been doing, or thinking of doing, is … [Read more...]
The importance of reading and comprehension
I'm amazed at how many people apply to join my Virtual Assistant network and then can't follow simple written guidelines to ensure they get the most out of their membership. As with joining any forum or network, there are some guidelines and rules - it's important to read them and then work your membership accordingly. It's easy to get into hot water otherwise, or go away disillusioned. I know I've had my knuckles rapped on a couple of occasions at online forums if I've posted a link or done … [Read more...]
Who do you listen to? Pt II
I was busy chatting at a different forum this week - not a VA forum but a Work At Home forum which has a mixture of different industries represented there. But it seems that many industries all suffer the same problem - people who join an industry, spend a short time in it and then set themselves up as authorities to those newer than themselves. Some may well have truly picked up what those industries are about and may have a training or teaching background but many don't. All I can say is … [Read more...]
Is there enough work?
I run a training course for VAs as many of you know and occasionally I'll get responses from follow ups of those who haven't gone through with the course for whatever reason (usually time or money, or both). Below is a question from one recent prospective student and my answer to her. I am still very interested in doing your course as I think it will be a great help. I guess I wanted to feel more comfortable before deciding to establish a virtual PA business. My concern has been whether there … [Read more...]
Business sustainability program
Have you checked what your local council has on offer for small businesses? I've recently shifted into a different Shire and found with delight that this one is very focused on helping small businesses to succeed. Their philosophy is that they would like the same $ spent over and over and over and over... again till it's worn out - in this area. They actively encourage people in business to either work only 2 or 3 mins away or to work in their homes. I've discovered they have quite a few … [Read more...]
Ethics or New Trend?
Taking a leaf out of Sharon Williams' book, or should I say her latest blog post on a similar topic, I have to add my own concerns to this new 'trend' happening. Over the years it's not been uncommon to have Uni students ask to engage a member of our VA team to do things for them. They're often not upfront in the original request but once they've engaged a VA they'll tell them what they really want. And often it means logging in under their own name and password to a Uni website to download … [Read more...]
Spell it out
I love the excitement of new VAs as they get their very first website up and running (or any business person for that matter) but sometimes I feel they get carried away with using the latest buzzwords and acronyms. While it's important to demonstrate you are current with technology and the times, it is very important not to assume that readers of your website are. Many will still be doing keyword searches on old terminology (e.g. 'secretary' instead of 'VA' or 'virtual assistant', typing' … [Read more...]
How to become a Virtual Assistant
Many may not be aware of this book I wrote a few years ago about "How to become a Virtual Assistant". When I first began my business there were very few people you could ask for information. What I was doing was new to the business world so I couldn't get advice from someone who had already 'been there, done that'. I had to break new ground. I put this experience and my knowledge into a book to help new VAs who ask the same questions. Things like: How to get started Skills and … [Read more...]
