I sometimes wonder just how much effort some put into building their VA businesses? They join a network or forum, put up a website and then I see very little of them after that. Sometime later I get told they’re closing their business or resigning from the network.
What has taken place in between? Have they worked their networks, spent time marketing, have they gotten to know other VAs to increase the opportunities for sub-contracting or outsourcing? Have they participated in forums and learnt what other successful VAs have done to get to where they are now? Have they been visible amongst their peers or even to their potential client base?
We can provide the information and outline what we’ve done to build our businesses. On the VA forums so many VAs talk about what they’ve done and get excited when they’ve gained a new client. But in the background there are several who are silent, they don’t join in, they don’t ask for advice and for all intents and purposes, are invisible to their peers.
That doesn’t mean they’re doing nothing in their business but when you don’t see them and then later on they say they’re closing down, you have to wonder what they might have done to get their businesses working.
In my eyes, number ONE has always been: networking. Networking amongst your peers and learning from them and then networking amongst potential clients. This can be done online via forums, at LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and other avenues and also offline at the many business networking opportunities that abound out there! Whether it’s informal through churches, schools (parents of other kids), sporting groups, etc or through formal networks run by councils, industry associations, BNI, Chambers of Commerce, etc, there is sure to be a network or two out there that you can attend and get to know other business owners at.
Before you consider whether it’s worth building your VA business have you really done all that’s involved to make it work?
Sue Gross says
That is so true Kathie! I can’t tell you how much work I’ve gained from other VAs just by being visible on networks, interacting, being professional, asking questions, answering questions, just generally getting out there and being noticed. Due to family circumstances, I can’t do a lot of face to face networking so I rely on an online presence. If you put the effort in, it really can work well.
Deb says
Some great advice here. One thing that really helps me keep on track is a good, solid, well thought out business plan. Inside that I have an action plan that I follow – with goals to achieve. It’s an awesome feeling to set goals and actually achieve them, and it certainly helps keep you motivated! Thanks for the advice above… I must admit, I tend to be more of a quiet one on the forums – I like to watch and learn, but when I have something to say, I say it 🙂
Yolanda Di Ludovico says
I have read this blog Kathie, and at the end of the day have found that networking and getting your face out there with others is extremley helpful. But in saying that the VA forums are full of infomraiton and great friendship. That all the VA’s are willing to share what works for them and help others with valuable information and outcomes, it is great to see. Keep up the great work, and the fantastic thorough information that I am receiving.
Bridie Jenner says
I think some of the problem is people think being a virtual assistant working from home is an easy way to make lots of money, they don’t realise that it’s a real job and it takes time (and lots of patience) to establish a really succesful VA practice.