Periodically I get asked this question - to work as a Virtual Assistant, what kind of skills do I need? There are tons of different types of services that VAs are providing today, however, traditionally they did begin as work at home secretaries - those who had good secretarial skills in the corporate world, and they brought those skills home to develop their own businesses. The industry has evolved considerably over the past 15 or so years and today the skills are quite varied. I recently … [Read more...]
A day in the life of a VA Network owner
Many VAs do not know what goes on in the background of a network owner - or in fact anyone who owns or moderate a network of some type. So I thought I'd share my day with you. I had expected to get some client work done today but very little has been done. Instead, here is what I have filled my day with. Received a membership application but the person who filled out the form did not follow through with their resume or subscription. I logged into my autoresponder system to make sure they … [Read more...]
Daycare too expensive? Work at home!
There are many reasons why VAs become VAs and one of those many reasons could simply be because daycare for your children has become far too expensive. I know and appreciate that daycare givers also need to be compensated for their time and expertise but all the same, it is often far beyond what most households can afford. So the thought of working at home becomes one that is entertained often. I know, because I was there over 16 years ago. Racing home to get kids to clubs on time, or trying … [Read more...]
What kind of VA are you?
When you first enter the VA industry it seems to be just one particular type of role but as you become familiar with the types of services many offer or the types of services clients request, you begin to realise you can actually niche yourself based on your skillset or personal preferences. There are many different services you can offer as a VA and these are just some of them. Those that are hyperlinked will lead you to suitable courses or more information about providing that type of … [Read more...]
Good admin skills? Then take a step in faith
I love reading stories of those who have gained the confidence to step out in faith and begin work as a Virtual Assistant. When I began it was out of desperation to be home for my family of 5 daughters. I struggled with managing a job, family, home, kids' activities and so on. Working from home took out of the equasion traveling to and fro to a job each day (wasted time), having to account for any time off that I requested, not being available to my children (and husband) fulltime and instead … [Read more...]
VADirectory – a list for experienced VAs too
It came to my notice yesterday that many think the VA Network I own and manage, "A Clayton's Secretary" is for new VAs only and that experienced VAs cannot join. I was so upset when I heard this as that has never been the message I've been putting across and I want to correct it here and now. Otherwise known as VADirectory.net the VA network has been running since April 1996 and is for any and all VAs, providing they have a minimum 5 years previous office experience. The directory was … [Read more...]
Being a Virtual Assistant gives flexibility
Operating as a Virtual Assistant gives flexibility to the way we work and also to our lifestyle. Over the years I've had clients appreciate that I could juggle things to meet a deadline or get something happening quickly for them when they weren't expect that could be done. On the other hand I've enjoyed the flexibility that working from home in this way has given to my life and I know my family have appreciated that too. Being a VA means we have control of our diaries - not anyone else, and … [Read more...]
Looking for a mail list option to run on my server
I currently run my site on Wordpress with Wishlist installed to manage members of my network. I want to bring onto my site a suitable mail list option for my members to use, instead of an external service. This is what I perceive is needed: Messages to be archived so that members can view past messages at any time they login Messages can be sent from any member to entire list via email (as in yahoogroups) Multiple lists able to be set up for smaller groups (as can be done in … [Read more...]
The promise of work
Readers will know that I own and manage a Virtual Assistant network, as well as moderate two VA forums. We get new readers here every day so I just wanted to mention that before following with this post. Yesterday I received an email from a lady wanting to know how much work she would get if she signed up to join my VA team. This is not an unusual request and is probably one I get almost every week, sometimes more often. In this case it was for medical typing but sometimes it's for … [Read more...]
