This post comes as the result of reading a sad story from a new VA who had purchased items on the behalf of a new client, who then paid her back with a bad check. Had I heard before this was to happen I would have told her "don't do it!". This is a common scam and unfortunately the poor VA has lost a couple thousand dollars for this learning exercise. Whether she'll get her money back is an unknown. Depends on the legal system in her country and if the police get involved. Never accept a … [Read more...]
Networking isn’t just about building a business…
It's also about companionship. Most of us come from a job - a place where we are amongst many people and then when we venture out on our own, suddenly we're alone. No wonder many VAs return to a job in the first or second year of their business. It's not always about whether they're making enough money, or whether the business is surviving - it is often very much about the person who is running that business needing companionship. In my first couple of years I could see that being home alone … [Read more...]
Is $5 an hour too cheap for a VA?
I answer a lot of questions at Quora - are you familiar with this site? Today I was asked if $5 an hour too cheap for a VA. My answer was this: Depends on a number of things: Where you live and your cost of living The currency you’re working with The type of services you’re providing Your background experience and skill-set How many hours a week you want to work How much you want to earn on a weekly/monthly/annual basis Have you actually done a budget forecast … [Read more...]
Jobs or roles? What are you seeking?
I love hanging out in the different VA forums to see what is being discussed, what's the latest trend, and what else I might be able to learn. Along the way, I share of my own experiences and knowledge, and hopefully am helpful to a few, or many. In a recent post a new VA told me (when asked) of how she was trying to find jobs. That for me, immediately, showed that she had the wrong mindset and I set about trying to get her to see things differently. Hoping this will help you too, … [Read more...]
Managing multiple clients
Saw a poll in a VA forum recently asking about juggling clients and how challenging it can be and then asking how many clients members had. The highest choice was in the 1-3 bracket. I was the only one (to date) who had more than 7. I guess the real thing is about juggling time. Perhaps the VAs who responded are still new in their businesses but it concerns me, very much, if VAs have 3 clients or less. And I'll share the reasons for this: If you have only 1-2 clients, the tax office … [Read more...]
Do the research!
I feel saddened when I hear about VAs who have set themselves up as a trainer, or coach, or mentor or something and then start giving inaccurate advise. It's so important for you, the one who is wanting to learn, to do the research and make sure that whomever you're going to pay for advice, is qualified to give you that information. Or that the information they are giving is accurate. This includes how long they've been operating as a VA. Generally if it's less than five years - they're still … [Read more...]
Facebook down?
Have you been missing Facebook? Many of us haven't had access to it for close to 24 hours - it's been down. So has Instagram for that matter. Now, that's all well and good, it's only a social media tool, right? Wrong! Many use it for marketing. But what if that is your ONLY form of marketing, or networking, or connecting with potential and current clients? You're basically stuffed - or, at least, your business is put on hold. This is a good example of why you should not depend on one … [Read more...]
The Value of Professional Development
Regular readers here will know that I often write and talk about the importance of networking and belonging to groups to help build both you, and your business. I came across a post today, written by fellow long-time VA, Kathy Colaiacovo who is based in Canada. She shares about Professional Development: How One Membership brought her $625,000 + in Revenue. Well worth the read. If you've ever questioned how belonging to VA Networks and other business groups, going to conferences and other … [Read more...]
Working at home not always good…
Recently my husband was chatting to someone who has been working at home for the past year or so now. At first it was exciting for them and they were very focused on what they were doing. But, more recently, they're finding it hard, can't focus, not feeling productive and feeling very alone. They're losing their motivation. My husband told this person that he and I both also work at home, and we have each other for company. But he's only been at home, himself for just over two years, whereas … [Read more...]
