I wrote a post recently about how many clients you might have? There was a reason for this and it's becoming evident from the number of newer VAs I'm speaking to. I say 'newer' as some have been operating for well over a year but they still fit into this category. And what is that? Only one client and earning a small amount per month. The reality is that still isn't a business and could be viewed as a hobby by the ATO (I'm talking the Australian Tax Office here) and therefore may explain why … [Read more...]
Need more work?
I belong to a number of VA groups, as I'm sure many of VAs do too. One of the things that saddens me is seeing (desperate) posts from some almost begging for work from other VAs. Usually it means something has happened in their life and now suddenly it's become urgent. Often they've been a VA for awhile but have just been coasting along. As most of you know I've been doing this line of business for over 20 years and I have to tell you that yes, I've had desperate times, especially in my … [Read more...]
Do the locals know you exist?
I see many (new) VAs asking on different VA forums how they can find clients, or if anyone can give them work. Often, when asking questions about what they've done, they've got their office set up, created a Facebook page, set up a website or some kind of web presence, created a LinkedIn profile but it's rare to hear they actually go out networking face-to-face. How many businesses local to where you live actually know you exist? What makes you think they'll know you have a website or a … [Read more...]
I’m a Virtual Assistant and I don’t work for free
Ever been asked to work for free? I'm sure you have but if not, it will happen... sometime. Many people do not value the skills and abilities that VAs have. Yes, we've been to school, many have gone on to college or Uni, or have even done courses in their adult years. Many have Certificates, Diplomas and other forms of documents that show they've put in the work required to earn them. And then years of working in the corporate world, or a particular industry, to later set up a business as a … [Read more...]
Being a VA is not get-rich-quick
As anyone who's been in business for sometime would know, setting up a business and building a good client base takes considerable time. It would be rare to make a full-time income in the first year in business, let alone a profit - at least in traditional business. However, even in building a Virtual Assistant business, it still takes time to get sufficient clients to establish a full-time income, even if you show a profit much quicker than traditional business. There's a lot you need to do, … [Read more...]
Are you getting your full member benefits?
Reading a discussion on a VA forum recently, a VA queried whether it was worth being a member of a particular VA network and the questions they asked indicated they weren't fully aware of what was available to them with that particular network. Several gave suggestions and below is my answer. Any business group or network is worth giving a try for a full 12 months. It takes a while to understand how any group works and takes a while to get into the swing of things. Make sure you join their … [Read more...]
Don’t leave building your business till it’s urgent
While some people achieve great things at the last minute, the majority fail because of lack of preparation. I watch and participate in a lot of discussions in the VA industry and periodically see people posting their particular predicament and why it's urgent that they have to get a client... now! Trouble is, they're asking their peers to help them find a client. Which really isn't the right place to find one :-) And often it's because not a lot of the right things have been done up to that … [Read more...]
Getting a job or getting clients
I see the word 'job' mentioned at so many VA forums and also blog posts about the VA industry. And also those who have used VAs to support their businesses the talk is very similar. There seems to be confusion about the role of where the Virtual Assistant sits. And often the new VAs are looking for work in the wrong places. My thoughts are: You want to be registered with a VA network - something that specialises in VA work only. Not only do you get introduced to clients, you'll learn about … [Read more...]
Do they know how to contact you?
I'm seeing an increasing trend of people creating brand new websites for their businesses but neglecting to put the most important information on their sites! Namely, how to contact you. Personally I don't like doing business with people who only have a contact form and no other form of contact on their site. Makes me wonder what they're trying to hide. I know, from personal experience, that many prospective clients like to pick up the phone and talk to me. Why wouldn't clients want to do the … [Read more...]
