If you are, you'll be doing the same things many others do - look for networks, directories, forums, groups and associations you can join in order to get work by being introduced to clients through various methods and/or meet other VAs who outsource or sub-contract work in times of overflow. And even training courses so you can learn how to operate your VA business. Often the lower the cost, the more attractive the site will seem, especially when you are wanting to earn an income but don't yet … [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...]
Spamming is not on!
I am getting so fed up with Australian businesses sending commercial email that is purely spam. This message is for all VAs, irrespective of where you are located around the world. If you are engaged to send out email on behalf of clients make sure you ask them about their lists and how they came by the list - if you're taking it over. If building from scratch, encourage the client to build their list organically by networking wherever they can and collect business cards and also by using their … [Read more...]
Being a VA is not a fill-in role
It both amazes me and annoys me that people think they can become a VA while studying at Uni, or just as a fill in till something else comes along. I don't know about you, but in my way of thinking, a VA needs to have a good amount of past experience behind them to be a good VA. They must have a working knowledge and experience with the programs they're planning to provide a service with and experience in working with clients. None of the VAs in my network have less than 5 years' working … [Read more...]
Mature age and have good admin skills?
While the Virtual Assistant industry may sound like it's one for 'younger' people the reality is that those who are of a mature age with good administrative skills are well placed to be a Virtual Assistant. Perhaps you've been made redundant, had to leave your job due to ill-health, or you have elderly parents or a spouse that needs to be cared for. You have time on your hands, need to bring in more income and have good computer-based skills, good administrative skills, reasonable … [Read more...]
Motivation to get the work done
I saw a VA post on a forum that she's struggling to get motivated because it was such a lovely day outside and she wanted to know how others coped. She'd mentioned the word 'job' too, so I thought I'd give her my thoughts and what I do. The answer follows. Please note - this would equally apply to anyone running a business, not just VAs. First things first, this is not a 'job'. It's a business. And you need to treat it that way :-) You also need to give yourself some flexibility. Unless the … [Read more...]
Facebook – profile or page?
Is your Facebook profile set up in your personal name or your business name? I want to give a warning as two people I know here in Melbourne, Australia, in the past week had their Facebook accounts suspended and they had to prove who they were. One was using a nickname coupled with his real name and the other was using a business name, instead of their personal name. Both had to change their profiles back to their personal names only and had the inconvenience of their accounts inactive for a few … [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 you suffer from Admin Overwhelm?
'Admin Overwhelm': So many business owners are overwhelmed with the amount of admin and paperwork that needs to be done to keep their businesses running. I regularly chat with other business owners via phone, email, online forums and also face-to-face networking who tell me they are drowning in paperwork and struggling to develop systems to manage the overload of administrative work that arises through the day-to-day activities of running a business. It seems to creep up on them and suddenly … [Read more...]
