I find that mine have. Over the years I've changed the services I provide, depending on what the client needs appear to be. I began with word-processing and data entry, and very quickly moved into managing databases for clients. I love database work and it was something I was doing in the corporate world so it was a natural progression for me. Although, when I first began my business, I couldn't see how I would attract clients needing database work done. Early in my business I began … [Read more...]
Thoughts for the New Year
Have you thought about how you are going to help your clients in the new year? The following is an email I sent out to a selection of clients I know have toyed with some of these ideas over the past couple of years but still haven't quite gotten down to it. Perhaps I can help them move forward in 2013. So, 2013 is almost here. Do you remember what you were planning for this year, or even the previous year, but never got around to it? I know I’ve mentioned this before but these things are … [Read more...]
Stationery Junkie
Is anyone else like me? A stationery junkie? I know there are a few VAs that feel the same way. I go into raptures every time I walk into Officeworks, or a similar store. Just the clean reams of paper, or an untouched notebook, all the play things in the tech section, new pens and pencils. So many things. I just love seeing everything and even touching some of it. And I particularly like a brand new clean diary. A promise of the new year to come and the promises that new year holds. I just … [Read more...]
How did you get your first client?
A question I'm often asked in different places. Usually by new VAs who are dead set keen to get their first client and not sure how to go about it. I thought I'd share how my first clients came about and encourage readers to add theirs as well. For me it was 1994. I was telling everyone I knew what I was planning to do... leave my job and start up my own secretarial business at home. A man at my church came and asked if I could do some typing for him and that was my first job. Only a few … [Read more...]
Where does all your business come from?
This is a question asked at VA Forum recently and the person posting the question specifically wanted to know if everyone was getting all of their business via LinkedIn (where the forum is). There were a variety of answers that responded with some saying yes and others saying no. I believe the answer is that it would be unusual for ALL your business to come from the one avenue, even if people are using it as a networking tool. Why? Because they should be doing a variety of networking, rather … [Read more...]
Christmas events
As a VA and Business Owner, the opportunity for the Christmas business 'do' may not arise. In the early years of my business I got around this by holding an afternoon tea, close to Christmas each year, inviting my clients to come along and meet each other. None had to bring anything with them, although some always did. I financed it completely and it was a way of thanking them all for their patronage throughout the year. This worked well for several years and it was pleasing to see the amount … [Read more...]
What are you planning in the New Year?
It's that time of year again. Thinking about Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year. Plans for the New Year. What are you planning to do? Have you been thinking about running your own Virtual Assistant business but just haven't taken the plunge? Or, perhaps you have been for awhile but feel there are some things missing in what you need to do and how to do it? Maybe it's time to get some guidance and training so you can kick off the New Year filled to the brim with ideas and confidence! … [Read more...]
Do you know your entitlements as a Trademark owner?
I'm no expert on the topic of Trademarks but do appreciate the importance of having one, or more. I often see this topic being dicussed amongst VAs worldwide and it's important that they avail themselves of this information and important topic. Especially if they've trademarked in their country and think that no-one else can use the same business name as them in another country. That is not the case and Jacqui explains why in her article published today at Flying Solo. TM ® Here's an excerpt … [Read more...]
Are you lonely in your role as a VA?
Are you a VA who is finding it lonely working alone at home every day? This is a common occurrence for new VAs as they make the transition from the corporate world to a work-at-home scenario. Loneliness is one of the key factors for VAs not continuing their businesses and returning to the workforce. I encourage each of you to seek out local networks close to where you live so you can go to meetings. Business networks, council networking groups, if you have children, perhaps mother's clubs (or … [Read more...]
