There seems to be a rush of surveys and research being done by individuals in our industry (Virtual Assistants) via various forums and groups recently. Perhaps it's happening in other industries too but because I'm not in them, I don't see it happening. Most of the time it appears to be from those who haven't been in the industry for many years and in their excitement about whatever their project is, they forget to tell those they are asking to participate, what the survey or research is … [Read more...]
Protect yourself and your business
Once you've got an established presence online and even listings in business publications, you will start getting phone calls asking you to participate in this directory, or sign up for this program or something else. I decided a long time ago that I won't commit to anything over the phone. I need to see it in writing. Email is fine, as is fax or a written letter, but if someone wants me to commit to something, which invariably may require a payment, then I won't commit to it over the phone and … [Read more...]
Mix and Mingle with your Peers
There are many now pursuing a career as a Virtual Assistant. However, not all manage to find work directly with clients and often locate sources that later appear to be not what they purport to be. I encourage all who are interested in learning from other Virtual Assistants and gain work from genuine clients, to join Virtual Assistant Networks that have been set up to assist the VA industry. I really can't say how many there are these days. Quite a few. However, I can tell you that all those … [Read more...]
Do you have an accountant?
If you're in business you should. Doesn't matter if your business is part-time or full-time. If you're operating a business of some sort then you should have a professional guiding you and helping you with your business. Yes, it costs to have an Accountant but those costs are a taxable expense. And if you don't have the structure set up properly you could be costing yourself a lot of money over the long run. For example, are you aware (particularly here in Australia but could well apply … [Read more...]
Time to start thinking about cards… for Christmas
Dare I say it? Christmas is not that far away now! So time to start thinking about your Christmas lists. You know, not just family and friends, but loyal clients, colleagues, people you work with. And if you want to include that specialised touch you can use your own pictures or design a card completely of your own, and still use your handwriting without having to experience writer's cramp. Have you revisited Send Out Cards lately? It really is worth a visit. Regular readers will know I'm a … [Read more...]
As a Virtual Assistant, how did you get your first client?
This is a discussion I've seen at a couple of VA forums and I thought I'd bring it here to share with you. My first client came through my church in 1994. He needed some typing to be done. My second was through a lady I knew at the time - she was working with an NFP that needed admin support. From there more referrals came in and that's how much of my business was built pre-internet. I still believe in face-to-face networking very much today. A lot of referrals still come that way. And no, … [Read more...]
Got a listing with Hotfrog?
I was following a thread at a forum the other day and we were talking about our Google listings. Someone commented that Truelocal, Hotfrog and others will always bring up your listings first. They didn't for me, but that's not the point. At any rate I found a Hotfrog listing for my website much further down and thought I'd go see what was there. Very basic, listed my business name with a web link and my suburb. That's it. So I decided to claim the listing and proceeded to enter my details. I … [Read more...]
Tips for building your Virtual Assistant career
As long as you are confident with your current set of skills, then you have a starting point. You should (obviously) already have a good computer at home, reliable internet connection and the necessary hardware and software to complement those skills. Mixing and mingling with others via VA forums is a good thing to do. Networking away from VA forums, i.e. going out there and meeting local business people is a must. Not only will you learn things about running a business locally from other … [Read more...]
10 Tips for Getting Started as a Virtual Assistant
You've decided you want to become a Virtual Assistant but now what to do next? There's lots of information out there, some of it conflicting, and it's hard to know what to decide upon. Well, providing you have a good computer, reliable internet connection and a decent printer you're part of the way there, but there's lots to do still. Being a virtual assistant means you are going to be a business operator. That means there are legal things and tax things required. You should find a local … [Read more...]
