Periodically there will be requests on the Virtual Assistant forums asking about free advertising. In fact you find requests for free almost everything. I'm a believer of that old saying 'you have to spend money to make money' and the fact is if you're in business, you should expect that you're going to have a number of taxable expenses. It goes with the territory. However, given that, there are a number of low cost or free options for a number of things in business and if you can save money, … [Read more...]
You can’t build it 100% online
I know I'm going to get people arguing with me on this one but hear me out. If you're running a Virtual Assistant business then you are servicing clients who need your help. Those clients come from all walks of life and not all of them live on the internet as many VAs do (me included). So, to get in front of them we have to go out and meet them. That means doing face-to-face networking and meeting people in person. Yes, we have the avenues of the internet, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, … [Read more...]
It’s not a ‘get rich quick’ option
I saw a post by a lady the other day who wanted to leave her job and become a VA as an interim step to setting up another business. She was given some good advice by other existing VAs on what to do but it was obvious within a 24 hour time span she was getting impatient. She didn't want to spend time networking or building a business. She simply just wanted to earn money as she spent time building up what she really wanted to do. Is that how some really view our industry? Has it been so hyped … [Read more...]
Sub-contracting to another VA? Treat like a client!
I had an email from one of my team recently who'd been sub-contracting to another VA. Turns out that while the job had been completed there had been some disagreement about how the job should have been handled and therefore billed. I've had similar emails from VAs from time to time. Sometimes things aren't that clear. They came to me for advice and we chatted about the outcome and what might have taken place before the job was secured. Basically it's like this (IMO). If you're … [Read more...]
Is there enough work?
I run a training course for VAs as many of you know and occasionally I'll get responses from follow ups of those who haven't gone through with the course for whatever reason (usually time or money, or both). Below is a question from one recent prospective student and my answer to her. I am still very interested in doing your course as I think it will be a great help. I guess I wanted to feel more comfortable before deciding to establish a virtual PA business. My concern has been whether there … [Read more...]
Ethics or New Trend?
Taking a leaf out of Sharon Williams' book, or should I say her latest blog post on a similar topic, I have to add my own concerns to this new 'trend' happening. Over the years it's not been uncommon to have Uni students ask to engage a member of our VA team to do things for them. They're often not upfront in the original request but once they've engaged a VA they'll tell them what they really want. And often it means logging in under their own name and password to a Uni website to download … [Read more...]
Spell it out
I love the excitement of new VAs as they get their very first website up and running (or any business person for that matter) but sometimes I feel they get carried away with using the latest buzzwords and acronyms. While it's important to demonstrate you are current with technology and the times, it is very important not to assume that readers of your website are. Many will still be doing keyword searches on old terminology (e.g. 'secretary' instead of 'VA' or 'virtual assistant', typing' … [Read more...]
Daycare too expensive? Work at home!
There are many reasons why VAs become VAs and one of those many reasons could simply be because daycare for your children has become far too expensive. I know and appreciate that daycare givers also need to be compensated for their time and expertise but all the same, it is often far beyond what most households can afford. So the thought of working at home becomes one that is entertained often. I know, because I was there over 16 years ago. Racing home to get kids to clubs on time, or trying … [Read more...]
What kind of VA are you?
When you first enter the VA industry it seems to be just one particular type of role but as you become familiar with the types of services many offer or the types of services clients request, you begin to realise you can actually niche yourself based on your skillset or personal preferences. There are many different services you can offer as a VA and these are just some of them. Those that are hyperlinked will lead you to suitable courses or more information about providing that type of … [Read more...]
