So far we've looked at treating your business as a business and having the right mindset; setting rates that are too low; and recognising that clients can be local, they don't have to be totally virtual. This 4th mistake relates to the third one in a way. Many new VAs, particularly those from countries that have a much lower cost of living, make the mistake that other VAs are their target client base. They're not - they're your peers and you learn from them and help shape the industry with … [Read more...]
Your Home Business Magazine out today!
I was recently interviewed for a brand new magazine launching this month in Australia. This magazine is about profiling businesses that have been around for sometime and are successful, rather than focusing on start-ups. The first issue is out today and if you live in Australia you should be able to get a copy at a local newsagent. Peter Switzer, of Switzer Media & Publishing, sums the magazine content up like this: "The biggest mistake any home business owner can make is to think they … [Read more...]
Number 3 Mistake New VAs Make
Thinking that all clients have to be virtual. Just because you are a Virtual Assistant and can work virtually does not mean all your clients have to come via the web. Many do not realise that they have potential clients next door, down the street, around the corner and at local businesses. This is why networking is such an important aspect of running a business - any business. Many do not realise they can have a mix of clients that are both local and virtual and this will not happen … [Read more...]
Number 2 Mistake Some New VAs Make
Ok, I know many of you have been waiting for this. I believe it to be setting rates that are too low. This also includes allowing clients to tell you what you should be charging. Many VAs, particularly in the first year or two of their businesses, mistakenly think they should charge low to get the clients. What happens is a number of things: They find quickly that they're not making much money and have difficulty covering all their overheads and have some left over for themselves. They … [Read more...]
Getting past the no.1 mistake VAs make
Further to my previous 2 posts, I have more to add and Tracey's comment included some of what I wanted to say. When a client contacts you for a quote you need to project confidence and telling someone nervously that you are new and you're not sure what to charge, or umm and ahh over charges, will help give them a lack of confidence in your abilities and knowing what you are doing. What is there to be nervous about? If you know well the services you plan to offer then you know you are going to … [Read more...]
How to get past the no. 1 mistake VAs make
I wrote recently about the no. 1 mistake VAs make and it was good to see the comments coming in. I thought I'd follow up with things that new (and existing) VAs can do to help shift that employee mindset. Now, I'm not by any means trying to belittle employees and thank you Deb M for your comment. There are a lot of employees out there who are motivated, have self-initiative and don't wait to be told what to do. And this is the stuff that VAs should be made of as well. But it goes further … [Read more...]
Will you be the one?
I've been running a promotion here for our 1,000th member at "A Clayton's Secretary". We are very close to that number and it's been good to see the new members who have joined us over the past couple of months. Some of those members have received bonuses for joining and here are a few more lucky people. If your name is below, please contact me via email or the contact form here so that you can receive your bonus. Teneille Griffiths Juliet McDonald Penny Green Sophie Cherval Each of these … [Read more...]
Do you give gifts to clients for Christmas?
On some of the Virtual Assistant forums there have been discussions about whether or not to give clients gifts or cards during this special holiday season. Some give discounts, some give gift vouchers for books, movies or other things, some offer other things. On one of the LinkedIn forums I belong to there was a link given for a site that has some excellent "No Cost" gifts for colleagues and service providers and I've listed some of them here. To see the rest please click on the link … [Read more...]
Putting a timestamp on your business
A forum I belong to (non-VA) was discussing whether or not members pay attention to the timestamp on emails sent to them. What they were actually talking about is the fact that many people today send emails at all times of day and night and because of how instant emails are, tend to expect instant replies. But what does that do to the recipient, the service provider? Does that now mean they have to be available 24/7? I mentioned that I've had to make a ruling for myself with respect to the … [Read more...]
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