One of the topics that raises its head from time to time on various VA forums is how to set rates. I've seen rates discussed ranging from $7USD per hour right through to $50USD or more per hour. Part of the variation in costs will relate to VAs being in many different geographic locations and the cost of living, therefore, will play a big part in what might be charged for various services. However, some of the variation lies simply in the fact that new VAs lack confidence in their own … [Read more...]
Getting Your VA Business Started
At one of the VA forums I moderate a new VA asked how to get started and stop procrastinating? The following is my answer to her and all of those who are seeking to get started in the Virtual Assistant industry. Anything worth achieving isn't easy but it is worth the effort. There are things you need to do to get yourself off your tush and stop procrastinating and I'll share some of them here for you. 1. Get a reason to do it and it needs to be a reason that both consumes and empowers you - … [Read more...]
What Kind of Clients Do You Service?
I thought it would be good to share on the type of clients I service and I invite other VAs to add comment here about their clients also. This is for the benefit of prospective clients who read this blog so they can see that 'yes, we can look after you too'. My longest term client has been with me for around 11 years now. She is a business coach, author, trainer and public speaker. So she has a variety of jobs for me such as maintaining her database (both computer based and online), website, … [Read more...]
Still So Much To Learn!
It doesn't matter how long you've been doing something, technology is always bringing about change and new ways to do things. This means we must always be open to learning, experimenting and trying things out. Remaining locked into ways of doing things will soon mean we are outdated and that newer VAs and service providers will take up from where we left off. Fortunately I've always enjoyed learning new software and exploring how existing software works. And if a client asks me to investigate … [Read more...]
More than a reminder service…
I read a posting on a blog written by a man who was talking about his Virtual Assistant (girlfriend). This VA was rather different, in that it was really an email and web based reminder service that he could use to assist him with remembering actions, meetings and other activities throughout his busy day. It's amazing what the term 'virtual assistant' gets attributed to these days. I can't blame Eric for thinking that way though - I know in the past, when I was working in the corporate world, … [Read more...]
Watching Out For Scams
As a Virtual Assistant, your contact details are going to be on display for the whole world to see, so it is very possible that you will be approached by a scammer for work to be done. This can take many forms but for the most part they are out to get your money, so you need to be very aware of what to look for. First of all, money exchanges are definitely OUT. By that I mean if they are seeking for you to process payments into your own bank account and then send them their share of the … [Read more...]
Sub-contracting to other VAs
As the Virtual Assistant industry gains increasing interest and more and more clients come on board, many VAs have taken to sub-contracting work to other VAs in order to cope with sudden workload increases. This is a good sign that things are picking up, but there are some things that all VAs should take note of. If you use a contract for clients, then you should do the same with the sub-contracting VA. Set boundaries or ground rules - be clear about your expectations and don't leave it to … [Read more...]
The Importance of Networking… or putting your eggs all in one basket?
As I meet more and more business owner/operators the thing that tends to separate the successful from the not so successful, it seems to me, are those who understand the value of networking. Many talk about it but not all walk their talk. Being in business means having to do more than just supply services or products to clients, but rather it is important to make connections, get to know people, and let others know about what you have to offer. After all, we are the best salespeople for our … [Read more...]
Real Virtual Work
I live in Australia and manage a team of Virtual Assistants (VAs) that are in 16 countries altogether, so quite a widespread team. I've recently been doing a survey of my team with respect to the job requests that come into our team via my office, or via one of the team members. One thing that is noticed with many of the job requests that are placed - so many of our prospective clients still perceive the need for a VA to be located close by so they can physically meet them - and often the type … [Read more...]
