There will come a time when a client wants to pay by credit card, but you haven't got a merchant account set up. What do you do? The fastest thing to set up is a Paypal account which is used widely in many countries these days, and very safely - despite the occasional rumours that do the rounds. Why would eBay equate themselves with Paypal if they didn't trust their payment system? Takes about 3 days to open the account but they don't charge to it, but will enter a couple of things to your … [Read more...]
The Right Client Mix
Around a month ago I gained a new client - she is in a different country to me and working in an area that interested me. I'd been engaged to manage her email lists, monitor her website and eventually set up her shopping cart with a well known shopping cart system online. However, two things worked against us. My daughter's wedding took place shortly after we had connected and I had several days when I was unavailable online - she had been informed but it was very early in our new … [Read more...]
Assistance in busy times
I've been a tad quiet of late - usually a sign I've been quite busy. Three of my client associations have AGMs coming up and I've had preparations to do for all of them. Add to that our youngest daughter is getting married this weekend, and I've got family members coming to stay and others will also be visiting from interstate and things will get somewhat hectic. I've already notified my regular clients that I'll be slow to answer for a few days and non-contactable for two days but if they … [Read more...]
Knowing What Belongs To You
I had a VA contact me today, concerned because she'd been 'off the air' and unable to access her website and email. She'd had to use a free email account to send a message to me. The webhost had taken her payment but not kept record of it and had taken her off the web. She had proof she'd made payment - it showed up in her statements but they were being difficult to contact and not responding. There is a very important thing for all to realise in a situation like this. What belongs to you and … [Read more...]
Time Management With Clients
I had my eyes opened by a client late last month. A prospective client in the US had emailed three of my existing clients with a list of questions relating to the services I provide for them. The responses they gave I was very happy with - feedback is always good for your business, and the soul! However, there was one comment one of my clients made, that had me thinking a little more about how I handle my clients, and the workload that comes in. I'm going to share it with you as I think it might … [Read more...]
Developing Online Credibility For Your VA Business
Recently on the chat forum I moderate we were asked about a website relating to work being provided for VAs. I'd made comment about the lack of contact information, amongst other things, after I'd visited the site in question. I thought the following information would be useful for all VAs - both with a view to having their own website and also in relation to looking at other sites when thinking about connecting with the business operators of that site in some way. Credibility is an important … [Read more...]
Transcriptions
I had an interesting chat with a public speaker recently. She is planning to get some typed transcriptions done of a series of teleseminars and had been told at a public speakers' networking event about cheap transcriptionists to get the work done. So, although I do a lot of work for her, and she knows I have a whole team behind me, she won't be bringing this particular job to us. I was horrified that she didn't even ask for advise first before making her decision and she told me she knew I … [Read more...]
Charging What You’re Worth?
Knowing how much to charge for your services is something every new VA struggles with. And even those who have been operating for awhile. It often comes down to confidence in your own abilities and the confidence instilled in you by your clients as your business develops. I saw a great quote recently that I thought I'd share with you that may help put things into perspective as you work out rates that are right for you. From Harry Beckwith's great book 'Selling The Invisible.' A woman was … [Read more...]
Back Up Before You’re Packed Up!
When you operate a business online one of your most important assets is your computer - it's where all your data is stored. Everything you've set up, your systems, client information, database of contacts, history of things that have taken place, everything, it's a very important part of your business. So, why would people risk this and not back up their systems on a regular basis? The absolute minimum should be weekly but I would recommend daily, especially if your computer is in use daily. … [Read more...]
