This isn't meant to be a competitive question at all, but designed to make you think about how important your business is. If you're running a business then you MUST have more than one client. There are all sorts of reasons why. For example, if that one client didn't want to do business with you anymore, or lost their business, or passed on, then you'd no longer have a business, would you? However there are other good reasons, including being able to prove to the tax dept that you are running a … [Read more...]
Need more work?
I belong to a number of VA groups, as I'm sure many of VAs do too. One of the things that saddens me is seeing (desperate) posts from some almost begging for work from other VAs. Usually it means something has happened in their life and now suddenly it's become urgent. Often they've been a VA for awhile but have just been coasting along. As most of you know I've been doing this line of business for over 20 years and I have to tell you that yes, I've had desperate times, especially in my … [Read more...]
Do the locals know you exist?
I see many (new) VAs asking on different VA forums how they can find clients, or if anyone can give them work. Often, when asking questions about what they've done, they've got their office set up, created a Facebook page, set up a website or some kind of web presence, created a LinkedIn profile but it's rare to hear they actually go out networking face-to-face. How many businesses local to where you live actually know you exist? What makes you think they'll know you have a website or a … [Read more...]
What’s in a name?
We often see discussion in the VA forums about what to call ourselves when operating in the Virtual Assistant Industry. Many do call themselves VAs whereas others like to use BPO (Business Professional Operator (or similar)), and other terms. Some don't want to use the term 'virtual assistant' as the public get confused about what that might be based on the information that is being bandied around 'out there'. It probably doesn't matter what we call ourselves and may very much depend on the … [Read more...]
Showcasing your work
Do you create examples of your work if you don't have a portfolio in the services you provide? For some that's relatively easy, e.g. graphic designer, web designer, photographer, etc. But what about if you provide other services as a VA? Why do I ask this? Because, this morning I had a client request for work to be completed and he needed to see examples before the chosen VA could start. In this case, PowerPoint presentations and they needed to be advanced … [Read more...]
How many clients should I have?
Variations of this question often arise at VA forums. Stories about how many each can manage, how many hours a client wants or demands, offering packages with retainer hours, clients wanting a VA totally to themselves, etc. Many stories, many discussions. Virtual Assistants are independent business owner/operators and, therefore, need to be able to service more than one client. They are not employees so no client has the right to demand or ask that a VA doesn't take on any other clients. … [Read more...]
I’m a Virtual Assistant and I don’t work for free
Ever been asked to work for free? I'm sure you have but if not, it will happen... sometime. Many people do not value the skills and abilities that VAs have. Yes, we've been to school, many have gone on to college or Uni, or have even done courses in their adult years. Many have Certificates, Diplomas and other forms of documents that show they've put in the work required to earn them. And then years of working in the corporate world, or a particular industry, to later set up a business as a … [Read more...]
Being a VA is not get-rich-quick
As anyone who's been in business for sometime would know, setting up a business and building a good client base takes considerable time. It would be rare to make a full-time income in the first year in business, let alone a profit - at least in traditional business. However, even in building a Virtual Assistant business, it still takes time to get sufficient clients to establish a full-time income, even if you show a profit much quicker than traditional business. There's a lot you need to do, … [Read more...]
Planning to set up as a VA in the New Year?
So much to think about, so much to plan. It can be overwhelming, but I want to give you some good news! I would love to help you on your journey of discovery. First of all, have you seen my article linked in the menu on this site 'Become a VA'? Important for you to read as it will give you some great tips in setting up your new business. What about the type of VA you'll become? Again, my article "What type of VA are you?" will give you more information to process. The next … [Read more...]
