This is a reprint of an article I wrote in September 2004. I feel it's important to bring this topic back up since there are new VAs on the scene all the time, and new clients. The team and I had an interesting discussion online the other day, which resulted from a client and team member having a different understanding about something. And that something was the time involved, and related costs, in transcribing a recording. What the client hadn’t understood was that there is a difference … [Read more...]
Can A Virtual Assistant Be An Employee?
I saw this question posted at a forum I participate in and thought I'd share my answer here for readers too. Virtual Assistants are self-employed operators, they are not employees. The VA industry has evolved with the growth of Networks (which are not employer companies) - networks of virtual assistant members who benefit through web site (directory) listings, referrals or job leads from clients, members benefit from existing advertising already in place (many of the networks are well placed in … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistant Needed
I like to keep watch on various things posted online, as many of us do and it never ceases to amaze me to see someone seeking a 'virtual assistant' and then putting the price on what they want to pay. It frequently doesn't match up - the rate the client wants to pay versus the work they want done. Do they think that VAs are monkeys? Because it seems all they want to pay is peanuts a lot of the time. I recently saw a job post at DoMyStuff.com where someone was advertising for a VA to assist … [Read more...]
Coaching Courses For VAs
I was recently approached by an organisation I'd never heard of to promote their new certification for VAs. Their email was not very clear in explaining what they were promoting and when I went to their website, I found their page for the certification for VAs. However, I decided to decline their request to promote to my list of VAs till I received further information. Why? 1. They appeared to not be a member of any coaching or educational organisation. 2. There was no apparent affiliation … [Read more...]
Question: I am trying to work from home. How did you get started communicating online and getting assignments. Thank you.
The above was recently posted by a new member of my VA forum and I decided it would be good to share my answer here as well. Hi, this is something everyone goes through when starting out and many new VAs do not realise that getting work online is not the only way to get work. We make the mistake of thinking we're operating 'virtually' so the only way to get work is by promoting online - but that is not the case. Most of my own clients I have met personally, or have been referred to me by people … [Read more...]
The Pros and Cons of Using a VA
Regular readers will know that I am a member of the business network LinkedIn. I've spent a fair bit of time there since Easter, getting to know people and making connections. It's been worthwhile as business has also occurred as a result of developing relationships with various members there. One of my favourite sections of LinkedIn is Answers - I find it quite addictive. You can place a question there and answer other people's questions. It's a great way for people to get to know you … [Read more...]
Taking The Plunge!
Some call it 'diving into the deep end', others call it 'stepping out in faith', but whatever it is leaving a (secure) job and moving full time into your own business is a big scary step and it's hard to know when is the right time to do it. There are some guidelines that can help you with that decision. If you cannot afford to do without the income you are receiving at a full time position, then you need to consider building your business part time (after hours and weekends) until you are … [Read more...]
When Should You Quit Your Day Job?
I was reading one of Des Walsh's latest posts at Thinking Home Business and he was referring to a blog post he had read by Darlene McDaniel (blogging seems to do that - lead you from one to another!) and the question had been raised as to when people should quit their day job when establishing their own business? That's an interesting question and the answer can be very different for a number of people. The reality is that if you are depending on the income from your day job, that the time to … [Read more...]
5 Top Ways to Use a VA
All small business owners know how tough it can be, trying to wear every hat in their business and keep balance at the same time. That's why they need support and who better than a Virtual Assistant - their own personal support? 1. Screen, forward and action your email. A number of my clients have an admin email address for my use and a lot of their email, bookings and registrations, sales and enquiries are all sent to this address. I respond accordingly and forward what requires the client's … [Read more...]
