I see a lot of people who are starting out in the virtual assistant or homebased secretary industry across a number of forums looking for as much free stuff as they can get, but the reality is that if it's really worthwhile, and it's going to help build and develop your skills, then it should be paid for. Bear in mind that any expense incurred in operating or developing your business is a tax expense and as you start out, it's probably best to plan what you need to do now and what you'd like to … [Read more...]
Keeping Abreast of Your Client Industries
I came across a program recently that allows you to log into your blog (almost any blog platform) and submit a post. The tool is like a mini version of MS Word and allows you to easily edit your post, add images, and set the properties for the image, even link voicefiles. I did find the connection set up a minor challenge but after going back and viewing their set up video it became more obvious what to do. So this post is a test using that program. I saw it written up in a newsletter for … [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...]
VA Coaching and Training
Some time ago I announced the coaching and training program I was developing for the industry. The program is now in place and we have our first set of students undergoing the course, currently in week 5. Lessons are delivered weekly via email over a 10 week period, and the students return their homework via email. We have fortnightly online classroom sessions where students can chat with each other, and ask questions of the past couple of weeks' lessons, etc. We also have a student forum … [Read more...]
Don’t Blow Yourself Out Of The Water!
When a new VA is starting out, there is the temptation to accept any job that comes along, just for the sake of having a client and work to do. But things can go awry very, very quickly, if you have no experience in that type of work, and if you don't know what you're doing. Some jobs may appear to be easy at the outset, but unless you truly have some idea of what's involved, probably best to let it pass to someone more experienced. Some of these will include: transcriptions (audio & … [Read more...]
New VA Education & Coaching Program now available!
Well, it's here! I've been developing an education and coaching program for virtual assistants over the past few months, well, since before Christmas. It's been on the drawing board for around 3-4 years and has been one of those projects that just kept being put aside. But time moves on and I get many requests seeking advice, help, support, mentoring, coaching, etc these days so I decided it was time I did something about it. Whilst there are a number of VA education and coaching programs … [Read more...]
Welcome to the dark side!
There is lots written about the benefits of being a Virtual Assistant and particularly of working at home. You read articles, see photos of healthy looking people running on the beach, playing ball with their kids, driving a flashy car, or sitting under a tree with their laptop. The reality is very different - not unenjoyable, otherwise I wouldn't still be in a home office over 12 years down the track. But, I don't get the time to run on the beach, my kids grew up with mum at home, usually in … [Read more...]
