Friday 24th March marks 23 years in business for me. Yes, 23 years! My kids were young and in school when I began and today they're all married and 3 of them have children. They all run businesses at home but none of them do what I do, although most of them did do work experience with me during their teens. It gave them an opportunity to earn money and learn something of what I do and develop their computer skills. I like that working at home can provide your children with an example of what … [Read more...]
Are you operating a VA business in Australia?
I wrote a post recently about how many clients you might have? There was a reason for this and it's becoming evident from the number of newer VAs I'm speaking to. I say 'newer' as some have been operating for well over a year but they still fit into this category. And what is that? Only one client and earning a small amount per month. The reality is that still isn't a business and could be viewed as a hobby by the ATO (I'm talking the Australian Tax Office here) and therefore may explain why … [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...]
Looking for VA work?
If you are, you'll be doing the same things many others do - look for networks, directories, forums, groups and associations you can join in order to get work by being introduced to clients through various methods and/or meet other VAs who outsource or sub-contract work in times of overflow. And even training courses so you can learn how to operate your VA business. Often the lower the cost, the more attractive the site will seem, especially when you are wanting to earn an income but don't yet … [Read more...]
Reasons for engaging an Australian VA
This post is directed at the Australian business community, but if you're in another country, then simply insert your own country where relevant. I get asked from time to time, why should someone engage the services of an Australian VA instead of looking offshore? Those answers, to me, are quite straightforward and cover important things for each business owner to think about. Intellectual Property, IP - do you have something that you want/need to protect? Would you feel uncomfortable with … [Read more...]
Learn about your client’s industry
There is good value in learning as much as you can about the industry/ies your clients work in. If your niche is a particular industry this is even more important. Each industry will have a number of things to help educate people in that industry: newsletters, magazines, trade shows, industry association events and the list goes on. It makes sense, that if you want to provide the best value you can to your client/s in a particular industry, then why not subscribe to their online newsletter? Or … [Read more...]
NEVER stop building your client base
I frequently see VAs posting on VA forums that their client is leaving them, cutting hours or doing something else and when questioning further about their situation, it often becomes apparent that they only have one client. You don't have a business when you have one client. What you have is a job, in general terms. It's very easy to stop doing the promotions and searches when you gain a client, but it's very important to keep promoting, keep networking and keep marketing, all the time. I … [Read more...]
A day in the life of a senior VA
If you're a regular reader of my blog and visitor to my site, you'll know that I run a Virtual Assistant Network and also provide VA Training via a 10 week course delivered by email. Many may think I don't do much else, other than participate on forums and social media, but I thought I'd give you some insight to what I do. I still service my own clients. Why? Because it's part of my income stream but also because I enjoy the work I do. I currently provide Secretariat services for an NFP … [Read more...]
Are you planning to become a VA?
It's the time of year when people begin to plan what will take place in the new year, change of job, change of pace, start a new business, etc. If you are thinking of becoming a Virtual Assistant, or perhaps have already begun but not sure exactly what you should be doing, then perhaps the VA Trainer course is for you. Some of the things that will be covered in this 10 week course will: Guide you in setting up your business Get you started on your own website and using social media … [Read more...]