Are you thinking about setting up a Virtual Assistant business and don't know where to start? So much to look at, learn, read and do. I know the feeling of being overwhelmed at the beginning, not sure what to do first or who to ask, or where to find clients. It seems almost endless but you know that lots of others are doing it, you have the skills to be a Virtual Assistant and you want to make it work... the first time! Well, I'm here to help you and the way I plan to do it is this: For the … [Read more...]
Becoming a VA
I recently received an email from a young lady looking to start her own VA business but concerned that there might be too many out there for her to make a living as a VA. She wanted to know my thoughts. This is my response to her: I can appreciate the concern or fear that might be the case, but it's not. Getting clients works a number of different ways: Register with VA networks so you can respond to client requests, but also, so clients can find you online. Make sure you have a presence … [Read more...]
Can’t decide if you should go to the VA Conference?
Let me use the words of a colleague and long-term VA, Nina Feldman, who resides in the US. She was referring to IVAA's VA Convention but her words also very much relate to any Virtual Assistant event that will be beneficial to the growth of your business. Make no mistake about that! Read on... "I have no ulterior motives for promoting the convention other than the joy I have seeing the smiling faces of other VAs there—newbies and old hands--and the chance I get to share with, and learn from, … [Read more...]
Should new VAs join an agency or go it alone?
That was the question at a forum recently. The writer also asked about certifications and credentials. My answer is below. Yes, the VA industry is growing and would you believe it's been around since 1996? It first started in the US and Australia and then grew beyond there. A whole lot of other countries have jumped on board in the past 8 or so years. When you talk about 'placement agencies' do you actually mean the Virtual Assistant Networks or agencies? There's a big difference. The VA … [Read more...]
What do I need to do to get started?
On a VA forum the other day I read a question from a new member there, wanting to know how to get started and if she had to get any licenses or permits or anything? She is located in Los Angeles. This is my answer to her: Members here are from many countries so the answer to your question might not be as straightforward unless someone in your region is able to answer. What I can tell you that is really important, is that you find a local accountant who deals with small business. They'll be able … [Read more...]
Professional development for Virtual Assistants
When you are in business and self-employed, you no longer have the luxury of an employer organising professional development and footing the bill. Consequently, many self-employed business owner/operators tend to forgo this very important part of their business ownership. Making sure you keep up with technology and business trends is very important to keep ahead of what is needed for your clients and for your own business. Attending a conference is just one of the ways of getting a lot of … [Read more...]
Why VAs don’t work fulltime for their clients
With the industry expanding quickly, many coming on board as VAs, and new clients now looking for a VA or VAs to support them, I thought it might be a good time to explain why VAs don't work full time for one client. There are several reasons and here are some of them: If a VA works entirely for one client that client could become viewed as an employer, depending on the tax system of the country involved. For example, here in Australia, if there is one main source of income the Australian … [Read more...]
Should a new VA get training?
This is a question asked at a VA forum recently. I feel it really depends on the individual. You may be well experienced at providing the service you wish to provide (transcription, data entry, word-processing, etc) but what about actually being a business operator? It may well depend on what the course has to offer. I do believe that most VA courses are about being a VA, setting up a business, setting rates that are right for you, developing an online presence, finding clients, etc. They're … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistants and Digital Transcription
Digital transcription is a popular choice of service provision for many Virtual Assistants and when new VAs join the industry they often see many of these jobs being promoted via the various VA networks. They're quick to jump on board to offer this as a service too. However, fast and accurate typing isn't the only skill that's required for providing transcription support. You also need to have the ability to spell accurately, know where to put in items such as commas, fullstops, semi-colons, … [Read more...]