I recently read an article about the 5 challenges of a business hiring a VA. What it assumed was that when people are seeking offshore VAs, they want full time VAs from the Philippines. Not so, I'm in Australia, but if I'm working for a client in the UK, USA or another country, then I would be considered an offshore VA. And what was outlined in that article seems to really only relate to VAs in a particular region. VAs in the Philippines, and often other Asian countries, are mostly employed … [Read more...]
The things that VAs do
Recently I asked many VAs (hundreds) via some VA forums, what did they used to do before becoming a VA? And then a day or two later, I asked the same VAs, what do they do now. Amazingly, or perhaps not really that amazing, many were providing services that related to their past roles before becoming VAs. What does this mean to you, as a reader? Well, if you're a potential VA, it means there is hope for you, as there is more than likely other VAs who used to do what you're doing now. And … [Read more...]
VA Certified – or Certificate?
There's a discussion going on amongst the 'senior' VA members of our industry currently. We're concerned about the number of new VA courses popping up claiming to be 'certified'. It's important for you all to know that there is no industry standard (as yet) and therefore there is no industry certification. Some of the VA Associations in different countries have talked about it from time to time, and I believe the time is coming when these associations will do something about 'industry … [Read more...]
Do you need a VA or an employee?
Important to understand the difference. I saw a post recently, on a business Facebook group, where a member posted a request for what she needed and outlined that the role would be 20-30 hours a week and needing to be available during particular hours EST plus that it would be a competitive 'wage'. Immediately, I didn't see this as a VA role at all, although that's what had been indicated. I queried the role and they later amended it to being a 'sub contractor' role that wouldn't stop the … [Read more...]
It’s my anniversary so let’s celebrate!
My 24th business anniversary is coming up on the 24th of this month. This year I've decided to offer a number of gifts to you, my faithful readers, clients, colleagues and friends. Each day leading up to the 24th, there will be a giveaway but you will need to register to be eligible for the draw for that day. To receive the posts relating to these giveaways you must subscribe to my blog below to receive the posts to see what the offer is for that day. There are a number of great giveaways, … [Read more...]
Creating websites for new VAs
Frequently I see new VAs seeking advice about creating a website for their business and what should be included. I thought I'd share a post on this which I'm happy to have shared with others. First off, they often ask if they need a website if they have a Facebook Page and I say 'yes, you still need one.' Why? Because not all your audience are going to be on Facebook. How many people do you know who aren't on it? If you're like me, you know quite a few. Either people who are technologically … [Read more...]
Mature aged but not ready to retire?
My husband and I were having a discussion the other day. It was about retirement and the fact that someone we knew hadn't been able to retire because of a financial challenge that had taken place. We felt that was a shame and it probably came because of some bad financial advice. We discussed others we knew had had similar challenges in the past. In recent years the government here in Australia have made it clear they want people to work till they are 70 years of age but in some industries, … [Read more...]
How do I find my niche?
This is a question I see from time to time in VA forums from new VAs struggling to work out what they should be offering and how to attract clients. Personally, sometimes I think the focus on 'niches' gets in the way of people starting up their businesses and here are my thoughts. Can I tell you I never had a niche when I started over 23 years ago? I just did whatever was needed, typing, data entry, minutes of meetings, bookkeeping, phone answering. Whatever I could do. It was three years … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistant Industry 21 years old
Did you know that the Virtual Assistant industry, here in Australia, is now 21 years old? It would be safe to say that it's probably the same worldwide too. For my own part, I started my business in 1994 and then began a network in 1996 - originally known as The International Home-based Secretaries Network, we changed to use the term 'virtual assistant' when it became obvious that was how the industry was being viewed as more work was being handled via email and the Internet. We've … [Read more...]