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...]
Calling all NFPs
NFPs or Not-for-Profits are usually run by a group of volunteers who take on the role of committee members with an executive: President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary as well as a number of general committee members. Last time I looked at an Association Directory there were over 800,000 such groups here in Australia alone. There comes a time when some of these NFPs feel that managing the association gets too much for the volunteer committee and they have to bite the bullet and employ … [Read more...]
Points of Contact
Pull out your business card and have a look and see how many points of contact do you have on your card? One? Two? Three or more? It seems that many feel that because they have an email address or a website, they no longer need to add any further contact information on their business cards. I believe this is the wrong way to think and you need to make it easy on your prospective clients. As an avid networker I go out regularly to meet with other business people and what they put on their … [Read more...]
Join Australia’s oldest VA Network today!
Not only Australia's oldest VA Network, but also the second oldest in the world. Established as a network in April 1996, "A Clayton's Secretary" has witnessed many changes and lots of growth in the Virtual Assistant industry during that time. Until 31st December, we have a special offer for 12 months' membership at the price of $99AUD. You can apply here and follow through with your resume and subscription payment to become a member of this team of Virtual Assistants, with members in many … [Read more...]
When is a VA not a VA?
That depends on your definition of what a VA is. The Virtual Assistant industry was birthed in the mid 1990s and consisted of women mainly (at that time) who had been working from home offices as home-based secretaries or administrators or personal assistants for a select number of clients. When technology made it easier for them to be able to support clients without face-to-face connection they became known as Virtual Assistants. A Virtual Assistant is someone who provides office-based … [Read more...]
Bring your corporate skills home
There are many women (and some men) who are keen to work at home these days, so that they can either start a family, or be there for the family they already have. For some, it's caring for elderly parents, or perhaps a spouse who is ill. Whatever the reason, there are many seeking ways to work at home. For those with good corporate administrative skills, being a Virtual Assistant is a natural choice. There are still many learning about this industry, despite it having been around since the mid … [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...]
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...]
20 new Virtual Assistant members at a special price!
Well, as you may know by now, this year marks 20 years in business for me. I've seen a real lot of growth, both in technology and in our industry. So many 'new' things have been developed and become every day activities or items we use regularly. Things like the Internet, mobile phones, digital TV, social media, websites, ipads, tablets, laptops, and the list goes on and on and on. I wonder what will be here in another 20 years' time that we probably haven't thought of today. Who knows? I … [Read more...]