This post comes as the result of reading a sad story from a new VA who had purchased items on the behalf of a new client, who then paid her back with a bad check. Had I heard before this was to happen I would have told her "don't do it!". This is a common scam and unfortunately the poor VA has lost a couple thousand dollars for this learning exercise. Whether she'll get her money back is an unknown. Depends on the legal system in her country and if the police get involved. Never accept a … [Read more...]
Getting testimonials as a new VA
When you're brand new in business being able to build up a list of things to show prospective clients can be a challenge. If the line of work you're doing requires you to have a portfolio (things to show, e.g. graphic design), or you need a set of testimonials, it's sometimes hard to think outside the box and organise to get these in place. You may have picked up some work here and there while you were still in your full time job but you might not be able to showcase what you'd been doing for … [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...]
New VAs seeking clients
I often see on VA forums new VAs despairing because they don't have an existing client base when they start their business. It's possible that some might, but that's a rarity. The reality is the majority of us don't have an existing client base - we're starting afresh. But we do have contacts. Any single person is a sphere of influence: family, friends, friends of friends, friends of family, members of any groups we belong to such as sport, church, hobbies and other activities. Then there's … [Read more...]
How do I become a Virtual Assistant?
This is a question I get asked from time to time, via email, and I thought I'd answer it here. One of the very first things I notice when I get this request, is how the email is written. Some write the email well and professionally but others write to me like they might be writing to a family member or even similar to text speak on mobile phones. I can say that not writing the email professionally instils little confidence for me that the person writing is going to be able to manage a VA … [Read more...]
Looking for a standard rate…
I often get phone calls from prospective clients or emails from new VAs asking what the 'standard rate' is for carrying out particular jobs. I do understand their question but they haven't really thought about what they're asking. When you're buying a product such as a book, software or other things then there are often 'recommended retail' prices for that particular item. However, when it comes to providing services, it doesn't work the same way. It's not like you're paying an employee that … [Read more...]