I love hanging out in the different VA forums to see what is being discussed, what's the latest trend, and what else I might be able to learn. Along the way, I share of my own experiences and knowledge, and hopefully am helpful to a few, or many. In a recent post a new VA told me (when asked) of how she was trying to find jobs. That for me, immediately, showed that she had the wrong mindset and I set about trying to get her to see things differently. Hoping this will help you too, … [Read more...]
Is your VA business a hobby or a true business?
Today, I want you to think about whether your VA business is a hobby or a true business? By that I mean, are you just dabbling on the side, or are you taking what you're doing very seriously? The reason why I ask this is I see so many VAs in different forums doing things that make me think they're not taking this VA thing very seriously. It's the latest fad, it's something to fill in time, something they'll just 'try' for awhile to see if it works, and so on. As a result, their experience of … [Read more...]
One client is never enough
If you're in business, and not in a job, then having only one client is never enough. A recent post on a VA forum showed that a VA lost a client she had and was desperate to replace them as her income was gone. Here is my response to her. Unfortunately this is a lesson in NEVER being dependent on one client only. Ever. It's a lesson we all learn at some point in our businesses, some sooner than others (Yes, I've been there too). So important to work at getting multiple clients and spread the … [Read more...]
New VA seeking business
On Google+ recently a new VA introduced herself and her business and outlined the services she was providing. She'd only been in business 6 months and was struggling to find clients and connect with people on LinkedIn. She had a very clever business name which I remarked on. Here is my answer to her which is suitable for all new VAs. Very clever name, love it and welcome Claire. Joining discussion groups is the best way for people to get to know you, whether it's here, at LinkedIn or … [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...]
Are you lonely in your role as a VA?
Are you a VA who is finding it lonely working alone at home every day? This is a common occurrence for new VAs as they make the transition from the corporate world to a work-at-home scenario. Loneliness is one of the key factors for VAs not continuing their businesses and returning to the workforce. I encourage each of you to seek out local networks close to where you live so you can go to meetings. Business networks, council networking groups, if you have children, perhaps mother's clubs (or … [Read more...]
Saying No to a Client
I received a newsletter during the week from a coach who was talking about the very topic of this blog post. It raised an important aspect and that is not all clients are a good fit for us as Virtual Assistants. I know if cash flow is slow, our businesses are new or going through a slump, that we want to say yes to every client that makes contact, but that's not always a good thing to do. Particularly if the client has had a bad experience with a previous VA - they can often react to us in … [Read more...]
10 Surefire Steps to Market your VA Business
Have you wondered how to market your business and get your name out there? Have you wondered how others do it? There are some very simple steps to getting things happening and it very much relates to persistency and consistency - keep at it, even when it seems not much is happening. The reality is you're planting seeds and those seeds need time to grow. Some time ago I wrote a book called "10 Surefire Steps to Market Your VA Business" and it is available as an ebook at my VAShop. Some of the … [Read more...]
