Regularly on the VA forums, and sometimes via direct email, I see this question from new VAs. They have worked out what services they are going to provide, have begun seeking ways to network and find new clients but then when they get asked 'how much?' they get stuck. That's ok, we've all been there in some form or another. What did I do when I was treading this same path 15 years ago? I looked at what I was earning the previous year in a corporate job. I knew that if I was going to make … [Read more...]
Mistakes VAs Make
I hope you like the series I've been doing on the mistakes VAs make in operating their businesses. I've been getting great feedback - both here at the blog and via email from various people and the list has been growing as I've been thinking about it when away from my office and doing other things. So, where did I get the idea to do this? Twitter. What Twitter? Yes. I saw someone post some weeks ago the number one mistake in their industry - it was just a single post and didn't continue on, … [Read more...]
The Number 5 Mistake That VAs Make
Offering services that they have no experience in or offering too many services. Many VAs, particularly newer ones, get carried away by the possibilities of what they can offer clients, not realising that if they cannot provide quality service, they not only do themselves a disservice but the whole industry as well. It's important you start with what you know best and can do with your eyes closed, so to speak, and then gradually build from there. Only you know what you're capable of, but you … [Read more...]
Number 3 Mistake New VAs Make
Thinking that all clients have to be virtual. Just because you are a Virtual Assistant and can work virtually does not mean all your clients have to come via the web. Many do not realise that they have potential clients next door, down the street, around the corner and at local businesses. This is why networking is such an important aspect of running a business - any business. Many do not realise they can have a mix of clients that are both local and virtual and this will not happen … [Read more...]
Getting past the no.1 mistake VAs make
Further to my previous 2 posts, I have more to add and Tracey's comment included some of what I wanted to say. When a client contacts you for a quote you need to project confidence and telling someone nervously that you are new and you're not sure what to charge, or umm and ahh over charges, will help give them a lack of confidence in your abilities and knowing what you are doing. What is there to be nervous about? If you know well the services you plan to offer then you know you are going to … [Read more...]
How to get past the no. 1 mistake VAs make
I wrote recently about the no. 1 mistake VAs make and it was good to see the comments coming in. I thought I'd follow up with things that new (and existing) VAs can do to help shift that employee mindset. Now, I'm not by any means trying to belittle employees and thank you Deb M for your comment. There are a lot of employees out there who are motivated, have self-initiative and don't wait to be told what to do. And this is the stuff that VAs should be made of as well. But it goes further … [Read more...]
Mistakes new Virtual Assistants make
The number one mistake (I believe) Virtual Assistants make is not changing one's mindset when entering our industry to become a VA. I'm going to post a series on this topic and I wanted to share the one I believe is at the top of the list. What do I mean by that? Many who join the chat forums plunge in and start asking questions before they've done the research and read the message archives or articles online about this industry. Or even some of the books available out there. What happens is … [Read more...]
Will you be the one?
I've been running a promotion here for our 1,000th member at "A Clayton's Secretary". We are very close to that number and it's been good to see the new members who have joined us over the past couple of months. Some of those members have received bonuses for joining and here are a few more lucky people. If your name is below, please contact me via email or the contact form here so that you can receive your bonus. Teneille Griffiths Juliet McDonald Penny Green Sophie Cherval Each of these … [Read more...]
Taking Your Business To New Places
As your Virtual Assistant business grows and develops a routine you will begin to wonder where else to take it. You will be feeling confident in what you are doing and looking for opportunities to add to it. I have done this over the years. They might not always look like opportunities at the time, and occasionally had the appearance of nuisance value. But because I wanted to please the clients I had, because I enjoyed the majority of their work, I would take on the extra duties they gave me … [Read more...]
