I can't believe it's around 9 months since I was invited to speak at FoVA. It seemed like such a long way ahead and yet it's now only 3 weeks away. I'll be meeting many well-known names in the Virtual Assistant industry face-to-face which is something I never thought would happen. You never know what's around the corner and the opportunities that will arise. If you haven't yet booked to attend the Forum on Virtual Assistance in Niagara Falls, Canada, it's not too late. And there's great … [Read more...]
Use the ‘squeaky wheel’ principle
I often get asked by VAs what they should do if they've submitted a proposal to a client's request and a few days have passed and they've heard nothing further. I always advise them to use the 'squeaky wheel' principle. What do you do when you have a squeaky wheel? You pay attention to it. So the client needs the same prompting - you should be in regular contact (without making a nuisance of yourself) and follow up. If they've heard from several Virtual Assistants and life is busy for them … [Read more...]
Honing new skills
Many VAs, particularly those new to the industry, are so keen to get clients that there are times when they will accept a job only to find they really don't have the skillset or experience to carry out the role. They then end up in a quandary - do they tell the client or try to find out quickly how to do that particular job? The questions asked at VA forums often show a tendency for the latter, rather than the former, or perhaps they have already told their client, but are going ahead with the … [Read more...]
A time for getting together
The Virtual Assistant industry has a number of events coming up over the next couple of months. IVAA has its Summit coming up this month, followed closely by OIVAC in May and then FoVA in June. Both IVAA Summit and FoVA are onsite events whereas OIVAC is purely virtual - you can attend from your home office. While it might not be possible for you to attend all three events it would be good for you to make an effort to attend at least one. It's a great time for getting to know your peers, … [Read more...]
Number 4 Mistake Some VAs Make cont.
I had written about who your target client base should really be and Kylee had commented about volunteering to get experience. This is something I've often written about in the past and I'm glad Kylee raised it. As business owners to learn new skills and software packages there are costs incurred over and above the learning time and purchase of software. We often need to find time to practice new skills or try them out but still need to be working and earning an income. Often the answer is to … [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...]
Planning to start your VA business in the New Year?
At this time of year it's traditional for people to start thinking about their plans for the New Year and the changes they want to make in their lives, and in particular, with the type of work or job they want. If you're one of those thinking about becoming a Virtual Assistant, or perhaps you already are but feel there is information you are missing and need/want to get up to speed for the New Year, then my 10 week coaching course may be exactly what you need! I have a Christmas special for … [Read more...]
