Some great topics are discussed at the VA forums. This was one of them and it was interesting to see how each VA got started on their journey in business. For me, it was through my church - even before my business had been started. A man knew I was a secretary at work and asked me if I could do some work for him at home. He also knew I had a computer at home (which was rare back in 1994). It made me realise that others may have need of my services and I had been contemplating starting up a … [Read more...]
How to get your first client as a Virtual Assistant
One question that is often asked on VA forums is 'how do I get my first client?' and the answers are always forthcoming from those who have already been there. When the new VA gets the answers they nearly always balk at the prospect of having to go out and meet people and network. I believe most of them think that in working at and from home means they will never have to go out into that big wide world again - wrong! You might be operating as a Virtual Assistant but that doesn't you mean you … [Read more...]
Keep your VA for long-term
It disturbs me when I see people complaining that they'd just 'trained their VA' only to lose them because they'd been 'promoted' to another project or client. I have to question where they got their 'VA' from in the first place. Virtual Assistants are self-employed business owner/operators, so in general are not placed with clients by an employer or agency, nor moved onto another client or job by an agency or employer. Through job requests posted at Virtual Assistant Networks the VAs get to … [Read more...]
Do they walk their talk?
If you're looking to become a Virtual Assistant, or perhaps you are already one, but looking to advance yourself further in the industry, then there will come a time when you seek further training, or a mentor, or even a network or two or more to join. Who you align yourself with, and learn from, is important. I encourage you to research the networks you choose to join, the training you decide to take, the person or people you wish to have as mentors. Do the leaders, owners, trainers, mentors … [Read more...]
Using a Virtual Assistant
Even though the Virtual Assistant industry is in its teens, there are still many business owner/operators out there who don't know how to use a VA or what a VA might be. Because there has been much written about it both online and in printed material, some of the information has been misconstrued or people get the information third party and it's not always accurate. Often it may be written by someone who doesn't work in the industry, but rather has shared their thoughts and ideas on what they … [Read more...]
Using a database
I was chatting to one of the members of my BNI chapter last week and during that conversation, I came to a realisation that not everyone understands what a database might consist of and how it can be used. In particular we'd been talking about his database and using Send Out Cards. He is interested in using the cards for his business but didn't know how he could use it in relation to the database program he is using. It was a program I'd not come across before. We'd also been talking about … [Read more...]
17 years ago today…
I nervously and excitedly made my way into the city of Melbourne to register my new business. I hadn't wanted to share my business name idea with anyone, in case someone else beat me to it. Little did I know what might transpire in the years to come and how my business name would be used, not only for my services, but for the services of many others. The world has indeed changed in those 17 years. Computers have changed incredibly, so has the media we use for storing information. It is … [Read more...]
Full time job as a Virtual Assistant (VA)
This week I saw a post where someone has posted a 'job for a fulltime Virtual Assistant'. Before any of you get excited, let me tell you why this is not a good idea. First and foremost, Virtual Assistants are business owner/operators - they provide a service to other business owner/operators. Several - not one. If you are in the situation of having only one client, then the tax dept in your country could see your working relationship as that of employer/employee which can open a whole can of … [Read more...]
Niche VA – transcriptions
Transcription work is popular and plenty. From private individuals reciting their memoirs, to authors writing a new book, minutes of meetings, conference recordings, police reports, legal meetings, medical reports and so on, there is a growing need for conversations and public events to be recorded and then transcribed. Even podcasts and webinars. So, the need for a Virtual Assistant with excellent typing skills (speed and accuracy) is a must for those who need this type of work carried out. … [Read more...]