I love this industry! It has allowed me to get to know my clients on a more personal level. What do I mean by that? Well, I don't mean that I've become friendly with their family and attend family functions (although occasionally I definitely have done that in the past) but it does mean that in getting to know my clients and the way they operate their businesses, I've been able to provide a much more personalised approach in the virtual assistant support I provide them. Some clients can get … [Read more...]
A VA for each thing…
Somewhere along the line the general public (and clients) have been given the idea that you can engage one VA and get everything done! What a neat idea that is. Trouble is, it's usually far from the truth. The reality is that some VAs are generalists, i.e. they can do wordprocessing, database management, website management and even help with social media. I'm one of those VAs. But when it comes to including book-keeping, graphic design, public relations, marketing and even sales, then the … [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...]
A day in the life of a VA Network owner
Many VAs do not know what goes on in the background of a network owner - or in fact anyone who owns or moderate a network of some type. So I thought I'd share my day with you. I had expected to get some client work done today but very little has been done. Instead, here is what I have filled my day with. Received a membership application but the person who filled out the form did not follow through with their resume or subscription. I logged into my autoresponder system to make sure they … [Read more...]
Daycare too expensive? Work at home!
There are many reasons why VAs become VAs and one of those many reasons could simply be because daycare for your children has become far too expensive. I know and appreciate that daycare givers also need to be compensated for their time and expertise but all the same, it is often far beyond what most households can afford. So the thought of working at home becomes one that is entertained often. I know, because I was there over 16 years ago. Racing home to get kids to clubs on time, or trying … [Read more...]
Good admin skills? Then take a step in faith
I love reading stories of those who have gained the confidence to step out in faith and begin work as a Virtual Assistant. When I began it was out of desperation to be home for my family of 5 daughters. I struggled with managing a job, family, home, kids' activities and so on. Working from home took out of the equasion traveling to and fro to a job each day (wasted time), having to account for any time off that I requested, not being available to my children (and husband) fulltime and instead … [Read more...]
Get work as a Virtual PA
Welcome to viewers of Channel 9's A Current Affair Program. If you're looking for work as a Virtual PA, then you've come to the right place! This blog has many articles relating to how you would establish a work from home business and the types of clients who require our services. Commonly known as Virtual Assistants, many also refer to us as Virtual PAs. My own background has 23 years experience as a corporate PA before I launched my home based business over 16 years ago. My business has … [Read more...]
Need help with your database?
Do you struggle with managing your database? Perhaps it's keeping all the new entries in from the business cards and other contacts you've obtained? Or perhaps it's managing the mail merge aspect to send out letters, emails or perhaps even cards. Do not despair. There are Virtual Assistants who specialise in this type of work and they can manage several different types of database programs and CRMs. What do you need to do to engage the right VA? First, it would be helpful if you knew why you … [Read more...]
Get a Virtual Assistant to help you
Do you get overwhelmed by tracking information and contact details of everyone you meet or have contact with? Does this describe you and your business? Pieces of paper with names and addresses, phone numbers and/or email addresses written on them. Business cards in piles, or with rubber bands wrapped around them, or thrown in a drawer or box. Some entries in a spreadsheet or a database started but not maintained. Perhaps you have them all in your cell phone but they need to go onto your … [Read more...]