This is a question I see asked at VA groups and forums from those who want to enter into the industry. It's quite easy really. You simply make a decision and then start acting like a VA. But to do that, there are some things you need to have set in place: You must have a good command of the skill set you want to offer as a service. No point in offering word-processing and data entry services if you can only type 20wpm. You would need to be much faster (at least 60wpm) and have around 98% … [Read more...]
Do you have a book inside you?
A few years ago I published my very first paperback. It was such an exciting feeling. Months of writing finally coming to fruition. And a nervous time too. Would others want to read the book? Would it sell? I already had a blog on the same topic that was well received and had many, many visitors every single month. Usually thousands and at May each year that easily doubles. Why? Because the topic relates to women working at home, primarily mothers. And the subject matter is searched for … [Read more...]
Investing in your business
Business is so different to what it was say, 20 years ago. At that time we didn't have the Internet to promote our businesses and to buy a computer often required getting a loan if we didn't have that much cash available at the time. Not to mention purchasing a printer (colour was often out of reach), a fax machine, answer machine and a number of other items. They were all individual items and not like the multifunction items we have available to us today. However, with everything being so … [Read more...]
Is it time to engage a Virtual Assistant?
Do you find yourself with too much work at the end of the day and not enough hours? Do you get frustrated because you always have admin stuff to be done but can't charge that out to any client in particular? Do you find yourself wishing you knew how to use certain software programs or understanding online processes better? Do you simply just find yourself in overwhelm mode and wish you could get it together like everyone else you've met seems to have done? If you answer 'yes' to one or more … [Read more...]
Christmas events
As a VA and Business Owner, the opportunity for the Christmas business 'do' may not arise. In the early years of my business I got around this by holding an afternoon tea, close to Christmas each year, inviting my clients to come along and meet each other. None had to bring anything with them, although some always did. I financed it completely and it was a way of thanking them all for their patronage throughout the year. This worked well for several years and it was pleasing to see the amount … [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...]
Are you doing the work you love?
I fell into the Virtual Assistant Industry simply by being in the right place at the right time. I'd left a corporate job where I was feeling frustrated by the lack of opportunities for moving up the corporate ladder. I had good skills that I felt were going to waste and I was often looking for ways to add to my job while I was there. I know I made it difficult for my successor in that role, simply because the position had been molded around my own abilities. And I know the 8 Project Officers I … [Read more...]
10 Tips for Getting Started as a Virtual Assistant
You've decided you want to become a Virtual Assistant but now what to do next? There's lots of information out there, some of it conflicting, and it's hard to know what to decide upon. Well, providing you have a good computer, reliable internet connection and a decent printer you're part of the way there, but there's lots to do still. Being a virtual assistant means you are going to be a business operator. That means there are legal things and tax things required. You should find a local … [Read more...]
Forums or Networks and how many should I join?
This is a question I see asked on many VA forums. The reality is that it's important for you to share and learn from your peers, but also make sure you're getting exposure for your business too. I belong to several forums and participate at each one from time to time, but not every day for all. However, I do believe it's important to belong to VA Networks as well as forums and I am a member of 4 currently. These have both forums and job postings from clients so I get both sides covered there … [Read more...]