The term 'Virtual Assistant' has been around for quite a few years now. Although I do regularly come across people who have only just heard of us, through a book, a newspaper article, or because they had an idea about working from home, started researching and discovered a whole 'new' industry they didn't know about. What is a 'Virtual Assistant' (VA)? It is some one who works on a virtual/remote basis who can assist you in your daily operations of running your business. If you were in the … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistance – Is it a steady income?
This was the question I was asked by a lady recently, who is looking to become a Virtual Assistant. She is thinking of joining my Virtual Assistant Network and wanted some assurance that she would earn an income. This is not an uncommon question and I thought I'd share my answer with you all here on my blog. In answer to that question - no, in the short-term and yes, in the long-term. There isn't a direct answer. What I mean is when you join you might get a client straight away or it … [Read more...]
When you start a business
There seems to be a wave of new Virtual Assistants entering the industry that have an inaccurate understanding of what a VA is and what they're supposed to be doing as a VA. Which is a shame as this just adds more confusion to clients as well. Let's get it straight. A Virtual Assistant IS a business owner/operator. They are NOT employees. As such they are responsible for their own taxes, insurances, software, hardware and other expenditure relating to running a business. Oh, and that means … [Read more...]
Where do your clients hang out?
When you're a new Virtual Assistant, it can sometimes be difficult to determine where to find your potential clients. All the obvious things come to mind: newspapers, flyers, Yellow Pages, noticeboards. Some of these things cost money and some don't - just a bit of time and effort. But there are other things you can do or use to help you find your potential client base. The important thing first may be simply working out what your client might look like. Not physically but more with respect … [Read more...]
Call me a snob, but…
If someone sends me an email (unsolicited) promoting their products and expecting some interest and hopefully a sale, wouldn't it be in their business interests to sign off their name properly, add their business name (if they have one), include contact details (other than a generic email) and perhaps even a website? I mean, if they're in business, promoting to people online, wouldn't it make sense to make the best possible use of their time with their email to encourage people to do business … [Read more...]
Do you have a Virtual Assistant yet?
I guess I shouldn't be really, but I still get amazed when I meet people, or hear from them via the phone or online, that they've just discovered our industry. They'd not heard of a Virtual Assistant before and didn't know what it was. Having been part of the industry since its birth many years ago, it's easy to forget that not everyone has had exposure to the internet as I have had, and indeed, if you have been in the corporate world or manufacturing industry, or elsewhere that really doesn't … [Read more...]
Remember, you’re on duty 24/7
If you operate a business online and have a web presence, it's important to remember you're on duty 24/7. You might not be at the computer all of those hours, but your written words are. So always having your best on display is important, no matter where you venture on the web. Email, website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and other social media tools, chat forums, discussion groups. Doesn't matter really where, if it's online and potential clients or business associates can read it, then … [Read more...]
I’m new in business and want to get started
This is a common question for those new to the Virtual Assistant business. How do they find clients? Should they be networking? Do they really have to go out and meet people? What about those sites where you have to pay to get work and so on. Networking is paramount, both online and offline. If people don't know you exist, then they're not going to think of you when looking for your type of service. Building relationships is still very important in business, probably moreso because people … [Read more...]
Affiliate programs do work!
Virtual Assistants work from home based offices, so it's natural that the industry would attract those who are keen to work from home, and be present for their family members. Family are the very reason why I work from home. I wanted to be here for my 5 daughters while they were in school. They're now grown up and have left home but I'm still here and at home. Probably just as well too as my husband had a serious accident just over 3 months ago and he's needed me to be here for him. Readers … [Read more...]
