In another of this series, here is an interview I did some months ago with Wendy Moore.

Please tell my readers a bit about who you are and what you do.

With over 14 years experience in the IT industry, I understood the amazing potential available to women in business who knew how to use the internet. What astounded me was the absolute lack of knowledge amongst fellow business women about the internet.  Basic fundamentals were just not understood by women and so many were missing golden opportunities to attract clients and get online.

I encountered two main barriers for women around the internet:  They either thought they had to do it all themselves, or they “don’t know what they don’t know”.  Faced with so many choices about the internet and feeling overwhelmed, many women simply choose to do nothing.

Recognising this gap, I decided to act and so Savvy Web Women was born.  I educate and empower other women in business to become internet savvy.

When did you realise you needed admin support for your business?

I know what I love to do and what I am good at. I also know which tasks take me a lot of time and what I don’t enjoy.  I quickly realised it would be a far better use of my time to focus on what I love and outsource the rest.  I now focus my energy on my business and have a number of VAs that I use, all specialists in their chosen field, to do the rest.  Doing this frees up my “brain space” and allows me to get back to business, knowing that my multitude of admin tasks are in great hands.

What type of support did you originally obtain?

I needed a knowledgable VA that would be able to get my blog up and running quickly and get it right first time.  Once the template was loaded and the blog was live, my VA is then able to update the blog regularly, including adding pictures to the articles and links to my social media.

Is the support you receive today the same as then or has that changed and if so, how?

As my blog has evolved, so has the support required to maintain it.  When my blog first went up, I chose a template based on what best matched the company colours and on what would be quick and easy to get loaded.  As I became more comfortable with the blog and also influenced by how easy other blogs were to navigate, I asked my VA to source more comprehensive templates to load behind my blog to make it more user friendly.  Once we chose the template, my VA was again employed to update and tailor the new template to fit into how I wanted the blog to look and feel.  By once again using a VA that knew her stuff, this process was quickly and easily implemented.

Do you have more than one VA supporting you, and if so, perhaps you’d like to give a brief idea what the difference is?

I have a number of VAs who each perform a different role.  Just as people are better at some tasks than others and enjoy some tasks more than others, so it is when it comes to finding a VA to suit your needs.  Be specific about the role you need them to fill and recruit the best person to fill that role.  Go for a specialist over a generalist.  I have a VA that does admin, one that updates my website, another who manages my affiliate program, and so on.  It is important to match the role to the best person for the job.

How did you find out about this type of support?

I first found out about VAs from a great mentor of mine, Brendan Nichols.  He employed no admin staff directly.  Instead, the admin side of his business was run using Virtual Assistants and I quickly understood just what a great business model that is.

How long have you had your current VA? (Feel free to name who they are)

Two of my longest VA relationships have been with Kathie Thomas (who established my blog) and Marta Costa (who manages my affiliate program).  Both were recruited for specific roles performing specific tasks and have been brilliant.  I also employ two part time VAs, Teresa and Ness, who are based in the Phillipines – these ladies really allow me the freedom to run my business.  My latest team member is Maria Zito.  For this role, I needed a local who could come into the office to provide on-site assistance as well as work remotely as needed.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Let go of the reins and outsource the tasks that you don’t need to do or don’t like to do to allow yourself to concentrate on what you do best. Be specific about what you need and if things are not working, move on.  There are some great VAs out there who will really work with you to help you achieve your business goals.

Another in our series of VA client interviews.  This time we’re delighted to have Camille Valvo of Professional Speaking with us.  Camille’s VA is a member of the “A Clayton’s Secretary” team.

Please tell my readers a bit about who you are and what you do.

I am unique event insurance as a professional MC, corporate facilitator and speaking coach. I eliminate stress for event organizers as their ‘professional up front’ and for speakers who need a little or a lot of help delivering their message.

I was born in the US, educated in Japan (speak Japanese fluently) and have lived in Sydney for over 20 years.

When did you realize you needed admin support for your business?

When I was getting behind in the admin tasks  and wanted to take on a few new projects

What type of support did you originally obtain?

Initially it was with formatting documents, collating articles, etc

Is the support you receive today the same as then or has that changed and if so, how?

My VA has been outstanding and anything I have inquired about, she has found the information for me or learned about it to assist me. So since our first meeting, we have worked through many different types of projects and I have met with her face to face to brainstorm ideas for my business. She has shared systems and ideas to simplify the way I work.

Do you have more than one VA supporting you, and if so, perhaps you’d like to give a brief idea what the difference is?

No just one, but she finds a way to assist me in all areas whether it is a referral to another source or a link for information.

How did you find out about this type of support?

Through another one of her raving fans (clients!)

How long have you had your current VA? (Feel free to name who they are)

I have been working with Monika Newman for about 2 years

Anything else you’d like to share?

Out of the blue, I often receive information/opportunities from Monika that are beneficial to me; she always has my business top of mind, which is great as it’s difficult to work on and in the business, all the time.

She is inspiring because she remains inspired. Monika is a keen learner, attending workshops and seminars on a variety of topics, to pick up new ideas and tips whether it’s of a general nature or within the VA support genre. Not only does this help her in her VA role, but she is great company too!

Another in our Client Case Studies, Linda has our own Terence Kierans from WA supporting her.   I feel it a real privilege that these clients are willing to share their stories about using Virtual Assistant services to support their businesses.  It is my hope as you read through these stories that you can see how VAs can assist you if in business, or if you are a VA, the type of services you could provide to develop a successful VA practice.

My name is Linda Simmon and I am a certified hypnotherapist in the Southern California (Los Angeles/Ventura) area.  If people really want to find out about me, the best way is to actually visit my site at www.newhypnotherapy.com but, suffice it to say that I was a paralegal for 5+ years and decided I needed a change so went back to school and got ertified as a hypnotherapist.  I completed my schooling and internship about 6 years ago.

I realized almost immediately after completing my training that I needed to have a website set up.  The reason was because I was offered the opportunity of writing a column for a popular astrological site and my column included a question answer section.  Since it reached people worldwide, I realized I needed a way for people to contact me and read about me and my work that didn’t include them calling me at any time of the day or night.

I first “met” TK after my site had been in place for a while when I decided that I needed a Shopping Cart System.  We were introduced to each other by Terri Romine and I felt we were a good fit for working together.

My practice includes telephone sessions with clients and recorded sessions they can purchased.  TK has helped me with the payments procedures necessary for this to run smoothly.

In addition, I put out a monthly newsletter and it is TK who makes it look good and ensures that it is delivered to my client list.  TK is also instrumental in formatting and distributing announcements that I periodically need to send out to my clients.

I do have another VA who supports my business.  The differences between their duties is that TK handles all my shopping cart issues, client list and mailing to my clients while my other VA handles changes to my website for me.

TK and I had been working together now for almost 3 years and during the course of those 3 years I have come to depend on him more and more because he has made it so much easier for me to do what I do best, and that is hypnotherapy and counseling.

Linda Simmon, C.Ht.
www.newhypnotherapy.com

This week Lisa Beavan (VA) introduces her client Jenny Vulcan of The Service Spirit.

Please tell my readers a bit about who you are and what you do.

The Service Spirit is focussed on inspiring people to embrace a fresh approach with their customers and employees through Leadership and Team Development programs.

When did you realise you needed admin support for your business?

Since starting my business I have always had some administration support

What type of support did you originally obtain?

Originally I looked in the local paper for people who advertised this type of contract support service.

Is the support you receive today the same as then or has that changed and if so, how?

The level of support required has increased and the type of projects has become more varied i.e. beyond just typing to: diagnostic support, client liaison, project management, research, personal assistance etc

Do you have more than one VA supporting you, and if so, perhaps you’d like to give a brief idea what the difference is?

Only one and if she needs more support she sub contracts out.

How did you find out about this type of support?

My VA is a personal friend and we have worked together since she started as a VA.

How long have you had your current VA? (Feel free to name who they are)

Lisa Beavan for 5 years (and many to more to come I hope!)

Anything else you’d like to share?

I have recommended VAs onto other colleagues / associates as I have had such a positive experience using a VA and the support network “A Clayton’s Secretary” provides is such a bonus, we gain so much value (and valuable answers to many varied questions) from this network.

If you have a client/virtual assistant story to share, please feel free to contact Kathie direct.

This week we have Hilary Henshaw, who is one of my clients but also serviced by a member of my team.

Please tell my readers a bit about who you are and what you do.
I am a professional singer and speaker.

When did you realise you needed admin support for your business?
When I was travelling and needed a virtual secretary to take messages etc and when I was developing product and needed to source various people such as desk top publishers. I also needed help with redesigning my website and designing promotional flyers.

What type of support did you originally obtain?
As above

Is the support you receive today the same as then or has that changed and if so, how?
It began with answering calls and taking messages in my absence and now includes the other services as above.

Do you have more than one VA supporting you, and if so, perhaps you’d like to give a brief idea what the difference is?
One for help with website and promotional flyers. One for help with book lay-out.

How did you find out about this type of support?
My husband used the organization and through National Speakers Association.

How long have you had your current VA? (Feel free to name who they are)
Kathie Thomas has helped me over several years. Cheryl Pisterman helped me this year with desk top publishing. Both are absolutely professional and excellent.

Anything else you’d like to share?
It is great to know that when I need to outsource tasks I can just go to Kathie Thomas and she will organize at least three different people to contact me with a quote and a chat, so that I can choose. A real boon to my business.

This is the 4th in our series of client interviews. And today we hear from Greg Burrus of New Jersey, about his Virtual Assistant, and one of my team members, who is based in Portugal.

Please tell my readers a bit about who you are and what you do.

My business www.TechOSS.com helps small business owners, retail establishments, solo entrepreneurs, writers, coaches and even celebrity chefs succeed through the use of internet communications technology. I provide blog and website development, internet marketing strategies and internet technology consulting and coaching services. Based on my TechOSS IOVC Strategy and Technology methodologies, I also provide a valuable free information technology Blogsite at http://techoss.com/blog-heaven. This resource now helps my clients and newbie business owners become self sufficient and learn the various tools that can help them market their businesses better to ensure their business profitability on the web.

When did you realise you needed admin support for your business?

As I started to pick up the work require to service customers but I wanted to expand to providing information products and services, I realized I needed additional help.

What type of support did you originally obtain?

Originally obtained help with having my VA build client profiles and update my blog website pages. I use her on demand as projects come up and she has been extremely responsive to my on-demand type request. She always finishes what she starts and always in a timely manner. I feel VA support is extremely valuable. It saves a tremendous amount of time, leaves me to focus on the the other areas that I need to build my strengths in since I can’t do it all.

Is the support you receive today the same as then or has that changed and if so, how?

Using VA for same type of support plus I now run issues and some strategy statements by my VA and she is extremely helpful in providing feedback and direction of some of my ideas.

Do you have more than one VA supporting you, and if so, perhaps you’d like to give a brief idea what the difference is?

No

How did you find out about this type of support?

An email came across my desktop and it was very professional and clearly stated her services.

How long have you had your current VA? (Feel free to name who they are)

Emma Crabtree of Red Box Virtual Office www.redboxvirtualoffice.com has been working with me for almost a year.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Since I am growing the business in different areas, I need someone who can work when I need them either long term or short term. The way Emma works as VA is that she is very flexible and able to work with me when I need her. Hence some times it is a longer term project and other times the project is short term and requires instant help. I can count on Emma to make it happen since the flexibility of the moment is extremely important to me.