The number one mistake (I believe) Virtual Assistants make is not changing one’s mindset when entering our industry to become a VA.
I’m going to post a series on this topic and I wanted to share the one I believe is at the top of the list.
What do I mean by that? Many who join the chat forums plunge in and start asking questions before they’ve done the research and read the message archives or articles online about this industry. Or even some of the books available out there.
What happens is that the things they ask about show they still have an employee mindset and not that of a business owner. They expect everyone else to give them the information, the templates, everything they need to get going, even pass on clients or overflow work.
Those who really get ahead do the research, spend time reading, learning, setting up systems and making direct client contacts (everyone you meet and network with online or offline is a prospective client). They don’t expect everything to be given to them, or that they can access everything free (including software and training) and know that they have to put in the hard yards to gain ownership of their own business. They feel empowered because they’ve gone through the process of developing a business that has their own personality and isn’t a copy of someone else’s.
So, number one mistake a (new) VA makes? Keeping their employee mindset.
Kathie is the former owner of VA Directory and is former past President of the Australian VA Association. She founded the Virtual Assistant industry in Australia in the mid 90s, having already been operating a home-based secretarial service. Today the VA industry covers a multitude of office-based services for clients worldwide.
Monique Terrell says
Kathie, as always you hit it dead-on. This is something I have thought about in my time as a Virtual Assistant Business Owner.
You must think of yourself as a BUSINESS first and a VA second. Looking forward to your next post on the topic.
Monique Terrell, Virtual Assistant
Teri Dempski says
BRAVO! Thank you for being frank about this mistake. I did tons and tons of research on my own and spent lots of time lurking (learning) in the forums, before I posted any questions.
This is not to say that we aren’t here for each other, we are, but you can tell by the questions being asked that a VA has not done her due diligence.
I am looking forward to the rest of this series of posts!
Diane Coville says
Kathie, funny I hadn’t thought of that angle. I have had several newbies contact me directly. They usually say, :How do you do that?” I have offered 1/2 hr of my time to answer their specific questions and/or emailed them several links to organizations and sites for their research and info.
I guess I was thinking, I am happy to give them the info when I had to learn it all for myself.
I suppose If they are serious about pursuing a Virtual Assistance career, they would be doing the research themselves to find out everything they need to know to do the job. Maybe that is the difference between being a Virtual Assistant and a Freelancer?
Deb M says
Completely agree with you about this, Kathy, and what the business owner mindset needs to be. I do question the term “employee mindset” though – just because it’s generalizing. I know exactly what you mean, but it’s only some employees who won’t do anything unless they’re told what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. I think it’s an initiative issue. But I know plenty of employees with lots of initiative, so just wanted to speak up for them.
Excellent point and so true. Looking forward to the rest of this series.
Terence Kierans says
Exactly what I have had to virtually bite my tongue over Kathie.
TK
Kathie Thomas says
Thanks everyone, seems I’ve spoken what others have been thinking! Diane, I spend a lot of time on the phone and email helping would-be VAs. Some are insistent on asking the very same questions as I already have on my site but they seem to want to talk to a ‘real person’. It depends on their attitude as to how much info I give. If they’re demanding I cut it short – it’s not up to me to give them everything they want to know, but if they’re nice and appreciative I’ll spend more time with them. Let’s face it, I’m not getting paid for my time but I do believe in ‘what goes around, comes around’ and I do know that often those who really appreciate the help come back to give back when they can.
Angela Mattson says
Kathie:
Ding! You’ve got it exactly. There is a huge shift that must take place. From “part of” to “owner.” From, “just a job” to “my company.” From “renting” to “owning.”
Very timely article.
Angie Mattson
http://www.defineyourday.com
William says
It’s common for new virtual assistants to make mistakes, we all are if we are new to the job, but as soon as we get the hang of it, we will start working with more efficiency and regards to our productivity and performance.