The economy has gone crazy with what's happening around the world in relation to the coronavirus but I wanted to let our client base know that we're still here. No-one knows how this is going to play out but there are still businesses running, there is still work being done, and there are many of our Virtual Assistant team members ready and waiting to help you. Perhaps you need to get the word out to your own client base on what is happening, or what's not, but not sure how to go about it? … [Read more...]
Tips For Working At Home
Talk of the coronavirus is rife at the time of writing this post. We're about 10 weeks or so into when the virus began to break out into the world. No-one knew what it might mean in their countries and at home, and we're, as yet, to learn how long this might go on for. So, as a consequence, there is lots of talk about people working at home - in those industries where it is possible. Working at home, though, can have its own challenges, especially for those who haven't done this before. It … [Read more...]
I want to make…
In some groups online I see new, or relatively new VAs talking about how much they want to earn a month and when by. I can see why they do it - putting it out there and the universe (may) help you get there. But sometimes, just sometimes, the figures mentioned are probably beyond achievable in just a few months, as much as they would like it to happen. We all would! However, there is preparation and thinking to be done to achieve what is spoken. This was my response to the VA hoping to make … [Read more...]
Networking isn’t just about building a business…
It's also about companionship. Most of us come from a job - a place where we are amongst many people and then when we venture out on our own, suddenly we're alone. No wonder many VAs return to a job in the first or second year of their business. It's not always about whether they're making enough money, or whether the business is surviving - it is often very much about the person who is running that business needing companionship. In my first couple of years I could see that being home alone … [Read more...]
Using the term ‘Virtual Assistant’
Some people get hung up on the term VA or Virtual Assistant and I responded to a query awhile back, inadvertently upsetting the person who asked the question. That wasn't my intention at all. She'd asked about using the term 'Virtual Assistant' and if that made clients disrespect us. I didn't think so and my answer was taken in the wrong way. Sometimes, how we write can be misinterpreted for the way it was intended. But perhaps I should add some context to this. The original VA is a lady … [Read more...]
How do I get a job opportunity if I have no experience?
This was a question asked of me recently and here's my answer: Do volunteer work. The reality is you need to build experience so the best way to do this is to volunteer. Are there charity organisations or other groups nearby that you could get involved with? Depending on the skill set you currently have, or want to develop, there is sure to be stuff you can do to help out. And if you don’t know of any groups, then look for Rotary - there are Rotary Clubs worldwide. Or Lions, or Apex … [Read more...]
How do you find your clients?
I was asked this simple question recently in a VA forum and here's my simple answer. It was in relation to my work as a Secretariat for Not -for-Profit organisations but the same can apply for any line of work in our industry. They find me :-) Word-of-mouth referrals through networking and meeting other people, plus my website and my LinkedIn Profile. One of the NFPs I'm looking after happened because I met a new committee member at a networking event about 9 years ago. Another was because … [Read more...]
Is $5 an hour too cheap for a VA?
I answer a lot of questions at Quora - are you familiar with this site? Today I was asked if $5 an hour too cheap for a VA. My answer was this: Depends on a number of things: Where you live and your cost of living The currency you’re working with The type of services you’re providing Your background experience and skill-set How many hours a week you want to work How much you want to earn on a weekly/monthly/annual basis Have you actually done a budget forecast … [Read more...]
What are the typical start up costs for a VA business?
It really depends on what type of services you're planning to provide and my answer below is fairly generic. As a VA who provides general secretarial and administrative support, the initial costs were: a reliable computer - most people already own this but didn't when I started in 1994 a reliable printer - ditto above somewhere to sit that is ergonomic to protect your back and neck from aches suitable software for the services you provide. Microsoft Office is still the standard. … [Read more...]
