As Virtual Assistants we are constantly using the written word to communicate with clients, potential clients, our peers and others online. We help our clients reach out to their clients as well and use many different mediums to achieve this. Ways to do this include blog posts and e-newsletters. The thing we have to remember is that our audience is global - not just local. And I find so many lists I am on forget this. Just simple things such as saying 'welcome to Spring' when, in fact, half … [Read more...]
Tips for working with a VA
Looking to engage a Virtual Assistant but not sure what to expect? The tips below are designed to help you enjoy the experience! Each Virtual Assistant works as an independent contractor in their own business. Some work full-time and some part-time and also in temporary positions. Because they work independently, prices may vary so feel free to shop around. Please understand that until the work is sighted, it is sometimes difficult to accurately price a job. Because each VA works in their … [Read more...]
Celebrating 18 years in business
Hi everyone, 24th March marks the 18th anniversary of my business being opened. It was National Secretaries Day on 24 March 1994 when I registered my business "A Clayton's Secretary" and officially announced to the world that I was open for business. Well, announced to anyone I met in Melbourne, Australia, really. The internet wasn't operating then so I didn't have any real way of announcing to the world, nor did I envisage wanting to. My focus was on finding clients as close to home as … [Read more...]
Looking for Virtual Assistant work?
If you have good office based skills, chances are you could become a Virtual Assistant and work at home fulltime. Thousands are doing it, so why not you? I celebrate 18 years of fulltime business this month (on the 24th to be exact). While it's not all been a bed of roses I can tell you I wouldn't swap the experience for a corporate job any day. The benefits of being at home fulltime far outweigh the benefits of working in a corporate job. I love the environment I work in, I love being here … [Read more...]
Need a Virtual Assistant?
Overflowing in paperwork? Don't know how to use the software? Need more time with your own clients? Originally providing admin & secretarial support, we provide a much wider range of services today. These include: data entry and database management, website design and management, social media support (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter), blog maintenance, bookkeeping, research, transcriptions, virtual reception, telemarketing and more. Servicing Business & Life Coaches, Professional … [Read more...]
What is a Virtual Assistant?
I can tell you what a Virtual Assistant (VA) isn't: Not an iphone4 Siri Not any other machine, mobile or android app, or anything like that, although we do use technology Not an automated online service Not an employee - we invoice our clients directly and not through an agency or some other type of service. People seem to use the term 'Virtual Assistant' to describe all sorts of things these days. But I'm here to tell you what a VA really is. We are like a PA or other office based … [Read more...]
What is your VA business worth to you?
I can't answer that question, only you can. But I can tell you what it's been worth to me. Almost 18 years at home working fulltime, instead of in someone else's office. No more wasted time travelling to and fro. Being present for my family when they've really needed me. Not having to ask for time off when an emergency arises - and believe me there have been a few in those 18 years. Being able to choose what training I wanted to do - things that were relevant to my business, the work I … [Read more...]
Are you an Aussie VA that runs events?
Came across a great site this week, when helping a client organise an event he was promoting. He wanted to take bookings online and make it as painless as possible. He'd been told of a couple of sites by associates and I tried one of them out for him yesterday when sending out a broadcast email. Very easy to use and set up, you can customise the page after setting up the initial information. The site is called Trybooking.com and this morning I logged back in to see if he'd gotten any … [Read more...]
The importance of follow up
I often tell my team, particularly newer members, how important it is to follow up new clients after an enquiry has been made. Often the clients are either in overwhelm mode: too much to do, or panic mode: the work needed to be done yesterday. Consequently when a message is left on their voicemail, or an email sent, the client might not see it, or might get distracted by something else, and good intentions have gone by the wayside. They know they need help, but they're so stuck in the middle … [Read more...]
