Well, the second annual Australian VA Conference is just a week away. Although the numbers still aren't as high as I would like them (well into the triple figures) they are still higher than they were last year, and we're thrilled about that. We're delighted that IVAA is our major sponsor and that they are sending a delegate to the event this year. In fact, that person will be staying with me and I can't wait to show them a little bit of the Australian countryside I get to enjoy every … [Read more...]
Real Estate VA – niche
There are VAs who specifically support Realtors in the day-to-day running of their businesses. It's much more prevalent in the US than here in Australia, however there are VAs here who do support Real Estate agents. And I believe this is slowly growing. I've begun supporting a local agent recently and am learning about their systems, as well as advising on things they haven't yet ventured into, such as social media. What type of things can a VA do for a Real Estate Agent? These are just a few … [Read more...]
Let people know who you are
There seems to be this 'new' phenomenon where people email me or respond to an email and then not sign off their name. They make an assumption I know who it is. Often I have an email address and sometimes a business name but those things don't always clue me in as to who wrote the email. Which means I either have to search my database or do a search online to find out who it is that sent me the email. Doesn't matter if you think the person you're emailing knows who you are, it makes sense to … [Read more...]
Check your facts!
Been involved in an interesting discussion on a LinkedIn forum. Not relating to Virtual Assistance at all but rather my passion, photography. However, what has been taking place there is something we all need to be mindful of as Virtual Assistants and therefore often as advisors to our clients. I thought I should share my thoughts here. The discussion related to Copyright requirements for photos, but this can also apply to other items we deal with for our clients. So it need not be Copyright … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistants add value to your business
The value of a Virtual Assistant is being widely acknowledged now, although there are still many business owners who are learning all about our industry. I recently shifted to a new BNI chapter closer to home and there are quite a few categories in that chapter that are perfect 'power partners' for my Virtual Assistant business. I've had 10 dance cards (one-on-one meetings) over the past few weeks and have enjoyed sharing with each BNI member the diversity of the things that I do. I love … [Read more...]
Full time job as a Virtual Assistant (VA)
This week I saw a post where someone has posted a 'job for a fulltime Virtual Assistant'. Before any of you get excited, let me tell you why this is not a good idea. First and foremost, Virtual Assistants are business owner/operators - they provide a service to other business owner/operators. Several - not one. If you are in the situation of having only one client, then the tax dept in your country could see your working relationship as that of employer/employee which can open a whole can of … [Read more...]
Niche VA – transcriptions
Transcription work is popular and plenty. From private individuals reciting their memoirs, to authors writing a new book, minutes of meetings, conference recordings, police reports, legal meetings, medical reports and so on, there is a growing need for conversations and public events to be recorded and then transcribed. Even podcasts and webinars. So, the need for a Virtual Assistant with excellent typing skills (speed and accuracy) is a must for those who need this type of work carried out. … [Read more...]
Niche VA – Blogs
I first began blogging in 2005 I think it was. Lost track really. Blogging for me was the perfect outlet for the frustrated writer inside. I love to write! I've found over the years blogging is a great way to keep fresh content on your site, and to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in an area. A marketing guy I was speaking to recently confirmed for me my own thoughts - the importance of keeping a blog to its topic of choice and then start a new one if you have another topic you want … [Read more...]
What are you promoting?
A few weeks ago I had an interesting comment from someone who was looking for VA support. They said to me "I would have asked you but I know how busy you are and didn't think you had room for me". oops, is that how people really see me? It was too late to say I was interested in the role - they'd already engaged another VA. But it did make me realise that others may have this perception too. How are you promoting yourself? It's good to let people know you're busy but are you telling them … [Read more...]
