Had an interesting conversation with a prospective client today. They were despairing that they couldn't find good telemarketers and had spent extensive time doing some research to find the right people. I spent some time asking questions. Seems they only want to pay sub-contractor's rates and not full rates. I explained to them that an agency might pay the rate they wanted to pay to one of their workers but they would charge the client considerably more. The client agreed on that point. I … [Read more...]
Are you doing the work?
I sometimes wonder just how much effort some put into building their VA businesses? They join a network or forum, put up a website and then I see very little of them after that. Sometime later I get told they're closing their business or resigning from the network. What has taken place in between? Have they worked their networks, spent time marketing, have they gotten to know other VAs to increase the opportunities for sub-contracting or outsourcing? Have they participated in forums and … [Read more...]
New to the VA industry and looking for a job…
odesk, guru, elance, craigslist, you name it. New VAs come to various VA forums and ask about these different sites and wonder if they really work. The latest one was this: I'm new to the VA world and just came across this American company xxx that offers jobs to VAs and hiring opportunities for employers. Is it reputable and has anyone used them? This was my answer to her which was well received: odesk, guru, elance, freelance, craigslist. There are quite a few sites out there that give … [Read more...]
VAs, please get your facts right!
I get so frustrated when I see new Virtual Assistants write about our industry with incorrect information. I say they must be new because surely they would know better. I, and many of the VA leaders work hard at educating the public and the media on our industry and when someone publishes something inaccurate it actually undoes our hard work. Please get it right folks! VAs are NOT employees, we are business owners. If you've been engaged by an agency as a 'virtual assistant' and are working as … [Read more...]
It’s not a ‘get rich quick’ option
I saw a post by a lady the other day who wanted to leave her job and become a VA as an interim step to setting up another business. She was given some good advice by other existing VAs on what to do but it was obvious within a 24 hour time span she was getting impatient. She didn't want to spend time networking or building a business. She simply just wanted to earn money as she spent time building up what she really wanted to do. Is that how some really view our industry? Has it been so hyped … [Read more...]
Developing Confidence in your VA business
Developing confidence in anything new that we tackle is part of the growing process. From taking our first walking steps, to learning to recognising letters and words so we can read, to learning maths and the many other things as we grow up, learning and developing confidence in running your own VA business is part of the process. Did I feel nervous taking on my first clients, quoting for jobs or even that I was in business? You betcha! But the desire to run a business and be home for my … [Read more...]
Employer/Client – what’s the difference?
Well, I sincerely hope you do know the difference or perhaps you shouldn't be going into business. But it does astound me how many (new) VAs will refer to a prospective client as an employer. WRONG MINDSET and it's not going to help you grow your business. It is so very important to have the right mindset when going into business otherwise confusion can reign in your mind and it will make things difficult for you when establishing boundaries. What's the difference? Employer - sets the rates, … [Read more...]
Working with a VA should be a personal experience
I love this industry! It has allowed me to get to know my clients on a more personal level. What do I mean by that? Well, I don't mean that I've become friendly with their family and attend family functions (although occasionally I definitely have done that in the past) but it does mean that in getting to know my clients and the way they operate their businesses, I've been able to provide a much more personalised approach in the virtual assistant support I provide them. Some clients can get … [Read more...]
Sub-contracting to another VA? Treat like a client!
I had an email from one of my team recently who'd been sub-contracting to another VA. Turns out that while the job had been completed there had been some disagreement about how the job should have been handled and therefore billed. I've had similar emails from VAs from time to time. Sometimes things aren't that clear. They came to me for advice and we chatted about the outcome and what might have taken place before the job was secured. Basically it's like this (IMO). If you're … [Read more...]
