Is it me or is it everyone else? It seems to me, if you email someone, requesting a quote, a job to be done, asking for information or something that requires a response, then good etiquette states you should reply and acknowledge the email, even if you don't have an immediate answer. Over the past year, different people I do business with have not responded to my emails of request for assistance or advice and the end result is I send more email messages and then end up ringing them because I … [Read more...]
Need a VA who can really do what they say?
I sometimes hear from disgruntled clients who secure a Virtual Assistant through various means only to find they can't do what they say they can. This is not only frustrating for the client but is bad for our industry too. As much as possible I try to encourage all I speak to, to look for Virtual Assistants through the VA Networks that have been established to help build up the industry, educate its members, and provide quality services to clients. Generally the VA members have had to meet … [Read more...]
10 Surefire Steps to Market your VA Business
Have you wondered how to market your business and get your name out there? Have you wondered how others do it? There are some very simple steps to getting things happening and it very much relates to persistency and consistency - keep at it, even when it seems not much is happening. The reality is you're planting seeds and those seeds need time to grow. Some time ago I wrote a book called "10 Surefire Steps to Market Your VA Business" and it is available as an ebook at my VAShop. Some of the … [Read more...]
What kind of skills do I need?
Periodically I get asked this question - to work as a Virtual Assistant, what kind of skills do I need? There are tons of different types of services that VAs are providing today, however, traditionally they did begin as work at home secretaries - those who had good secretarial skills in the corporate world, and they brought those skills home to develop their own businesses. The industry has evolved considerably over the past 15 or so years and today the skills are quite varied. I recently … [Read more...]
A day in the life of a VA Network owner
Many VAs do not know what goes on in the background of a network owner - or in fact anyone who owns or moderate a network of some type. So I thought I'd share my day with you. I had expected to get some client work done today but very little has been done. Instead, here is what I have filled my day with. Received a membership application but the person who filled out the form did not follow through with their resume or subscription. I logged into my autoresponder system to make sure they … [Read more...]
Daycare too expensive? Work at home!
There are many reasons why VAs become VAs and one of those many reasons could simply be because daycare for your children has become far too expensive. I know and appreciate that daycare givers also need to be compensated for their time and expertise but all the same, it is often far beyond what most households can afford. So the thought of working at home becomes one that is entertained often. I know, because I was there over 16 years ago. Racing home to get kids to clubs on time, or trying … [Read more...]
What kind of VA are you?
When you first enter the VA industry it seems to be just one particular type of role but as you become familiar with the types of services many offer or the types of services clients request, you begin to realise you can actually niche yourself based on your skillset or personal preferences. There are many different services you can offer as a VA and these are just some of them. Those that are hyperlinked will lead you to suitable courses or more information about providing that type of … [Read more...]
Good admin skills? Then take a step in faith
I love reading stories of those who have gained the confidence to step out in faith and begin work as a Virtual Assistant. When I began it was out of desperation to be home for my family of 5 daughters. I struggled with managing a job, family, home, kids' activities and so on. Working from home took out of the equasion traveling to and fro to a job each day (wasted time), having to account for any time off that I requested, not being available to my children (and husband) fulltime and instead … [Read more...]
VADirectory – a list for experienced VAs too
It came to my notice yesterday that many think the VA Network I own and manage, "A Clayton's Secretary" is for new VAs only and that experienced VAs cannot join. I was so upset when I heard this as that has never been the message I've been putting across and I want to correct it here and now. Otherwise known as VADirectory.net the VA network has been running since April 1996 and is for any and all VAs, providing they have a minimum 5 years previous office experience. The directory was … [Read more...]
