Operating as a Virtual Assistant gives flexibility to the way we work and also to our lifestyle. Over the years I've had clients appreciate that I could juggle things to meet a deadline or get something happening quickly for them when they weren't expect that could be done. On the other hand I've enjoyed the flexibility that working from home in this way has given to my life and I know my family have appreciated that too. Being a VA means we have control of our diaries - not anyone else, and … [Read more...]
Looking for a mail list option to run on my server
I currently run my site on Wordpress with Wishlist installed to manage members of my network. I want to bring onto my site a suitable mail list option for my members to use, instead of an external service. This is what I perceive is needed: Messages to be archived so that members can view past messages at any time they login Messages can be sent from any member to entire list via email (as in yahoogroups) Multiple lists able to be set up for smaller groups (as can be done in … [Read more...]
The promise of work
Readers will know that I own and manage a Virtual Assistant network, as well as moderate two VA forums. We get new readers here every day so I just wanted to mention that before following with this post. Yesterday I received an email from a lady wanting to know how much work she would get if she signed up to join my VA team. This is not an unusual request and is probably one I get almost every week, sometimes more often. In this case it was for medical typing but sometimes it's for … [Read more...]
Get work as a Virtual PA
Welcome to viewers of Channel 9's A Current Affair Program. If you're looking for work as a Virtual PA, then you've come to the right place! This blog has many articles relating to how you would establish a work from home business and the types of clients who require our services. Commonly known as Virtual Assistants, many also refer to us as Virtual PAs. My own background has 23 years experience as a corporate PA before I launched my home based business over 16 years ago. My business has … [Read more...]
VA + NFP = Perfect Marriage
Chatting to a VA over the weekend made me realise how much a Virtual Assistant working with a Not For Profit is a perfect fit. You could say it's the perfect marriage. Organisations run by volunteer committees at some time or another get to the point of overload. The committee members have to make a decision of where to go next, they've come to the cross road. Some struggle or find more committee members but more often than not, many get burnt out and move on, leaving the organisation lacking … [Read more...]
Need help with your Virtual Assistant Business?
I love to help VAs starting out in business, or those who are a bit further along but still need a helping hand. I have 4 different ways I can help VAs get their businesses rolling and perhaps one, two, three or all four are what you need! I will list them in the order they were created. Virtual Assistant Network. Operates under the name of "A Clayton's Secretary" and was formed in April 1996, making it one of the world's oldest VA networks in existence. Membership based, renewable … [Read more...]
Gmail the new Hotmail?
Do you use gmail? I do. I love the filtering system and the fact that I can channel more than one email address through my account so I can check ALL email when away from my home or office at any period of time. It's a great system. However, I manage several forums online and I'm finding increasingly that more and more spammers are using gmail addresses. No longer can I approve a gmail address without reservation - I need to keep an eye on them, or in some cases ban them outright when they … [Read more...]
Need help with your database?
Do you struggle with managing your database? Perhaps it's keeping all the new entries in from the business cards and other contacts you've obtained? Or perhaps it's managing the mail merge aspect to send out letters, emails or perhaps even cards. Do not despair. There are Virtual Assistants who specialise in this type of work and they can manage several different types of database programs and CRMs. What do you need to do to engage the right VA? First, it would be helpful if you knew why you … [Read more...]
The flexibility of being a Virtual Assistant
Recently, a member of our VA forum was highlighted in a national paper with respect to her 'sea change' and the work she does from home. The paper was highlighting the jobs that could be done at home. Being a Virtual Assistant has so many positives to it. Let me share with you some of those benefits: You choose the hours you want to work to fit around family schedules You choose the type of work you want to do, based on your skillset and personal interests You decide what your rate of pay … [Read more...]
