I participate in many forums and see lots of 'advice' being given to newbies in the industry by others who have only been VAs themselves such a short time. Some of that advice is good and helps to demonstrate the journey they, themselves, have been travelling, but I've seen some advice that was ill-founded although well-intentioned. It is really important that VAs who are seeking advice, mentorship, coaching and training, check the backgrounds of those advising them, especially if they do get … [Read more...]
Are you making it complicated?
You may be aware I run a Virtual Assistant training course and in the process, students are required to send me their homework from each week's lesson. One thing that has really stood out to me is that sometimes they try to complicate things when in fact it should be kept simple. What do I mean? Well, for example just creating client files. Some have thought of some security measure, others have used different filing systems other than alphabetized, some use codes and so on. What they are … [Read more...]
When the work load is low…
... what do you do? Believe it or not, it has happened to me, just as it has everyone else at some stage. Why does this happen? I believe it's because we get complacent when we are busy and we stop networking, stop marketing and we stop connecting with people. The momentum is hard to establish at the beginning but once it is going, it's best not to let it stop. Because around 3 months later work will start to dry up and things get quiet again. You have to keep feeding the funnel that you … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistants are NOT employees
It's hard enough educating the public about this. But when those who call themselves virtual assistants or VAs start calling themselves employees too, no wonder the clients get confused! This directly relates to a recent comment I saw on a blog about Virtual Assistants by someone who calls themself a Virtual Assistant. No-one interprets an accountant, lawyer, plumber, financial planner, electrician or other service provider as an employee so why the confusion about Virtual Assistants? Perhaps … [Read more...]
Clients Guide to Virtual Assistance
I've written a lot here about how clients can use VAs and even given you case studies to learn from. But I've never really shared why a client might want a VA. Remember that VAs can do your administrative work to keep your business running smoothly. So, here are just a few reasons: You should be doing what you do best, and delegate the rest. Why do work you don't have the skills and abilities for when you're earning what you earn in your regular work? If you're earning good money, you … [Read more...]
How to use a VA in your business
I get Google Alert daily which lets me know about new articles being published on the topic of Virtual Assistants. How refreshing it was to see today a new article that is clear about how to use a VA and is factual in the information. I particularly liked this paragraph which gave practical advice about affording a VA: Can I Afford It? The first thing to consider is whether or not you can afford to hire a virtual assistant. I’m actually starting to believe the advice given to me many years … [Read more...]
Seeking a VA to support you?
A recent comment on an older post here has sparked this post. The post related to VAs undercharging their work and a comment was made that it was thought VAs assumed they (the industry this person represented) was making a lot of money and could charge a lot higher. I want to say VAs don't work their rates according to what they think the client might pay. They do work their rates according to their own skills and abilities, cost of living and running a business and what is seen as a fair rate … [Read more...]
Social networking – good or bad?
We've recently had a very interesting discussion on the VA forum about the use of photos on websites and that then grew into a discussion on social networking. Is SN good or bad? Is it necessary or time wasting? Does it work? And then recently on LinkedIn a question relating to the same thing was asked and I thought I'd share with you my response there and some of my response at the VA forum. "Spam is probably the 'worst' part about it. Geez people/spammers, get a life! But apart from that … [Read more...]
What is a Virtual Assistant?
Interesting question. 10 years ago I would have told you it's a virtual secretary, someone who had left the corporate world and was now working at home and providing secretarial services virtually. However, as with most things, the industry has evolved and today Virtual Assistants provide many different services, depending on their particular skillset. So it's easy to see how people can get confused and wonder what a Virtual Assistant is? On the front of my website I have this … [Read more...]
