Those who know me, will know I frequently promote that it's important to network on a face-to-face business but perhaps I've never fully out lined the reasons why. Two are meeting potential clients and also finding the resources you need for your own business. Firstly, let me tell you I've built a large part of my business through face-to-face networking over the past 22 years and while I do get new clients contacting me via my website and through social media, face-to-face networking is … [Read more...]
Showcasing your work
Do you create examples of your work if you don't have a portfolio in the services you provide? For some that's relatively easy, e.g. graphic designer, web designer, photographer, etc. But what about if you provide other services as a VA? Why do I ask this? Because, this morning I had a client request for work to be completed and he needed to see examples before the chosen VA could start. In this case, PowerPoint presentations and they needed to be advanced … [Read more...]
How many clients should I have?
Variations of this question often arise at VA forums. Stories about how many each can manage, how many hours a client wants or demands, offering packages with retainer hours, clients wanting a VA totally to themselves, etc. Many stories, many discussions. Virtual Assistants are independent business owner/operators and, therefore, need to be able to service more than one client. They are not employees so no client has the right to demand or ask that a VA doesn't take on any other clients. … [Read more...]
I’m a Virtual Assistant and I don’t work for free
Ever been asked to work for free? I'm sure you have but if not, it will happen... sometime. Many people do not value the skills and abilities that VAs have. Yes, we've been to school, many have gone on to college or Uni, or have even done courses in their adult years. Many have Certificates, Diplomas and other forms of documents that show they've put in the work required to earn them. And then years of working in the corporate world, or a particular industry, to later set up a business as a … [Read more...]
Number 3 Mistake New VAs Make
Thinking that all clients have to be virtual. Just because you are a Virtual Assistant and can work virtually does not mean all your clients have to come via the web. Many do not realise that they have potential clients next door, down the street, around the corner and at local businesses. This is why networking is such an important aspect of running a business - any business. Many do not realise they can have a mix of clients that are both local and virtual and this will not happen … [Read more...]
Two years in a row! “Australian of the Year” nomination
I picked up my past week's mail this morning as I've been away on leave and was pleasantly surprised (and thrilled) to find I've been nominated again for the "Australian of the Year" Awards for 2009. I love what I do and when it is acknowledged by others because it's helped them in some way, it makes the work all the sweeter. Thought I'd share with you all the certificate I opened today. I received a letter too, from the current Chair, National Australia Day Council, Adam Gilchrist, … [Read more...]
Number 2 Mistake Some New VAs Make
Ok, I know many of you have been waiting for this. I believe it to be setting rates that are too low. This also includes allowing clients to tell you what you should be charging. Many VAs, particularly in the first year or two of their businesses, mistakenly think they should charge low to get the clients. What happens is a number of things: They find quickly that they're not making much money and have difficulty covering all their overheads and have some left over for themselves. They … [Read more...]
Getting past the no.1 mistake VAs make
Further to my previous 2 posts, I have more to add and Tracey's comment included some of what I wanted to say. When a client contacts you for a quote you need to project confidence and telling someone nervously that you are new and you're not sure what to charge, or umm and ahh over charges, will help give them a lack of confidence in your abilities and knowing what you are doing. What is there to be nervous about? If you know well the services you plan to offer then you know you are going to … [Read more...]
How to get past the no. 1 mistake VAs make
I wrote recently about the no. 1 mistake VAs make and it was good to see the comments coming in. I thought I'd follow up with things that new (and existing) VAs can do to help shift that employee mindset. Now, I'm not by any means trying to belittle employees and thank you Deb M for your comment. There are a lot of employees out there who are motivated, have self-initiative and don't wait to be told what to do. And this is the stuff that VAs should be made of as well. But it goes further … [Read more...]
