I often see on VA forums new VAs despairing because they don't have an existing client base when they start their business. It's possible that some might, but that's a rarity. The reality is the majority of us don't have an existing client base - we're starting afresh. But we do have contacts. Any single person is a sphere of influence: family, friends, friends of friends, friends of family, members of any groups we belong to such as sport, church, hobbies and other activities. Then there's … [Read more...]
Building a VA business – takes more than a day…
I watch the VA forums online and love to participate and encourage all within the industry, particularly the newbies. But I do have a concern that there appears to be this misconception that they'll have a fully functional business within a month or two, and when they don't, they become very despondent and ready to give up. Where does this perception come from? Is it all the marketing online about overnight businesses, working just 4 hours a week or something else? Any business, no matter … [Read more...]
Do you have a Facebook profile?
If you have a Facebook account, and are in business, it would make sense to ensure that your business details are listed in your About tab. It amazes me that so many do not have their business websites linked in the About tab on their personal profiles at Facebook. If you have your privacy settings on, people won't be able to see your other details but they will be able to see what is in the About tab. So it makes sense to make use of that piece of real estate. If you're a member of a group … [Read more...]
Linkedin and Google ranking
One of the LinkedIn groups was discussing how you can check your *Google rank for your LinkedIn profile. Why were we checking our ranking? Because the person posting the original message had a theory that we would all be at the same rank for our profiles at LinkedIn. It was soon found that wasn't the case, although the majority at the discussion seemed to have a ranking of 3, there were some with 2 and 4 as well. I hadn't thought to do that before and so thought I'd play the game too. My … [Read more...]
The Faceless Ones in Social Networking
As many of you would know, I'm an active networker, both online and offline. I love connecting with people, learning things, sharing my own knowledge and experience and helping others move forward with their businesses. There are times when I come across people who don't really seem to get what networking is about. For some it's about how much business they can get, but they're missing the other half of the equation - developing relationships and building a list of resources for their own … [Read more...]
Too old to be a VA?
Don't you believe it! I had a lady email me via LinkedIn during the week. She was feeling despondent and depressed because she wanted to work, had been classed as 'disabled' in her country and had good administrative skills but unable to get work. She was just looking for something worthwhile to do and had been getting negatives from people around her and told me that being in the 50 plus age group had complicated things for her. This is my response to her. I'm so sorry all of this has … [Read more...]
Buying a Virtual Assistant
Odd term, I know. But that's what I saw recently in a forum. A guy wanted to buy a VA for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. He asked for the monthly rate. He was posting via a job forum because he wanted to get the VA direct rather than through an agency which doubles the charges (his words, not mine). That made me wonder if people think engaging a VA through a VA Network means they're paying higher rates and I want to let you all know that 'no, you're not'. When a Virtual Assistant registers … [Read more...]
Do you need a VA in your region?
One of the great things about VA Directories that are international is the ability to seek a VA in your own country or region. Recent posts I've written have been about sourcing a VA in Australia (because that's where I live) but what about in your own country, if you are elsewhere? While it is true that a lot of work can be done by a VA anywhere in the world, there are also some good reasons why you might want to consider a VA in your own region. And they include the following: Being aware … [Read more...]
Where do you get your VA from?
There's been interesting discussions in Australia and the US via the various VA forums, about businesses outsourcing offshore versus inside their own shores. We feel that it is often important to do business with people who know how business is done in one's own country, and all that entails with respect to legalities, taxes, IP, and so on for many of the services provided. Not all, but many. A VA colleague recently came across an article in the US that discusses those same things and the … [Read more...]
