I'm not the only one to offer a special (see this post). In my inbox, at Facebook and almost everywhere else I turn I see "Sale" signs popping up for the Christmas/New Year holiday season, and it's no different in the virtual world. If you have taken a course at VAClassroom before, then you know the value of the top-notch training offered, and if not, now’s the time to start. VAClassroom is now offering some of their in-demand courses at a discount – but just for the month of December so take … [Read more...]
What backup plans do you have?
A recent discussion at LinkedIn showed a number of experiences amongst the VAs about their back up plans, or, in some cases, no plans. One revealed that she hadn't started her business yet but had recently lost all her data on her computer because she'd been blase about the need for backing up. She's so glad it happened before she began her business. I've known of others who have lost valuable data over the years and it's either caused them to lose their business, or certainly to lose business … [Read more...]
Support services for Virtual Assistants
As new VAs establish their businesses they become aware of different services they need to gain access to. Some of the more obvious ones are Accountants, Solicitors, office suppliers, printer suppliers, etc. But what about merchant facilities and insurances? As your business grows and develops, and therefore your need to be able to provide protection to your equipment and business, and also your clients, then it soon becomes obvious that these other services area also needed. But who do you go … [Read more...]
Do your clients direct your path?
I find that mine have. Over the years I've changed the services I provide, depending on what the client needs appear to be. I began with word-processing and data entry, and very quickly moved into managing databases for clients. I love database work and it was something I was doing in the corporate world so it was a natural progression for me. Although, when I first began my business, I couldn't see how I would attract clients needing database work done. Early in my business I began … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistant Training at a special price
Are you planning to start a Virtual Assistant business but not quite sure what to do or how to start? Or, perhaps you've been operating for the past year, but struggling to get clients or wondering what you should be doing on a regular (daily) basis? The VA Trainer course was written with you in mind. Launched in 2006 VA Trainer has had many VAs register for the course and continue it through to completion. Delivered by email over a 10 week period, you have a total of 20 weeks to complete the … [Read more...]
Thoughts for the New Year
Have you thought about how you are going to help your clients in the new year? The following is an email I sent out to a selection of clients I know have toyed with some of these ideas over the past couple of years but still haven't quite gotten down to it. Perhaps I can help them move forward in 2013. So, 2013 is almost here. Do you remember what you were planning for this year, or even the previous year, but never got around to it? I know I’ve mentioned this before but these things are … [Read more...]
Loving the work you do
I really love the work I do, especially when it helps a client succeed in a goal. Some clients are long-term, some are short-term. Below is a story about a short-term client. One of my latest is a student at Swinburne Uni who has cerebral palsy. For the past 10 years, he's been writing his life story, with the help of his various carers. Two months ago I was contacted to see if I could assist in putting his manuscript into a format for publishing and help them get the book published. I have … [Read more...]
Stationery Junkie
Is anyone else like me? A stationery junkie? I know there are a few VAs that feel the same way. I go into raptures every time I walk into Officeworks, or a similar store. Just the clean reams of paper, or an untouched notebook, all the play things in the tech section, new pens and pencils. So many things. I just love seeing everything and even touching some of it. And I particularly like a brand new clean diary. A promise of the new year to come and the promises that new year holds. I just … [Read more...]
How did you get your first client?
A question I'm often asked in different places. Usually by new VAs who are dead set keen to get their first client and not sure how to go about it. I thought I'd share how my first clients came about and encourage readers to add theirs as well. For me it was 1994. I was telling everyone I knew what I was planning to do... leave my job and start up my own secretarial business at home. A man at my church came and asked if I could do some typing for him and that was my first job. Only a few … [Read more...]
