If you have good office based skills, chances are you could become a Virtual Assistant and work at home fulltime. Thousands are doing it, so why not you? I celebrate 18 years of fulltime business this month (on the 24th to be exact). While it's not all been a bed of roses I can tell you I wouldn't swap the experience for a corporate job any day. The benefits of being at home fulltime far outweigh the benefits of working in a corporate job. I love the environment I work in, I love being here … [Read more...]
Need a Virtual Assistant?
Overflowing in paperwork? Don't know how to use the software? Need more time with your own clients? Originally providing admin & secretarial support, we provide a much wider range of services today. These include: data entry and database management, website design and management, social media support (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter), blog maintenance, bookkeeping, research, transcriptions, virtual reception, telemarketing and more. Servicing Business & Life Coaches, Professional … [Read more...]
What is a Virtual Assistant?
I can tell you what a Virtual Assistant (VA) isn't: Not an iphone4 Siri Not any other machine, mobile or android app, or anything like that, although we do use technology Not an automated online service Not an employee - we invoice our clients directly and not through an agency or some other type of service. People seem to use the term 'Virtual Assistant' to describe all sorts of things these days. But I'm here to tell you what a VA really is. We are like a PA or other office based … [Read more...]
What is your VA business worth to you?
I can't answer that question, only you can. But I can tell you what it's been worth to me. Almost 18 years at home working fulltime, instead of in someone else's office. No more wasted time travelling to and fro. Being present for my family when they've really needed me. Not having to ask for time off when an emergency arises - and believe me there have been a few in those 18 years. Being able to choose what training I wanted to do - things that were relevant to my business, the work I … [Read more...]
Are you an Aussie VA that runs events?
Came across a great site this week, when helping a client organise an event he was promoting. He wanted to take bookings online and make it as painless as possible. He'd been told of a couple of sites by associates and I tried one of them out for him yesterday when sending out a broadcast email. Very easy to use and set up, you can customise the page after setting up the initial information. The site is called Trybooking.com and this morning I logged back in to see if he'd gotten any … [Read more...]
The importance of follow up
I often tell my team, particularly newer members, how important it is to follow up new clients after an enquiry has been made. Often the clients are either in overwhelm mode: too much to do, or panic mode: the work needed to be done yesterday. Consequently when a message is left on their voicemail, or an email sent, the client might not see it, or might get distracted by something else, and good intentions have gone by the wayside. They know they need help, but they're so stuck in the middle … [Read more...]
What would I do if I were a new VA today?
Exactly the question asked on a VA forum sometime ago and here is my answer: Find an accountant to get the advice that is needed regarding legal requirements for your business. Apply for whatever licenses or register whatever you need to do legally regarding the tax dept for your region. A business name can wait till you've gotten started - it's not necessary and you can legally operate under your own name if you wish. Get business cards made up - doesn't have to be a real lot, even … [Read more...]
Phone access for clients
I've chosen not to use my mobile (cell) phone for my VA business. Why? Because I'm in my office 95% of the time anyway and they can get me via the landline and email - why do I need them calling on my mobile phone too? I use the mobile phone for personal use only, i.e. family, friends, emergencies. If I'm out of my office I can't be doing work for clients anyway, as the majority of what I do is done on a computer. And yet, it seems I'm in a minority and I think it shocks some clients when … [Read more...]
As a new VA, I can’t afford a website
I've been corresponding with a couple of new Virtual Assistants over the past couple of weeks. They found me via different VA forums and started emailing me for advice. One said she couldn't afford a website yet and was asking me what she could do to promote her business online. This is my response to her: "What makes you think you can't afford a website? The reality is you could get webhosting and a domain for a year for a very minimal amount of money (I provide this service and I know that … [Read more...]
