It's getting that time of year when many start looking at what they will do in the New Year. One of those things often means planning a change in jobs, or even branching out to run your own business. If you have good computer skills, with a background in admin or office support based work, then you could well become a Virtual Assistant. How do you get started? Well, you can simply set up at home and start to promote that's what you are doing, but chances are you're going to feel you're not … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistant blog now 6.5 years old
This blog was started in April 2005. I had no idea when I started writing it how long the blog would go for and yet here it is with almost 800 entries. My most popular posts over those years have been: 5 Top Ways to Use a Virtual Assistant My heartfelt thanks to the Virtual Assistant Community My first business card Virtual Assistant or Virtual Worker 15 years in business (of course it's now well over 17 years for me) If you're a regular reader you might have a favourite post that isn't … [Read more...]
Let a Virtual Assistant help you grow your business
The term 'Virtual Assistant' has been around for quite a few years now. Although I do regularly come across people who have only just heard of us, through a book, a newspaper article, or because they had an idea about working from home, started researching and discovered a whole 'new' industry they didn't know about. What is a 'Virtual Assistant' (VA)? It is some one who works on a virtual/remote basis who can assist you in your daily operations of running your business. If you were in the … [Read more...]
Being a VA does not mean working home alone
I saw an interesting 'side' comment from a VA at one of the VA networks this morning. She'd commented about how unselfish and sharing the VA community has been to her and that although she works at home alone, as we all do, she felt she had a number of allies to call upon. And she is right about that. Working at home alone day in and day out does require commitment and a resolve to manage on your own. Many don't succeed at this. They end up suffering from feelings of isolation and depression … [Read more...]
More on finding clients for Virtual Assistants
I thought I would share more on finding clients as a Virtual Assistant. We've touched on all the regular things and most of all networking - I believe that many don't fully understand the value and importance of real time face-to-face networking. Why ignore a good percentage of your potential client audience that is close by - just because you work virtually? Local face-to-face networking has always been effective and still is. I was doing that before the Internet and still do it today. I … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistance – Is it a steady income?
This was the question I was asked by a lady recently, who is looking to become a Virtual Assistant. She is thinking of joining my Virtual Assistant Network and wanted some assurance that she would earn an income. This is not an uncommon question and I thought I'd share my answer with you all here on my blog. In answer to that question - no, in the short-term and yes, in the long-term. There isn't a direct answer. What I mean is when you join you might get a client straight away or it … [Read more...]
Professional Development for Virtual Assistants
One of the great things about our industry is there there is a wealth of information out there - within and outside our industry, that we can all benefit from. There are four such events coming up in the next two weeks that would be of benefit to every VA out there. Of course, you have to guard your time (and your money if there is a cost involved) however you do need to weigh up whether the new knowledge or skill you gain will be of great benefit to your business and that of your clients. So, … [Read more...]
Getting the right support for your business
I mentioned the IVAA Oz Coffee Chat we had the other night and the discussion about a number of VAs losing a major client. One of the other things discussed that night was finding a suitable Accountant for our businesses. I'm amazed at the number of VAs who don't have an Accountant. When you're new in business chances are the only thing you know to do well is the service you are offering, be it word-processing, transcriptions, social media support, and so on. Few of us are across the … [Read more...]
The Challenges of being a VA
We had our weekly IVAA Oz Coffee Chat last night. A new event now happening Monday evenings, Melbourne time @5.30pm. All VAs are welcome - you don't have to be an IVAA member to participate. The discussion last night was really good. One of the VAs spoke of a major client who had gone bust and not only had she lost their business, but so had the 30 other VAs who were providing support to this client too. A red flag shot up in my mind's eye and I started to ask questions. The VA speaking is … [Read more...]
