I was chatting to a member of my network today. We'd jointly gone for a meeting to see a potential sponsor for the Australian VA Conference which is being held next month (March 2015) in Melbourne. The owner of the printing business decided to share his story with us and the reasons why he supports some businesses and organisations over others. Basically his work life and goals are driven by what he believes God would have him do. He's built a very successful printing business although he, … [Read more...]
The importance of Networking online and offline
I'm a firm believer that networking should be done as much offline as it is done online. I belong to two regular networking groups - one weekly and one monthly, and then go to others periodically too. I find I pick up a lot of referrals this way from people who like to meet who they're going to be doing business with, or who they will be referring to. This is how I began doing business before the Internet and I still am actively networking on a local basis regularly, over 20 years down the … [Read more...]
Learn about your client’s industry
There is good value in learning as much as you can about the industry/ies your clients work in. If your niche is a particular industry this is even more important. Each industry will have a number of things to help educate people in that industry: newsletters, magazines, trade shows, industry association events and the list goes on. It makes sense, that if you want to provide the best value you can to your client/s in a particular industry, then why not subscribe to their online newsletter? Or … [Read more...]
NEVER stop building your client base
I frequently see VAs posting on VA forums that their client is leaving them, cutting hours or doing something else and when questioning further about their situation, it often becomes apparent that they only have one client. You don't have a business when you have one client. What you have is a job, in general terms. It's very easy to stop doing the promotions and searches when you gain a client, but it's very important to keep promoting, keep networking and keep marketing, all the time. I … [Read more...]
Are you going to AVAC?
The 6th annual Australian VA Conference will be held at Melbourne Docklands in March 2015. The early bird bookings close very soon. If you're planning to go, why not go visit the AVAC site to get your booking in now! Dates are 20-21 March. All details are on the website. … [Read more...]
Join Australia’s oldest VA Network today!
Not only Australia's oldest VA Network, but also the second oldest in the world. Established as a network in April 1996, "A Clayton's Secretary" has witnessed many changes and lots of growth in the Virtual Assistant industry during that time. Until 31st December, we have a special offer for 12 months' membership at the price of $99AUD. You can apply here and follow through with your resume and subscription payment to become a member of this team of Virtual Assistants, with members in many … [Read more...]
A day in the life of a senior VA
If you're a regular reader of my blog and visitor to my site, you'll know that I run a Virtual Assistant Network and also provide VA Training via a 10 week course delivered by email. Many may think I don't do much else, other than participate on forums and social media, but I thought I'd give you some insight to what I do. I still service my own clients. Why? Because it's part of my income stream but also because I enjoy the work I do. I currently provide Secretariat services for an NFP … [Read more...]
6th annual Australian VA Conference
Have you heard the news yet? The 6th annual Australian VA Conference is being held 20-21 March 2015 at Melbourne Docklands. Most of the speakers have now been confirmed, the venue is booked and the conference committee are working behind the scenes to get everything else in place. Full details can be seen at the conference website and bookings are now open - with the early bird rate being available till 9th January 2015. But why not get it organised now before Christmas creeps up and the New … [Read more...]
Are you planning to become a VA?
It's the time of year when people begin to plan what will take place in the new year, change of job, change of pace, start a new business, etc. If you are thinking of becoming a Virtual Assistant, or perhaps have already begun but not sure exactly what you should be doing, then perhaps the VA Trainer course is for you. Some of the things that will be covered in this 10 week course will: Guide you in setting up your business Get you started on your own website and using social media … [Read more...]
