I had a VA contact me today, concerned because she'd been 'off the air' and unable to access her website and email. She'd had to use a free email account to send a message to me. The webhost had taken her payment but not kept record of it and had taken her off the web. She had proof she'd made payment - it showed up in her statements but they were being difficult to contact and not responding. There is a very important thing for all to realise in a situation like this. What belongs to you and … [Read more...]
Email Etiquette III
First published May 2003. Further to my previous issues this subject continues - part III. This month I'll share on Topic Changes and Read Receipts. Both can give you some trouble if you're not careful. Topic changes This applies particularly to discussion groups, but could also take place in normal everyday exchange of emails between two or more people. It is common that subject matter in emails change quickly - one person might send an email with one topic, another replies and it prompts … [Read more...]
I joined a forum but I’m not getting their messages!
Does this sound like you? Have you wondered why that might be? The chat forums are a great way to learn about your industry, mix and mingle with other VAs (or whatever your industry might be) and pick up work. However, unless you monitor your membership with these forums, you may find you're missing out on information or worse still, a job referral! Because the forums have addresses that are used by hundreds of thousands of people, it also means that they have their fair share of spammers … [Read more...]
Time Management With Clients
I had my eyes opened by a client late last month. A prospective client in the US had emailed three of my existing clients with a list of questions relating to the services I provide for them. The responses they gave I was very happy with - feedback is always good for your business, and the soul! However, there was one comment one of my clients made, that had me thinking a little more about how I handle my clients, and the workload that comes in. I'm going to share it with you as I think it might … [Read more...]
Email Etiquette II
First published April 2003 I had great feedback from my last article, and was asked to write further on the subject; hence my title. This month I'll share on Email Etiquette in discussion groups. For those who are not yet aware, on the Internet there are hundreds of thousands of discussion groups available in any topic imaginable. The most popular group systems used are YahooGroups.com, Topica.com (no longer operating as this) and SmartGroups.com but there are others. Some web owners set up … [Read more...]
Developing Online Credibility For Your VA Business
Recently on the chat forum I moderate we were asked about a website relating to work being provided for VAs. I'd made comment about the lack of contact information, amongst other things, after I'd visited the site in question. I thought the following information would be useful for all VAs - both with a view to having their own website and also in relation to looking at other sites when thinking about connecting with the business operators of that site in some way. Credibility is an important … [Read more...]
Transcriptions
I had an interesting chat with a public speaker recently. She is planning to get some typed transcriptions done of a series of teleseminars and had been told at a public speakers' networking event about cheap transcriptionists to get the work done. So, although I do a lot of work for her, and she knows I have a whole team behind me, she won't be bringing this particular job to us. I was horrified that she didn't even ask for advise first before making her decision and she told me she knew I … [Read more...]
Charging What You’re Worth?
Knowing how much to charge for your services is something every new VA struggles with. And even those who have been operating for awhile. It often comes down to confidence in your own abilities and the confidence instilled in you by your clients as your business develops. I saw a great quote recently that I thought I'd share with you that may help put things into perspective as you work out rates that are right for you. From Harry Beckwith's great book 'Selling The Invisible.' A woman was … [Read more...]
Back Up Before You’re Packed Up!
When you operate a business online one of your most important assets is your computer - it's where all your data is stored. Everything you've set up, your systems, client information, database of contacts, history of things that have taken place, everything, it's a very important part of your business. So, why would people risk this and not back up their systems on a regular basis? The absolute minimum should be weekly but I would recommend daily, especially if your computer is in use daily. … [Read more...]
