It really depends on what type of services you're planning to provide and my answer below is fairly generic. As a VA who provides general secretarial and administrative support, the initial costs were: a reliable computer - most people already own this but didn't when I started in 1994 a reliable printer - ditto above somewhere to sit that is ergonomic to protect your back and neck from aches suitable software for the services you provide. Microsoft Office is still the standard. … [Read more...]
No Commissions Payable
I see, in various places, people asking if they should join freelancing sites like Upwork, Freelancer and others. I can't answer for all freelancers, but I can answer for those who call themselves Virtual Assistants and the answer I have is this: Joining a VA Network or Directory means paying an annual or monthly membership fee. Generally engaging one regular client through these avenues more than covers your membership fee each year, anything else is a bonus. And the good news … [Read more...]
Jobs or roles? What are you seeking?
I love hanging out in the different VA forums to see what is being discussed, what's the latest trend, and what else I might be able to learn. Along the way, I share of my own experiences and knowledge, and hopefully am helpful to a few, or many. In a recent post a new VA told me (when asked) of how she was trying to find jobs. That for me, immediately, showed that she had the wrong mindset and I set about trying to get her to see things differently. Hoping this will help you too, … [Read more...]
Managing multiple clients
Saw a poll in a VA forum recently asking about juggling clients and how challenging it can be and then asking how many clients members had. The highest choice was in the 1-3 bracket. I was the only one (to date) who had more than 7. I guess the real thing is about juggling time. Perhaps the VAs who responded are still new in their businesses but it concerns me, very much, if VAs have 3 clients or less. And I'll share the reasons for this: If you have only 1-2 clients, the tax office … [Read more...]
How I began
This is a question that is asked in VA forums from time to time. I had worked in the corporate world for 22 years, starting out just typing envelopes all day long and building my way up to being a PA to a Director of a government department. Eventually I became an EA for a group of 8 Project Officers which gave me perfect experience for working with several people at once and sorting out what needed to be done first and how to work with different personalities. From there I began my … [Read more...]
What is the typical start up cost for a VA business?
I was asked this question recently on a forum and thought it a good one to share here too. I didn't know what type of business the person asking was going to operate but I shared on what I do and what is now possible for VAs. I should add that it's important you provide services only in what you have experience in doing - don't try to learn on the job with new services. You can learn these things for your own business, over time, and then, when confident, offer it as a service to … [Read more...]
Which website platform should I choose?
I see this question so much on Facebook groups and elsewhere. 'I want to build a website - what tool or program should I use?' Or variations of 'I don't have much money and I want to use something that doesn't cost a lot'. The answer to me, is quite straightforward, but I need to give some information - it's not a simple one word answer. First of all, I want to acknowledge there are several platforms out there that can be used: Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, Joomla, WordPress amongst others. … [Read more...]
Do the research!
I feel saddened when I hear about VAs who have set themselves up as a trainer, or coach, or mentor or something and then start giving inaccurate advise. It's so important for you, the one who is wanting to learn, to do the research and make sure that whomever you're going to pay for advice, is qualified to give you that information. Or that the information they are giving is accurate. This includes how long they've been operating as a VA. Generally if it's less than five years - they're still … [Read more...]
The importance of building up others
I've been feeling a bit down of late. A couple of pieces of sad news had come my way and things have been going somewhat crazy in my own life and business. I haven't been feeling as much in control of my time as I usually like to be and also had to take over a project for a fellow VA who has had an unexpected life change take place. This added to the 'stress' of what was already happening but, as a Network owner, I have to accept that sometimes that's the way it is and I'm here to support my … [Read more...]
