This post applies to anyone in business, not just Virtual Assistants. But it is advice that I give to new VAs who are seeking to grow their client base for their businesses. One such VA posted recently on a Facebook group that she was struggling to find clients who were as serious about business as she is for hers. Another VA suggested she look locally to see who there is and the response was she didn't know how to start. That's when I came in with some advice. Have a read and if this is … [Read more...]
Are you earning less than the average wage?
As a VA you should have some idea of what your minimum base rate should be per hour. Whether you're doing retainers, packages, or just hourly, it all boils down to working out what the hourly figure would be to get started in your work. Remember that although you don't have to commute to work, buy lunches, uniforms, pay for travel, etc, you do have other overheads an employee doesn't have. For example, you are responsible for your own taxes, insurances (Superannuation, equipment, income … [Read more...]
Are you making things too difficult for yourself?
Reading different posts in VA forums I often find that new VAs are thinking too much and making things difficult for themselves. What do I mean by this? Their online presence, for example. You definitely need an online presence. In the early days people won't be able to Google and find you, but they will want to look you up once they've met you, either online or in person. Make it simple for them and for you, while you build up your presence online. Doing these simple things below will … [Read more...]
Is your VA business a hobby or a true business?
Today, I want you to think about whether your VA business is a hobby or a true business? By that I mean, are you just dabbling on the side, or are you taking what you're doing very seriously? The reason why I ask this is I see so many VAs in different forums doing things that make me think they're not taking this VA thing very seriously. It's the latest fad, it's something to fill in time, something they'll just 'try' for awhile to see if it works, and so on. As a result, their experience of … [Read more...]
One client is never enough
If you're in business, and not in a job, then having only one client is never enough. A recent post on a VA forum showed that a VA lost a client she had and was desperate to replace them as her income was gone. Here is my response to her. Unfortunately this is a lesson in NEVER being dependent on one client only. Ever. It's a lesson we all learn at some point in our businesses, some sooner than others (Yes, I've been there too). So important to work at getting multiple clients and spread the … [Read more...]
Using LinkedIn for your mailing list
I'm amazed at how many people are just adding my contact details to their email lists because I agreed to connect with them at LinkedIn. They don't even ask permission - they just do it. That's a big 'no-no' and should NOT be done. I'm going to share with you some links from others telling the same thing but firstly, I want to encourage you to look at the User Agreement at LinkedIn. Wonder how many people actually read it? Particularly section 8 with the Do's and Don'ts. Let's just look at … [Read more...]
Do you need a VA or an employee?
Important to understand the difference. I saw a post recently, on a business Facebook group, where a member posted a request for what she needed and outlined that the role would be 20-30 hours a week and needing to be available during particular hours EST plus that it would be a competitive 'wage'. Immediately, I didn't see this as a VA role at all, although that's what had been indicated. I queried the role and they later amended it to being a 'sub contractor' role that wouldn't stop the … [Read more...]
Winners for my Anniversary Celebration
In case you've missed the announcements, here are the winners for the prizes being given away recently. eBooks by Jinny Coyle - won by Robynne Shields (Aust) Memberships for a year (3 altogether) - Laura Darkstar (USA), Sharon Baillie (Aust) and Justine Sandry (Aust) Book 'Brand Engagement' by Wendy McWilliams - Phoebe Goodson (USA) Book 'The 24 Hour Author' by Natasa Denman - Mohsin Latif (Aust) OIVAC May 2018 ticket donated by Sharon Williams - Blaire Waldorf VA Insiders Club … [Read more...]
Anniversary Giveaway Final
Today is the last day of my business anniversary giveaways. It's also the day of my 24th anniversary in business. So many people have been involved in my business, either directly or indirectly, over the past 24 years. My husband and daughters at the forefront of that list. Without their support and encouragement, and belief in me, it probably would never have happened. The accountant I had all those years ago who encouraged me to set up a network, when I had women contacting me to find … [Read more...]
