I love the work I do as a Virtual Assistant but often find that client instructions leave a lot to the imagination. As VAs we need to help our clients and educate them in the best way of conveying instructions so that the work we carry out for them is done quickly and efficiently and correctly. There are times when I have to email back the client asking them to be more specific. If I get an email saying that something isn't working on their site I need to know specifically which page and what … [Read more...]
Do you have problems with delegation?
Marcia Hoeck writes a blog called "Breakthrough Business" and she has a lot of really good common sense articles and information. Her latest post "Are You a Victim of the “Entrepreneurial Curse”?" rang bells for me. It gives several good reasons why Entrepreneurs need to let go and delegate. In other words, outsource the things that can be outsourced so you can use your 'boundless energy' to be more creative in your business. If you'd like to know what the Entrepreneurial Curse is, then make … [Read more...]
Has anyone worked with a Virtual Assistant? Part 8
Another in our series of VA client interviews. This time we're delighted to have Camille Valvo of Professional Speaking with us. Camille's VA is a member of the "A Clayton's Secretary" team. Please tell my readers a bit about who you are and what you do. I am unique event insurance as a professional MC, corporate facilitator and speaking coach. I eliminate stress for event organizers as their ‘professional up front’ and for speakers who need a little or a lot of help delivering their … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistants are NOT employees
It's hard enough educating the public about this. But when those who call themselves virtual assistants or VAs start calling themselves employees too, no wonder the clients get confused! This directly relates to a recent comment I saw on a blog about Virtual Assistants by someone who calls themself a Virtual Assistant. No-one interprets an accountant, lawyer, plumber, financial planner, electrician or other service provider as an employee so why the confusion about Virtual Assistants? Perhaps … [Read more...]
Clients Guide to Virtual Assistance
I've written a lot here about how clients can use VAs and even given you case studies to learn from. But I've never really shared why a client might want a VA. Remember that VAs can do your administrative work to keep your business running smoothly. So, here are just a few reasons: You should be doing what you do best, and delegate the rest. Why do work you don't have the skills and abilities for when you're earning what you earn in your regular work? If you're earning good money, you … [Read more...]
How to use a VA in your business
I get Google Alert daily which lets me know about new articles being published on the topic of Virtual Assistants. How refreshing it was to see today a new article that is clear about how to use a VA and is factual in the information. I particularly liked this paragraph which gave practical advice about affording a VA: Can I Afford It? The first thing to consider is whether or not you can afford to hire a virtual assistant. I’m actually starting to believe the advice given to me many years … [Read more...]
Seeking a VA to support you?
A recent comment on an older post here has sparked this post. The post related to VAs undercharging their work and a comment was made that it was thought VAs assumed they (the industry this person represented) was making a lot of money and could charge a lot higher. I want to say VAs don't work their rates according to what they think the client might pay. They do work their rates according to their own skills and abilities, cost of living and running a business and what is seen as a fair rate … [Read more...]
What is a Virtual Assistant?
Interesting question. 10 years ago I would have told you it's a virtual secretary, someone who had left the corporate world and was now working at home and providing secretarial services virtually. However, as with most things, the industry has evolved and today Virtual Assistants provide many different services, depending on their particular skillset. So it's easy to see how people can get confused and wonder what a Virtual Assistant is? On the front of my website I have this … [Read more...]
Where do I find a Virtual Assistant (VA)?
I see this request on the web in many places with discussions on forums and articles written on blogs by people who have little knowledge of our industry. They've heard the term or read about it in books but have no idea where to look. I don't know about you but I always think 'Google' whenever I want to look something up. A search on "Virtual Assistants" at Google will bring up several VA networks and forums, as well as individual VA sites. But I know it's hard to weed through and know the … [Read more...]
