virtualgirl

  Finding, serving and keeping your clients takes time and effort, and at the beginning, it might also take some money, in the for of advertisement, to  let people know that your service is in business. So, building a solid and friendly relationship with your clients is extremely important for the longevity and expansion of your business. A happy client could bring in not only steady business, but the word of mouth of a satisfied customer is the best kind of  promotion your service can possibly have! When you start your relationship with a client, try to make the best possible first impression, be a consummate professional, but do not forget to be warm, approachable and caring.  Make your client feel like they are very important to you and to your service. Accommodate their needs, adjusting to the necessary specifications of their  particular business, but be firm about your hours and the amount of time it will take for you to deliver the services they have hire...

 Working at home is not as easy as people usually think, and the problem is not what you might think. The problem is the thousand of little things that happen through the day that disrupt and interrupt the flow of your work. A friend that calls and wants to chat for a while. The cat that jumps on your table and  insists on napping on top of your papers. Someone "dropping by" to visit in the middle f something important for you. You need to set up boundaries early on, or you will not be taken seriously and will never get much done. 1- Se up a workspace n your home that is a clearly established area in the house, preferably a room you dedicate for the purpose of being your "office". (This is also helpful for tax purposes). 2- Put a sign on your door designating that rom as your office and close the door during your working hours, if necessary, until your family and friends get used to the fact that you now work at home and that it is as serious as regular employment. ...

  Building a VA business? Great! Congratulations! Being self-employed is a fulfilling and rewarding lifestyle. Before you get too far into that business plan, are you planning on having a website? If you’re going to be a virtual assistant, you need one. Here’s why: Your Clients are Online You’re a virtual assistant. Emphasis on virtual. That means your business operates online. Via the internet, email and perhaps instant messaging and conferencing. If you’re without an online presence, you’re missing out on clients. The majority of your clients will be online business owners. That means they’re very Internet focused. They’ll turn to the internet first to search for a provider.  Now that’s not to say that you won’t have local clients. You might. However, they’ll still likely search for you online. It’s how our society buys products and services.  Your Website Establishes Your Credibility Many VA tasks are focused on the Internet. You might be managing a blog or forum. You ...

  One of the great things about a VA business is that it’s easy to start. You really don’t need much to launch a successful business. That being said, there are some steps you’ll want to take before you hang up your “open for business” sign.  Office Equipment You’re a virtual assistant which means you’ll need equipment to help you work virtually. This means a: * Computer * Backup storage or system – you can backup files online so an external drive isn’t necessary. * Copier/scanner/fax * Internet connection  * Desk and chair * File cabinet/file system * Transcription software and equipment if you’re offering transcription * Telephone and related equipment like a headset so you can talk hands free You likely already have much of that equipment. If not, you don’t have to spend a fortune. Take a look at flea markets and resale stores for some of the furniture. If you don’t have a computer, most experts recommend buying the best you can afford. Your business will be based on y...

 Are you going to specialize? As a virtual assistant, will you offer specialty services? Or will you offer anything and everything? Experts strongly recommend specializing. Here’s why: Specializing makes you competitive.  When you specialize in a service or an industry it helps set you apart from your competition. When a potential customer is looking for a virtual administrator chances are they have a very specific task in mind. If you provide that service or specialize in their industry then you’re going to make it to the top of their list. Not specializing can make you crazy. Choosing a specialty means you don’t have to juggle too many tasks and responsibilities. It’s challenging enough to own and grow your own business. The last thing you want to do is add more challenges to your day. If you specialize in a task or an industry then you can focus on being the best provider possible.  Specializing helps you raise your rates. The truth is, specialists make more money. It’...

  If you’re considering starting your own business then being a VA is a good choice. It’s a service that is in demand. And the demand seems to be growing. More and more people are realizing the value of outsourcing their administrative needs. It’s a career choice that promises variety, daily challenges and the freedom of being your own boss. However, it’s not the right choice for everyone.  Here are a few questions to help you determine if being a VA is right for you. Are You Good at Managing Your Time? As a virtual assistant you’re going to have to balance a lot of tasks. You’ll balance client work. You’ll balance managing your business. You’ll also want to market and grow your business. And of course the day to day responsibilities like laundry don’t go away either. There will be a lot of demands on your time, energy, and attention.  If you’re good at managing your time, then great. If you can focus and be productive you have what it takes to be a VA. If time management...