Is This the Year You're Going to Be a Successful Virtual Assistant?

Have you been dreaming of becoming a successful Virtual Assistant for a long time now, but still haven't figured out how to make it happen? The old saying really is true:

If you want your life to be different, you have to do something different.

Here are some things you can do to take positive action and make this the year you really do start becoming the successful Virtual Assistant you know you can be.

1. Make the tough choices. What services are you going to offer? Who are you going to provide them to?

A lot of people get stuck on this very first step. I think they're overwhelmed by all their choices, and afraid of making the wrong one. The worst choice you can make is not to choose anything! If you choose to serve a certain niche, and later on decide it wasn't the right one for you, that's not a mistake. It's a learning experience, and an important part of becoming a successful and profitable Virtual Assistant.

2. Start saving your pennies. Very few Virtual Assistants make a profit immediately. Start saving now so you can afford to invest the time you need to get your work at home business up and running. You may even want to take a part time job so you can afford your startup expenses. Some additional yet wise investments would be programs like the Virtual Business Startup System or a paid membership at VAnetworking.com

3. Build relationships with successful Virtual Assistants. They may be in your local business community or online. You can connect with them on Twitter, Facebook, or in a Virtual Assistant forum. Ask them what they're days are really like, and for any advice they have for you. Knowing how others make it work may give you the kick-start you need.

4. Seek out quality information about being a successful Virtual Assistant. Make sure your information comes from reliable sources, and has actually worked for the people who are giving it to you. When I started out, I spent hours reading the posts at VAnetworking, and I know I really benefited from the wisdom I found there.

5. What has been keeping you back from being successful in the past? Do you have a fear you need to address? Are you lacking confidence? Or do you need to develop a skill? Evaluate what has held you back from making this move, and come up with a strategy to overcome it.

Let's make this the year you become a successful Virtual Assistant too!

Is the Virtual Business Startup System All You Need to Start a Virtual Assistant Business?

Recently, a local woman emailed me about starting a Virtual Assistant business part time. She had a question about the Virtual Business Startup System:

Will the VBSS give me all the information I need to start a Virtual Assistant business?

I purchased the VBSS when it first came out over 4 years ago and even then it was everything it promised to be, and more. A lot of goodies and extra business tools and resources have been added to it since its debut.

But going back to four years ago, I had been trying for a year to get a Virtual Assistant business up and running on my own. I ran smack into obstacle after obstacle:

• What services should I offer?
• What should I charge?
• How do I write a business plan?
• How will I get my first customer online?

I had run a home business before, but it turned out that starting an online business was surprisingly different than anything I had previously done.

The first thing I appreciated about the system was that it really was everything it promised to be. I had invested a lot of money in this, so naturally I was skeptical. I was going to hold Tawnya Sutherland to her money back guarantee if it wasn't everything she said it was....

But once I looked through all the templates, coupons, and oodles of information she had packed into that box, I knew I had nothing to worry about it. It was everything she had said it would be, and more.

Another important thing the system did for me was help me pinpoint which VA services I could offer right now, and which I could leave along for now and offer at a later date.

Here I had been thinking I had to cram all the knowledge I could into my already overloaded brain before I could call myself a VA! Not true, I discovered. I could start right then, with the skills I did have, and add the rest as they developed over time.

Besides that, the biggest help it provided was the website templates, the website hosting package and the domain registration for my first website. I had to know a little bit of HTML to get my spanking new website just the way I wanted it, but that was something I wanted to learn anyways. (And about that first VA website I built from a template - even my hubby's web savvy friends said it was pretty spiffy.)

And then came the test of how robust this program truly is.

Shortly after I purchased the system and set up my VA business, I was invited to attend a networking lunch with other VAs in my area. Yikes!

I was so nervous. I didn't even have my first client yet. From visiting the other VAs' websites and reading their bios, I knew that most of them had years of experience.

What would they think of me... a brand new VA who built her VA business out of a box?

To my surprise, and my relief, I fit right in! Because of all the information packed into the VBSS , as well as the conversations I had participated in at VAnetworking (membership comes included with the VBSS), I looked and talked just like one of them.

In fact, my first client came out of that meeting, as a referral from another VA.

Will the VBSS give you everything you need to start your VA business?

Only you can answer that. But for me, the answer is yes. Definitely yes!

The thriving VA business I proudly own today has grown from the solid foundation I built when I decided to purchas the Virtual Business Startup System.

How to Gain Client Trust for Your Virtual Assistant Business

For the past year, I've been learning how to outsource many of my own routine tasks.

I say "learning how" because I've discovered that outsourcing is not as easy as I've frequently told my own clients it is.

For example, I contracted a Virtual Assistant to look after one of my email accounts for my WAHM article directory. From a Virtual Assistant's perspective, it's a no-brainer. These particular emails don't need my personal touch and they distract me from my revenue-producing activities.

But the thing is, I LIKE adding the personal touch. I LIKE meeting the people who are using my article directory. However, my bank account tells me I can no longer afford to dilly dally over email messages that make me feel good without making me money. (My VA now puts them into a monthly report for me, so I can still get that yummy feeling without wasting my time.)

The other thing I've discovered is that it's a lot harder than I expected to find people I can trust to help with my business.

So many service providers have literally vanished on me this past year, I am almost ready to join the chorus of many other entrepreneurs I've met, singing the "Never Hire a Virtual Assistant Again" song. Except, I know for a fact these incidents are the exception to the rule.

Since you're still reading this, I'm quite sure you don't fall into that group. And you're probably wondering what you can do to make it easier for potential clients to trust you.

Well, I can tell you one thing that always helps. I've started using this technique as well, and it really does help convert inquiries into customers.

Don't be afraid to give information away for free. I'm not talking about giving away the farm, or sharing your expert knowledge with just any Joe.

Here's an example of what I mean.When I go to someone for help, I've discovered the people who really are interested in helping me will tell me the steps I can take to solve my problem on my own. They will then offer to help me, or do it for me, if I would like.

This does two things:

1. It convinces me they know what they're doing.

2. It convinces me that they could do a better job than I would.

But most importantly, it helps me believe they are sincerely interested in helping me meet my goals.

How do you help your clients learn to trust you?

Starting a Virtual Assistant Business during a Recession

There's a rumor going around that it's a bad time to be a small business owner. To that, I say… please keep your rumor mongering to yourself. This could be the perfect time to start a virtual assistant business.

I've been working as a virtual assistant since 2004, almost 5 years, and this month I'm bringing in my biggest monthly paycheque yet.

I'm not the only one experiencing this phenomenon either. As business owners have to find ways to get more done with less money, many more of them are turning to virtual assistants to help them out.

If you're considering starting a virtual assistant business, don't let the media reports put you off. Instead, do your own research. Talk to other VAs. Research your market. Discover what services you could offer that would make their lives a lot easier right now. Then make your own decision about whether or not this is a good time to start a virtual assistant business.

Even though it's a good time to start a virtual assistant business, it's not a good time to waste your time and money figuring out how to do so. If you want to cover all your bases, and get your Virtual Assistant business going quickly, I would recommend you find a mentor to get you on the right track, and keep you there. Otherwise you could make a lot of costly mistakes.

Another affordable alternative is to purchase a virtual assistant training program, like the Virtual Business Startup System. This program walks you through all the steps of researching your market, writing your business plan, and even getting your first clients. It's the same system I used when I started my business, and I still follow the principles I learned from the program, so you know it really works.

Best of luck on making your virtual business a reality!

Why Your Virtual Assistant Business Needs a Professionally Designed Logo

I began 2008 thinking it was time to start treating my business like a real business. That meant it was time to start investing real money.

How did I come to that conclusion?

Well, in 2007, I had listened to a free teleseminar with Kathleen Gage where she talked about how to make real money online... One of the things she said was that people were often impressed by the amount of money she makes. (Kathleen, it was a long time ago, so please forgive me for my rough paraphrase!) Her response to that was, with everything she invests in her business, she expects to make a lot of money.

Of course, spending money blindly isn't going to help you either. You have to know what things are important to spend money on, and what things you can get away with doing on the cheap.

Your logo is worth spending money on, and that was my first big investment of 2008. I was using a logo I had created with my limited Photoshop skills, and it certainly didn't convey what my business was about. So, I contacted Lara at Designed by Lara. She created a beautiful logo that I felt captured the professional, but fun, approach I take to my business.

You can see it below, but it looks much nicer in action here.

Everyone says a logo is important because it helps build your brand... but I realized very quickly that a good logo also affects how YOU feel about your business. Kind of like how my day can't start until I wash my hair and put a bit of makeup on. Knowing my logo looked good made me feel like I was really ready for business, and I wanted to work even harder at making WAHM Articles succeed.

If you're thinking 2009 is the year you want to start making some real money from home, maybe it's time to invest in your logo too.

If you're thinking this is the year you're ready to get your virtual assistant business off the ground, the Virtual Business Startup System comes with some professional looking logo templates you can use to get your business off on the right foot.

Next time, I'll share another of my wise investments. And if you're thinking of starting a virtual assistant business, you'll really like this one!

My Personal Best (and Worst) of 2008

2008 has been quite a rollercoaster year for my Virtual Assistant business! At the beginning of the year, I still considered myself on sabbatical from the VA business I launched in 2005, and I wasn't even sure when I would be ready to return to work.

The end of 2008 finds me with an exciting year behind me.

• I'm involved again as a member and volunteer at VAnetworking.com, the very best place for successful and aspiring VAs online.
  
• I have amazing new clients, exciting new ideas of what a virtual assistant business can look like, (no more cookie cutter websites and businesses for me!)
• I'm a lot smarter and I have a much better sense of my direction than I did 10 or 11 months ago.
  

I also began this year with a renewed desire to treat my business like a "real" business. No more playing around and staying in the safe zone. I decided if this was ever going to become the business I want, I would have to be willing to invest real money, make strong commitments. I was ready to take risks - when I made mistakes, I wanted them to be big, but my successes would be even bigger.

This month, I'm taking some time to reflect on what I've done, what worked well, what was a miserable failure, and where I want to be by this time next year.

Over the next several days, I'll be sharing my best and worst moments of 2008 with you here. But before I start spilling all mine, I'd like to ask you about yours!

Here are some of the questions I've been asking myself. How would you answer them? If you'd like to share your answers below, I'd love to read them. I think we can all learn from each others' experiences.

What was your best decision?

What was your biggest mistake?

Best money spent?

Worst time waster?

What do you want to differently in 2009?

Writing a Tagline for Your Virtual Assistant Business

Does your new Virtual Assistant business need a tagline? I always thought mine did... my first online business had one that was kind of catchy (I thought): "Write solutions for your small business."

It was even easy to come up with a tagline for this blog!

But it's been two years since I've owned WAHM Articles, and I still can't come up with anything I really, really like! But, maybe I've been banging my head against a brick wall for nothing. Here's a different perspective on whether or not you should have a tagline for your business.

What Do Taglines Do? by Colleen Davis

Are taglines really that necessary for a business?

That’s a difficult question to answer because there are so many different companies who approach the subject in a wide variety of ways. Some companies are known for their taglines. Who doesn’t know that Nike’s tagline is Just Do It? They managed to make their tagline such a major part of their business that they were able to embrace it as part of their brand name.

But other businesses have taglines I’ve never even heard of. There are some large companies that actually do have taglines but so rarely use them that I have to question if it was worth making one to begin with. For other companies they might have a tagline that was initially big but eventually faded from their company’s identity until most people around today really don’t know what it is.

So should you consider getting one for your company?

Taglines give you a chance to further shape your brand name. Your company name, logo, and tagline will likely be the three most important factors in forming a strong brand name. The more ways you have of getting people to remember you the better the odds are of getting your name widely known.

Consider the impact a tagline might have on something like custom business cards. A catchy, perhaps funny tagline might be just what your business cards need to give them that extra edge. When people see the tagline they’ll quickly remember who you are, or they might learn something more about your business, though that depends on the tagline.

Some taglines are made to specifically describe some aspect of the business, or some part of their company’s goals. Others, like the Just Do It tagline, are more about evoking a specific emotion or feeling rather than describing anything about the company itself.

One test you can use to consider whether or not a tagline is needed is to figure out just how strong your corporate identity would be if you didn’t have one. Could you get custom business cards that have a strong enough brand name already that you don’t really need that extra touch? If you feel that your brand name is capable of standing on its own already, or if you feel your logo is enough, perhaps you could just ignore taglines altogether.

If you are going to make tagline be sure that you keep it short and to the point. Taglines are a lot like logos in that they’re meant to help a person better remember a business. If you start to get too long or complicated with your tagline than no one is going to remember them.

The best taglines are typically only a few words long, and this helps them stick with people. Often they’ll create some strong emotion or be funny enough to help a person recall them.

It can be rather difficult to come up with a good tagline, which is why I would suggest really considering whether or not you need one before you do anything else.

For more information, you can visit this page on business card printing and custom business cards

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

So what do YOU think? Does your VA business really need a tagline? I'm beginning to think that maybe no tagline is better than the wrong tagline.

The Best Investment for Your Virtual Business - YOU!

Did you happen to read my interview with Laurie Neumann yesterday? I told you she had asked about my average working day... Ha! I'm still waiting for one.

She also asked what advice I had for those who want to begin working from home too. My response was something like, "Don't be afraid to spend real money on your business."

Many new online business owners I meet are looking for free resources and free advice. You can find some good stuff for free, I'm not denying that.

But if you want REAL success, you're going to have to pay for it.

At the beginning of 2008, I decided to stop playing around with my business, and take it seriously. For me, that meant spending some serious money. As a result, WAHM Articles has grown immensely this year - beyond even what I anticipated when I first made my plans.

I didn't spend money on fads and gimmicks. Not on fly-by-night designers.

Instead I invested in:

• a training program designed by someone who has credibility in my industry, and whom I trust.
• coaching with the best business coach I could find for my needs
• a professional-looking logo for WAHM Articles, designed by someone with a good reputation, that many of my online friends recommended
  
• outsourcing jobs that took a lot of time away from my core business, to people who could handle them better than I

Yes, I spent a lot of money. But I also have a lot to show for it - including an income that can pay for those investments.

Before others will take your business seriously, you have to take it seriously. And, often, that means seriously investing in your training and growth.

A Day in the Life of a Real Virtual Assistant

When I first began dreaming of my Virtual Assistant business, I had a mental picture of what my days would look like.

• Calm and controlled
• Moving smoothly from task to task
• Regular breaks for tea, lunch, and walking the dog.

Apparently, I forgot I have two kids that we teach at home.

"What does a real Virtual Assistant's day look like?" is a question I commonly hear others ask. And it's a fair question. They want to know what they're getting into, what they can expect.

But as many times as you ask that question, and as many different people as you ask, that's not the question you really want answered, is it?

Aren't you really wondering, "What will MY day look like, when I'm a Virtual Assistant?"

You can do all the background research you want, but ultimately, YOU decide what your day as a Virtual Assistant will look like.

You decide how your day looks when you select which services to offer, how you will interact with clients, how you will market yourself, how you'll fit your business around the rest of your life.

In a recent blog interview, I was asked to describe an average day in my Virtual Assistant business. If you want to find out what a day in my life looks like, you can read my answer here.

Not sure if it will help you plan your day, but it's an honest answer!

I'm Almost Certified! Why VA Training Might Be Worth It.

I've been one of those who say you don't need Virtual Assistant training to be a Virtual Assistant. And I'm holding to that. You can have exactly what you need to be an awesome VA, without any training at all.

But a few weeks ago I enrolled in an Article Marketing Training Course for Virtual Assistants. I did it kind of on a whim... I just thought it would be nice to have some sort of official certification listed on my virtual "resume."

Now that I'm halfway through the course, though, I can say that taking this training has definitely been one of wisest business decisions I've made. (Right up there with buying the Virtual Business Startup System, which still ranks as my #1 best choice!)

I'm not even done the course yet, but my pending certification is already increasing my credibility (and my income) with clients and potential clients.

Better yet, I'm gaining the expertise and knowledge that goes along with that credibility. Experience is a good teacher, but you might miss some things along the way.

Do you need some Virtual Assistant Training? Maybe not. Then again, maybe. Perhaps it could boost your business in a way you hadn't expected.

If you're thinking of taking some training, there are lots of programs to choose from. It depends on what skills you want to learn, where you are in your business development, and how you learn best.

If you're just starting out, I highly recommend the Virtual Business Startup System. It's a training package you can do on your own, in your own time.

If you're looking to specialize, you could consider:

VA Classroom offers an Internet Marketing VA Course.

You can train to become a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant.

Here are some other training programs that might interest you:

Virtual Assistant Training

AssistU

VirtualAssistanceU

Whichever way you decide to go, remember to do your research and talk to others who have gone through the training program you're considering.

Do You Need More Virtual Assistant Clients?

These days, who doesn't?

This week I received an email from Cristina Favreau. She's a successful business coach, and also, a really cool person to know. :)

Cristina is currently running a special on her one-on-one coaching program, specifically created to help you get more clients.

If having more clients sounds good to you right about now, you're invited to go check it out.

I haven't worked with Cristina, but I have gotten to know her over the past few years.She's one of those people I've grown to trust and admire.

If her coaching program sounds like something you need right now, I highly encourage you to take advantage of this limited time offer. It's really an amazing deal, at an opportune time!

Here's the link again to this great offer!

Part-Time Virtual Assistant Position

Interested?

Here's the link.

I'm staying away, and suggesting you do as well.

Get Almost $100 in Bonuses Just for Starting Your VA Business Now!

I'm ready to give you more than $90 in free bonuses... just for doing something you want to do anyways.

If you're serious about being a successful VA, working from home and having more control over your life, but you don't want to waste your time or your money getting started, you really need the Virtual Business Startup System.

This is the system I used it to set up my first VA business, and I believe you CAN be ready to hit the ground running in 30 days if you follow the steps closely.

But I'd like to help you get started even faster.

If you purchase the VBBS through any link on this blog, I'll throw in more than $90 of helpful bonuses that will save you even more time and money,

Here's what you'll get:

Bonus #1: Lifetime listing in my Virtual Assistant Directory ($17 value) You can list your new business in up to two categories, and have up to 25 words to describe your business.

Bonus #2: One year Classified Ad at WAHM Articles ($40 value)

Bonus #3: VA PLR Content - Fill up your new website with ready-to-go content ($9.95 value) It's easy to customize for your target market.

Bonus #4: A high-quality ghostwritten article ($25 value) to help you educate your potential clients about your new business. You can use this article ANY way you want - submit it to directories, use it on your website, include it in your marketing kit. It's all yours.

If you're ready to get going on that home business you always wanted, here's the link again to the VBBS.

Once you've made your purchase, please send me a copy of your receipt, or whatever you have to verify your purchase. You can always reach me at contact@wahm-articles.com. Then I'll set you up with your almost $100 in free bonuses!

How to Handle Local Clients for Your Virtual Assistant Business

I have mixed feelings about working with local clients. There are a few pluses...

With local clients, I don't have to always be virtual. Honestly, it is nice to get out and meet people face to face once in a while.

In some ways, local clients are easier to find. I can go to a local networking group or look up potential clients in the Yellow Pages.

A lot of home business owners aren't comfortable with the "virtual" concept, and prefer to work with someone they can meet with in person.

On the other hand, them not being comfortable with a virtual assistant can be a drawback.

They may have unrealistic expectations of how you work, and might even ask you to drop off a project in person, or come by and do some work in their office, instead of your own.

If you do accept local clients, make it clear to them how you work. If they want to meet with you, or want you to drop off some work in person, it's OK to add travel costs to their bill. In fact, that should even be part of the contract you have them sign, so they'll know that upfront - and that will hopefully deter them from even asking.

Most importantly, set guidelines that apply to all clients, whether they live 5 minutes away, or in Timbuktu.

Remind them that you are a Virtual Assistant, therefore you work virtually. Let them know that your work will be transmitted electronically, by courier, by fax or by mail so they don't abuse your locality.

Building Self-Confidence as a Virtual Assistant

I just wrote an article about the one thing you need to be a successful Virtual Assistant. Like most articles I write about virtual assisting, this one is based on my personal experience.

When I started out as a VA in 2004, I didn't have most of the experience or skills that new VAs supposedly need. What I did have, though, was a whole lot of determination to make this work. Thus, the article's conclusion.

One of the things most people will say a new VA needs is self-confidence. And I think that's true. In fact, to be a successful entrepreneur in ANY field, you need a whackload of self-confidence. The trouble is, though, when you're just starting out as a VA, self-confidence may be in short supply.

Self-confidence is built on past successes, and when you're new, you're not going to have a lot of those. In fact, many new VAs have left corporate positions where they weren't appreciated or fulfilled, and perhaps they can't look to that experience to bolster their self-confidence.

Well, that's what I was like when I began my virtual assisting career four years ago. I had been miserable in my corporate job. The person I reported to was a bully, and any opportunities to develop my skills and talents were closed. I realized the only way I could get what I wanted out of my career and my life was to take control and start my own business.

I had determination, but pathetically low self-confidence. In fact, I felt so beaten down, when my first VA client thanked me for doing a good job, I actually cried. (Thank goodness he thanked me in an email, otherwise that could have been really embarrassing!) I couldn't remember the last time anyone had said anything positive about my work, and his comment overwhelmed me. It also was an important first step to gaining self-confidence.

Over time, there were three things that helped me build self-confidence as a VA.

1. Small successes, like my first client telling me he was happy with my work.
2. Learning from other VAs. I joined the Virtual Assistant Networking Association. I didn't have a lot to contribute, but I was eager to learn. Like a sponge, I soaked up all the knowledge the other members had to share. For me, spending time at VANA was a large and significant part of learning how to be a VA, and with that knowledge came self-confidence.
3. Going through the Virtual Business Startup System. I didn't have a lot of money to invest in VA training, and I prefer to learn independently anyways. The Virtual Business Startup System took me through all the steps of setting up a VA biz from start to finish. When I was done, I had a professional looking website, killer business plan, and was able to confidently market my new business. I felt confident because I knew I looked like the professional I was.

Virtual Assistants Need Vacations Too!

Think your new virtual business will keep you tied down this summer?

Not so! In fact, taking a vacation will re-energize you and make you an even better VA for your clients when you get back.

With the gas prices in Alberta skyrocketing, my family has decided to stay near home this summer, but we still plan on taking some time off and enjoying it together. I'll miss our annual summer trip to Kelowna, BC, but maybe we'll get there a little later this year...

Before you plan a holiday from your VA business, let your clients know well ahead of time when you won't be available, so they can play around your holiday schedule.

Virtual assistants don't get vacation pay, but you can still pay for a nice holiday with a little planning.

Here's an article you might like about how to plan for your vacation this year.

Vacations Are Possible When You Plan For It by Nicole Calhoun

With the spring and summer months right around the corner and summer break right on its heels, most people's thoughts turn toward vacation! My family is no different. In fact, we've been planning all of our vacation time for the past twelve months.

Our goal is to take three trips a year. Two short ones; maybe a weekend trip to another city in our state or a bordering state. And one nice, relaxing, long trip that we have to pack our bags and head for the airport for that lasts seven to ten indulgent days!

For example, about the time our son's April birthday rolls around, we plan a weekend trip somewhere in our state. His favorite is always San Antonio because he likes to visit the theme parks and gorgeous Riverwalk that they have there. Since we live in Dallas, it's less than a four hour drive; and it's usually the precursor to kicking off our year of getting away.

This year, the longer trip will be in the summertime, a week after school is out. We are planning a vacation to Florida to visit Walt Disney World. We will be gone for ten glorious days for fun in the sun.

And then, in October, my husband and I are planning a three to four day getaway to celebrate our anniversary in beautiful Mexico. And that will give us our three getaways for the year! It's as simple as that.

Now, we haven't always been able to do this. Why? Because of poor planning on our part. But, that is no longer the case. We've wised up, and if you haven't been getting away for a little rest and relaxation because of the same problem, here's how you can guarantee that will not be the case next year...or the year after that - forever!

My husband, Muri, and I have created what we call a "Battery Recharge" account, or in regular terms, a travel account. All monies that go into it ensure that we'll be able to get away with our ten-year old son, Jordan, or for a romantic weekend on our own!

Have a family discussion and decide where each of you would like to go. Narrow it down, and vote on three locations. One that's far away and two that are within a reasonable driving distance.

Once you've done that, do your research. There are a number of online resources. Thanks to technology, finding attractions in the city of your destination is no more than a click away! You can build an itinerary of what your family will do, as well as get the costs of each show or attraction you'd like to attend.

Then, one-by-one, you begin to fund your "Battery Recharge" account until you have the money to do each trip! What's so great about the two short trips, most can be done for less than five hundred dollars. The key is not extravagance. It's just getting away with your family to bond and re-energize yourself.

You work hard, everyday. Take some time to enjoy the fruits of your labor with the ones you love and cherish. Your mental, physical and relational well-being will be all the better for it!

Happy vacationing!



Nicole enjoys spending time with her son, Jordan and her husband, Muri. She loves to write, read, travel, working from home and making new friends. If you would like to spend more time with your love ones please contact Nicole. http://www.fulltimefamily.com

Training Your Clients - Teach Your Clients to Help You Do a Better Job

When asked to list the most difficult thing about working with clients, most Virtual Assistants will say, "Unclear instructions."

Learning to give good instructions comes with experience, and if your client has never used a VA before, he might not know what kind of information you need to do the work he's asked you to.

In situations like this, it might be time to "manage the client."

Some VA clients make checklists for their VAs. Here is one example, and here's another.

Why not turn the tables and give your clients checklists of information YOU need? Think of the details you need to know for the particular work you do, and create a list for your client.

Clear communication is of the utmost importance when you're working virtually. Any tool that will help lay the groundwork for clear understanding is worth the time it takes to create.

Finding a Good Fit - "Trying On" New Clients First

Retainer packages are appealing for both Virtual Assistants and their clients. (1) They're usually cost-effective for the client. (2) Done right, they can provide the VA with a steady income flow.

Before you let a client sign up for a retainer package, it's a good idea to make sure you're a good fit for each other first.

Try each other out first with a small, one-time project to see how well you work together. Trials like this are key to finding clients you will work well with.

Sometimes you'll hit it off with a client instantly. Sometimes it will take an effort from both of you to make it work. Sometimes, it just isn't a good fit.

Don't be afraid to turn down a potential client if you don't feel good about working with them. Remember, you started your business so you could be in control and enjoy your work.

More On Virtual Assistant Franchises

A few days ago, I wrote about the possibility of becoming a Virtual Assistant franchisee, instead of starting your own VA business.

Patricia Beckman, Founder of Cybertary, the only known registered franchisor in the Virtual Assistant industry in the United States, left a very informative comment on the benefits of becoming a franchisee, and the infrastructural development that a franchisor must undergo in order to support its franchisees.

You can learn more about this Virtual Assistant franchise offering at CybertaryFranchise.com.

Here are a few of the highlights that Patricia kindly shared:

• Access to an established and successful corporate structure
• Training and support
• Complete marketing startup package
• Exclusive marketing territory
• Prepared corporate documents
• and much more

You can read my original post and Patricia's full comment here.

Have You Heard the Buzz? Virtual Assistant Franchising Opportunity

Here's a new take on starting a Virtual Assistant business.

Busy Bee Virtual Assistance (TM) offers licensing and franchising opportunities.

This is the first time of I've heard of a Virtual Assistant franchise (or maybe I just wasn't listening) but it seems like a great idea to me. Buying a franchise allows you to work with an established brand and statistically, franchises have a higher success rate than independent businesses.