South Florida Virtual Assistants

Hi

We were thrilled to be interviewed for a segment on virtual assistants. In South Florida, there are so many people out of work, and looking to increase their income that starting their own virtual assistant business is a perfect alternative. I received calls non-stop! My hope is that I can help these VAs get started. I hope I can make a difference. I truly believe in our Industry and know that the ability to work globally is what makes it work. I was talking to someone today and they said that even the temp agencies here were saying that there just isn't work. Oh ... but there is! Clients are out there. I hope to help those VAs that called me connect to those clients.

Anyway, here's the link. I'd love your comments!

http://cbs4.com/consumer/economy.job.home.2.792216.html

Diana Ennen
Author: Virtual Assistant the Series
www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Virtual Assistants In the News

It's absolutely amazing the amount of press the term "Virtual Assistant" has received in just the past two weeks. I've seen it mentioned on the Today Show, Woman's World, (with excellent quotes from Michael Russer and one of the authors of the Two Minute Commute) and now today in US Daily News.

In the article today it mentioned if you are looking for a virtual assistant, type in Google the term Virtual Assistant. Isn't that incredible! That is great news for all VAs. How many businesses are going to do just that and hopefully find the perfect partnership.

I am so proud of our Industry and where it is today and that we (virtual assistants) are getting this recognition. It's been a group effort and I think all virtual assistants should take a minute and say, "Well done!" we are doing it.

In 1997 I was quoted in USA Today on a story on home-based businesses and I mentioned about becoming a virtual assistant. I can remember how many comments I got from everywhere, "WHAT!! What's that!" It was like back in 1985 when I started working at home and people would say to me "Sure you're working at home, cough cough, thinking I was really watching soaps and pretending to be working.

It might have taken ten or so years, but we did it. Virtual Assistants are front and center.

So, if you are as proud as me and would like to leave a positive comment on the Virtual Assistant Industry, please do. Also, please make sure to leave your website too. Why make it hard for clients to find us through Google. Blogging is so much easier.

Thanks!

Diana Ennen
Author: VA the Series
www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Proven How To’s On Starting Your Own Virtual Assisting Business -- By Diana Ennen

Setting up a home-based virtual assistant business is relatively easy, but it's important to have a complete plan of action set out in advance. I'm a firm believer that the initial planning phase of a business is crucial to its success. This ensures that you don't leave any vital steps unaddressed and also prevents any unexpected surprises down the road. Therefore, I recommend first writing a complete business plan for your business. Nothing technical, just how you plan to operate your business including advertising methods, pricing, business hours, equipment and supplies needed, etc.

The next step is to select the appropriate name. Take your time here as you want your business name to be an asset by appealing to your potential clients. Your name needs to clearly express what services you provide and not limit you if you choose to expand your business into other areas. Decide on a name that people would want to call if they have virtual assisting needs.

To operate a business you are required by law to have the appropriate licenses. This is your permit to do business locally. It's a simple procedure that doesn't require a considerable amount of time. Contact your city and county officials under occupational licenses for complete details or go online. Most VAs start out initially as a sole proprietorship and then might change later.
Now it's time to set up your bookkeeping. I find that the most important ingredient to keeping good books is keeping it simple. If it's easy to do, and doesn't require a lot of effort, I tend it do it more regularly. You will want to keep track of all your income and expenses. Save all receipts and pay all your expenses out of your business checking account. A software program such as Quickbooks is ideal for our type of business. Not only does it allow you to keep accurate records, but it also enables you to track exactly where the most money is coming from. This enables you to target your marketing efforts more in that area.

Now you must decide how much to charge. Don't undercharge your services. Many make this mistake. They feel if they price their services substantially below everyone else, they'll get more business. That's true--you might get more business, but you'll also be working outrageous hours and not making the kind of income you should. Call others in your area and see what they are charging. The average prices being charge today are between $35.00 and $70.00, depending on the specialty. I personally recommend starting no lower than $35.00/hr.

Now you need to get those clients. The key to successful marketing is to tell clients what benefits they will receive by answering their main question, "What's in it for me?" Keep in mind, you're not selling your services, you're selling the benefits of your services. What can you offer them that would make their business run more successfully. An example of this would be accurate dependable service done on an “as needed” basis. E-mail me at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com for lots of free samples on obtaining clients.

It is also important to have an impressive marketing piece. Your brochures, letterhead, flyers, business cards, etc., should look sensational. Think back on what has caught your eye in the past. Now design your material with that in mind. The most important requirement is that it must be professional and convey that you are more than someone typing documents. Businesses want to deal with other professionals. They don't want to risk their work, and possibly their clients, on someone who is not. Let them know this is exactly what they will receive when they seek your services. Places such as Vistaprints.offer affordable printing.

Once established, word of mouth is your best advertisement. When people get professional, accurate, and friendly service they tell others. If you offer such exceptional service, you can be assured that you will need to advertise only at the onset to get your business started. From then on, your repeat clients, and referrals from them, will keep your business thriving.

Recognition is also a key to success, whether it's through the Yellow Pages, message boards, newspapers, chats, or school bulletin boards. When clients see your business repeatedly, they become familiar with your company and when the need arises, they will call you. Therefore consider where you can advertise that can keep your name out there. Take advantage of your signature line and often add a P.S. to add emphasis.

Now that you’ve got the clients, you need to keep them. The best way to do this is to always provide them with more than they ask for. Go the extra mile on all assignments. Let them know that you value their business and are eager to help them succeed.

And finally, enjoy your business. Many start their own business to spend more time with their family. It’s the perfect way to stay at home and still make an excellent income. Firmly set your hours and learn to say no. Remember it’s your business and often your dream come true. By learning your limitations, you can keep it a wonderful experience that both you and your family will enjoy.
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Diana Ennen is the author of numerous books including, Virtual Assistant - The Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA and Workbook, Corel WordPerfect Virtual Assistant Solution Pack, www.corel.com and many more. Visit her at www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains intact.

Virtual Assistant Article - Do's and Don'ts for starting a business

In sharing some of my favorite articles, I thought I'd share this one. It's one of my favorites.

If you are looking to start your own Virtual Assistant Business, say hi and ask a question in our comment section. Let's see what we can do to help you achieve success!

Do's and Don'ts for Starting a Virtual Assistant Business

Virtual Assistants (VAs) are highly skilled professionals who provide administrative support and specialized services to businesses, entrepreneurs, executives, and others who have more work to do than time to do it. Examples of services a VA can do include web design and maintenance, word processing, meeting and event planning, desktop publishing, internet research, e-mail coordination, business start-up consultations and so much more. This can be the perfect work-at-home opportunity for many with good computer and Internet skills. Following are several Do’s and Dont’s to keep in mind for starting and operating your Virtual Assisting business.

DO -- Decide on a targeted market and initially focus your marketing efforts in that area. By developing a “niche” in your field, your reputation spreads quickly and soon you become a recognized expert. Several specialties include: medical, legal or business transcription, resume consulting, transaction coordination -- real estate industry, desktop publishing, manuscript preparing, academic typing, e-mail support, internet research, etc.

DO -- Be creative about where you can find business. The Internet offers a large variety of potential for clients just waiting for you to contact them. Actively network and don’t limit your marketing to simply placing a few ads in newspapers or the Yellow Pages. You want to find where there might be a need- and go fill it.

DO -- Write a complete business plan and marketing plan. Too many leave out this vital step and waste valuable time unorganized and without a clear-cut goal and direction for their business. When starting a business you will have tons of ideas floating around. You need to materialize all these and put them into a workable plan of action.

DO -- Develop a website that looks sensational! Your website is often the first connection a potential client has with your services. It must immediately let them know that they are dealing with a professional. Your site must then have the POWER to draw them to you and contact you. Let them see that you value quality by the look and feel of it. Additional tips include letting them know what services you offer and why you are qualified to offer those services by mentioning your experience and education. Be sure to include points on why you stand out among the rest and are the BEST! For example, if you have been featured in articles, radio shows, etc., have them listed with the dates.

DO -- Learn everything you can about starting a business. Knowledge is power and the more you know, the greater your chances for success. Look to online services and message boards and chats to talk with other Virtual Assistants operating a business. Remember these are often run by pros who have been in business for years and are willing to share their experience. For example, I mentor and manage virtual assisting boards on HBWM.com, Bizymoms.com, Momspreneursonline.com and VAnetworking.com. With 20 year’s experience, I often know what works and what doesn’t in starting a business and staying successful, so my experience can prove beneficial.

DO -- Join associations that are targeted for our Industry. A few of the more popular ones are IAVOA.com and IVAA.com, but there are many others. By connecting with these associations and being active, you learn from them what works and what doesn’t and you are able to post your questions to associate members via list serves often getting answers to your questions within minutes.

DO -- Read, read, read. By frequently continuing to increase your skills and your knowledge of your profession, the end result is a more confident satisfied you. Every tip you get from a book can be a new tool in your business. I recommend highlighting areas from several books and adding them to your library. Keep in mind that you might not use that idea today, but it might apply to specialties you might add down the road.

DO – Enjoy. There’s no greater feeling than landing that first client or finishing your first big project. Plus, wait until you get the opportunity to tell someone you own and operate your own virtual assisting business. It sure beats I’m a secretary at .... Plus, when you enjoy your business it shows. Your clients will sense your positive attitude and want to be a part of your team.

DON'T -- Underprice your services. The average virtual assistant today makes $35 to $70 an hour, depending on their skills, services offered, location, and years of experience. Don’t make the mistake of assuming if you charge the lowest prices, you’ll get the most work. You won’t. Instead, you’ll end up working outrageous hours for peanuts! Clients will pay more for professional services. When a potential client discovers you’re charging a lower rate than standard, they often feel they will receive a quality of services that is also lower.

DON'T -- Overextend yourself. One of the common mistakes many virtual assistants make is to accept too much work and then not be able to accurately complete it. Learn to say no or have a back-up helper who can assist you with any overflow work. Remember one of the most important ingredients for success is keeping your clients satisfied. If you overextend yourself and make a lot of errors, it will jeopardize your business.

DON'T -- Get discouraged. It takes time to get a business going. Plan ahead and have money saved in reserve. Don’t buy items until you have found the best possible price and there is an absolute need. This advance planning takes the pressure off of having to make money NOW. If things are slow and the phone just isn’t ringing ... MAKE IT RING!! There’s plenty of work out there, you just need to aggressively pursue it.

Finally, the most important ingredient for success is your belief in yourself. If you believe that with your skills and experience, you can own your own business, then there’s nothing stopping you. DREAMS DO COME TRUE. SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO MAKE THEM HAPPEN.
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Diana Ennen, Author, Virtual Assistant: The Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, & Words From Home / http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com, http://www.virtualassistantstartups.com diana@virtualwordpublishing.com -- Send for our free booklet on obtaining clients.