Who is Leisa Good?
A virtual assistant is a highly trained professional who is able offer a variety of administrative and technical skills virtually (remotely) to individuals and businesses. Most virtual assistants work from a home office as an independent contractor (IC) and utilize the power of the Internet to offer their services to these clients. While it isn’t the norm, some virtual assistants do telecommute.
So, one day I woke up and realized that I had a home computer, a cell phone, a fax machine, and 20+ years of administrative experience. Plus, whenever my then-current boss traveled out of the country, I was still able to work with him and stay in touch with him via the Internet, email, and phone. If I could utilize this technology at work and earn a living, then why couldn’t I utilize this technology from home and earn a living?
I also read an article in one of my favorite online newsletters, ChangingCourse.com, which had an article on virtual assistance. I knew I must be on to something.
Initially, I created my business like most people. I had no clue who my target market was and no clue what services to offer. I just jumped right in there. As long as the person had a pulse rate and a checkbook, they could be my client. Actually, the pulse rate was optional.
I just took anyone and did everything from typing to transcription to writing to whatever. If I could learn it overnight, then I could offer it the next day. I offered everything but bookkeeping and accounting, because I didn’t want to send anyone to prison! I began to realize that there was no way with technology moving as quickly as it was, that I could keep up with all the software packages and upgrades with all the industries. Impossible.
So, I narrowed my offerings and my niche. I would work with entrepreneurs and solo-practices, most of them were in coaching or Internet marketing.
How do you advertise and find new clients?
In the beginning, most of my clients came by word-of-mouth referrals (viral marketing is the term). However, I began networking on niche forums and utilizing social media. Social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Ryze) are wonderful tools for networking and making contacts with potential clients. Just remember to share–not sell–your expertise. It is called social media for a reason.
What type of costs should someone expect when starting their own Virtual Assistant Business?
Let me begin by saying that you can have as many “techie tools” as you want. However, until the money starts flowing, try to stick to the basics. You’ll definitely need a laptop or PC with a good anti-virus program; a Windows Operating System (Windows XP or Windows 7) or Mac OS if using a Mac; high-speed Internet with an email account; a web site or blog for your business with a registered domain name and hosting; a reliable printer; and business cards.
All the rest is optional, so please don’t price yourself out of business before you even start your business. Yes, a business phone line would be nice but if you can’t afford it then download Skype. Get creative. Everything else can be added later. If clients really need something, see if they can buy it themselves and/or work out shared agreement with you.
What types of obstacles have you faced with your Virtual Assistant Business?
I guess the better question would be what obstacles haven’t I faced? Everything from finding clients faster to restructuring my rates to streamlining my services offered. It’s all been a journey. I’d love to say I did everything perfectly, but wouldn’t we all?
I guess the point that I am making is that you don’t have to be perfect to start a VA practice. Just get started and learn. I would say though that if you can decide in the beginning who your target market will be and what services you will offer, you will save a lot of time and money trying to figure it out or fix it later. In other words, start thinking like a specialist not a generalist. Specialists in all fields (especially medical) always earn more money and know what they do best.
Also in the beginning when my husband was skeptical of this whole thing, I worked in the evenings and weekends at two virtual call centers. Just to silence him with a “steady” paycheck. It also helped me learn more about working remotely. It wasn’t easy keeping up with two call centers and building a clientelle, but it was worth it. I certainly made a believer out of him, and now he is my biggest supporter. It never hurts to have a Plan B. This is actually where I met you, Miranda, at one of those call centers.
On a closing note: This is actually a great time for my business as I am in the process of giving my web site a new look and changing my business name and logo. But don’t worry. You’ll be able to find me, because I know how to do domain transferring, domain pointing, and domain forwarding. It goes with being a good virtual assistant.
With more and more businesses looking for ways to cut costs, virtual assistance is still a good business to start. If anyone would like more information or if I can further answer questions, my email address is leisa (at) gemstonebusinesssolutions (dot) com.
About Miranda Grimm
Thank you, Miranda. And keep up the great work on your blog! Always enjoy reading it.
Thank YOU!!!
Leisa,
I always enjoy reading your blogs!! You are a wonderful writer!
I am looking forward to your e-book..keep up the excellent work!
Oh, Rosie. Thank you.
E-book? Whaaaaat?! Well, I probably could write one with all I’ve learned. I could do a series of just the mistakes! LOL
As a fellow Virtual Assistant, I can relate to so much of Leisa’s post. I had to learn a lot of the ropes on my own as I didn’t really know where to get help. It turned out pretty good though. I’m very happy this is the career path I finally chose.
Angie,
Nice to meet you. Yes, I think both of us could sign up for the MBA or MVA program at the School of Hard Knocks! It’s been live and let learn, then relearn.
Always, great to meet other VAs.
This was a very enjoyable read! Virtual assisting is something I always thought I had a good understanding of, but this definitely puts in more perspective.
Great read. It is always good when there is a personal testimonial to working at home.
Anna,
The “job description” is always changing. The main thing is that you define it for yourself. What is so unique and wonderful that only you can do it? Then decide who to do it for.
An example would be social media. When I first started there was MySpace, but no one was into SMM (social media marketing), but now there are VAs that specialize in just that. The same is true for SEO too.
Thank you — that definitely sounds really cool! So I guess that means the possibilities are pretty much endless in regard to what you could be doing.
You betcha, Traci!
Anna, the possibilities are endless. I also predict with more and more technology being added, there will even be more in-demand skills for the newer technology. Just decide what you want to offer and offer it. What you can’t do you can refer or even create a joint venture with another VA, who might have complimentary skills. A network of other VAs or freelancers is so important, because you never know if you might need coverage when you are sick or on vacation.
HTH
Honestly, I always thought VA work was easy but after reading up on it, it really does take skilled people to do the job and I can easily tell you are very intelligent and able to do a job like that!
I believe this post will really help others in determining if VA work is something that they want to do and they can have a wonderful mentor to talk to!
Oh, Katie! Intelligent? Hmmm. Hold that thought. LOL. I think I’m probably more resourceful than anything else.
I like the Henry Ford approach to business, which says you don’t have to know everything just surround yourselves with people who do. You either need to know who to ask or where to look for the answers. These days the Internet is a great tool for finding answers, but you have to be careful with information overload and incorrect information.
So, again it does help to put together a “trusted” network of people or join a good forum (like this one) as soon as possible.
One final note. I promise to disappear.
Some of you did PM me for places to start getting information and training for virtual assistance. Here is a short list of organizations and forums to get you started:
VA Networking – http://www.vanetworking.com (my favorite and membership is free)
International Association of Virtual Office Assistants – http://www.iavoa.com
International Virtual Assistant Association – http://www.ivaa.org
Executive Virtual Professionals Association – http://www.evpa.net
Thanks and take care!
Thank you Leisa! I am sure this will be of great help!!!
Feeing great to meet Leisa. She is a inspiration to millions! Self-belief and self-discipline make a home business success.