Thanks Kylie for inviting this cyberspace-hopping VA for a stimulating chat regarding issues potential virtual assistants should consider. I’ve traveled quite a distance to be with you today, and look forward to discussing these exciting topics. Let’s get started!
1. In researching the Virtual Assistant industry, I have seen some articles stating how easy it is to start a Virtual Assistant business and that it is a ‘get rich’ scheme, but I have also read other articles and websites that state a Virtual Assistance business is hard but satisfying work. I want to stay at home with my kids and I think I have the skills but I don’t want to set myself up for failure. What am I supposed to believe?
I’m glad you are performing your due diligence and “investigating” before you leap. As in many industries, unscrupulous people attempt to take advantage of the unsuspecting and attempt to exploit those who have not fully research the industry.
Have you heard the old saying “if it’s worth it you have to work for it?” The same applies to virtual assisting. If you want to build a viable, profitable business, you have to work for it – and if you are passionate about your business, you will succeed!
The VA industry is building its reputation one VA at a time (literally), across the global marketplace. So, my recommendation is to keep investigating, and learn about the industry. Join a few of the free networking groups and associations (many of which offer free and low cost membership fees) and lurk and learn.
VA organizations are listed at the Alliance for Virtual Businesses web site. Stop by and peruse the listings and read their profiles. Visit the group sites for additional details about VA organizations and networks. In addition, several publications (some of which are also listed at the Alliance web site) provide additional insight into the industry.
Finally, contact some of the virtual assistants and ask questions. VAs are usually very helpful and willing to assist others interested in entering the industry. When you make contact, remember to introduce yourself, let her know you are interested in becoming a VA, and ask if she has a moment to answer questions about the industry. Don’t be a nuisance. She may be busy working on a client project. If so, ask for a good time to contact her again. Be prepared and put your questions in writing! Who knows, you may develop a mentoring relationship – or at a minimum, receive honest answers to your questions.
2. Other than a high level of administrative and technical skills, what other skill sets do you recommend for someone looking to start their VA business?
I would suggest the aspiring VA develop a business plan and marketing strategy. While a business plan is not normally considered a “skill set”, it does take skill to market effectively; and without a plan, the individual is conducting “haphazard” or “hit and miss” marketing – which is ineffective, time consuming, a stress builder and a business and morale breaker.
I also recommend the individual develop excellent written and verbal communication and exceptional customer service skills.
Why communication? Your verbal and nonverbal messages are an important asset when interacting with your target audience and clients via the web site, email, in meetings, networking events, written correspondence, etc.). And if you are not a proficient and effective communicator, your audience will “tune you out” quickly and ignore the important elements of your communiqué.
Without exceptional customer service skills, you lose clients! And, it never fails! Also, the disgruntled client will announce to everyone from the highest heights that you provided poor customer service, embellish your perceived faults, and attempt to dissuade others from utilizing your company. To avoid the above scenarios, develop exceptional customer relations skills and clients will rave about your services and refer associates, too.
3. I’m looking for further training in running a business. Where should I look?
There are several virtual assistant training programs available to choose from. Again, I recommend that you conduct your due diligence and the check the credentials of the individuals offering training programs. In my opinion, if you are a failed VA, meaning you couldn’t run a successful, profitable VA practice – or just started your own practice – then you shouldn’t offer training to aspiring VAs – again just my opinion – but you’ve asked, so I’m sharing!
In addition, ascertain the criteria required to enroll in the course, and ask to see the program’s “graduate list”. Contact a few graduates to obtain their opinions regarding the program and if it helped the graduate build a successful, profitable business. I wouldn’t be a successful business owner if I didn’t recommend my own program, so while investigating, look at the online business training program I’m associated with (see resource box below). The Alliance has compiled an extensive list of VA training programs. I recommend that you utilize this resource as your starting point.
4. Certification seems to be a hot topic surrounding Virtual Assistants. Should I look into certification and if so, which one?
Yes, I support the “certification” concept wholeheartedly, as I believe continuing education is an important element of staying abreast of the latest trends, technologies, etc. in any industry.
Many of the VA training programs offer “certification” upon completion. The question often asked, quite frankly, is, the certificate valuable to the continuing growth of my business? In other words, is the industry and potentially its customers at a place where they value or accord higher value/prestige, and associated higher rates, etc., to individuals who possess certifications? Some do, but unfortunately many do not!
Presently, a VA can build a very successful practice without holding a certification. I believe, however, that in the not too distant future (5 years or so), that will change as more VAs will look for ways to have an “edge” to keep and stay “ahead of the pack”. In other words, as the industry grows and more experienced administrative professionals and other business support types enter, VAs will NEED a mechanism to stand out – even after they have identified a niche. So yes, I strongly support a certification process.
In answer to your question, which one – that is a most difficult question, as the currently available certifications are not created equal – each provider has established their own criteria for eligibility – without any uniformity. Some offer proctored exams, others evaluate a person’s work and business history; others give a certificate at the completion of a course and/or joining their group; but, if the individual leaves, she loses her designation. In reality, certifications are fashioned uniquely to the specifications of the provider.
Fortunately, there are well-respected members of the VA community that are addressing this issue and hopefully within the next few years, the industry will stand behind a certification criteria – with established requirements for the certifying/training program. In the interim, members are preliminarily developing a general qualifications document to serve as a starting point VAs can look to as minimal requirements for consideration when entering the industry. This topic and a working document will be reviewed at the OIVAC Workshop scheduled May 18, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. DST (NY).
5. With 3 small children, I find it hard to network locally. I’ve read that the OIVAC has opportunities for online networking. Can you tell me a bit more about that and the benefits to a newbie and experienced Virtual Assistants?
Yes, OIVAC has scheduled five international networking opportunities during the three day convention. In addition, several groups will conduct networking in their booths located in the exhibit hall. Finally, we will also have informal sessions where VAs can chat in a very relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Let’s not forget the official International Virtual Assistants Day (IVAD) celebration scheduled on Friday, May 18, 2007, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. That, my friend, is the ultimate networking event, because VAs from around the globe will gather to honor the Thomas Leonard International Virtual Assistant of Distinction and Janet Jordan Achievement Award nominees as well as hear our guest who is an exceptional motivational speaker, Ms. Fran Capo.
Benefits for attending OIVAC? Ah, let me count them! Seminars, workshops, networking, exhibit halls, meet & greets, all from the comfort and convenience of your home! Consider this. If you wanted to attend a brick-and-mortar, traditional convention – inclusive of hotel, travel, food and entertainment, childcare, loss of business opportunity, etc., your basic cost would exceed $500 and frankly, depending on your locale, may run as much as $1,000-$1,500 to attend an event of similar caliber. Below are a few of our convention highlights:
- 27 expert presenters conducting seminars on topics ranging from branding, networking, marketing, creating info products, podcasting, writing sales copy, disaster recovery programs, technology programs, and much, much more
- Unlimited opportunity to network with VAs located around the globe
- Ability to develop potential partnering and mentor relationships
- Training from experienced VAs walking the walk, daily
- Downloadable give-a-ways, technology and class offerings
- Exceptional access to trainers and presenters at nominal cost
- A fully functional exhibitor hall where you can meet and greet exhibitors, representatives of VA member groups, etc.
- Awarding of the most prestigious internationally recognized VA-industry awards and ceremony, including a motivational presentation by Ms. Fran Capo.
- And so much more it’s difficult to list everything
Many of the activities are free and open-to-the-public. Seminars can be ordered as follows: (a) 1 for $25 (b) 3 for $60 (c) 5 for $100 and the entire convention plus a set of seminar audio recordings – $350. In addition, if you are unable to attend a live event, I recommend that you still register for seminars, as they will be accessible for an additional 10 days after the conclusion of the event. That way, you will be able to view the seminar during a time most convenient to you – at any hour of the day or night – for 10 continuous days. Note: Registration closes May 15, 2007.
Well, if this isn’t enough reason to attend the VA industry’s only online international convention, from the comfort of your home computer, I’m not sure what is! So, I hope to see you and your readers there – by the way, feel free to invite your associates (VA and non-VA business owners) to participate, as the scheduled presentations are provided by exceptional business experts.
The world never sleeps, but it’s time for me to – so I’m off to nestle in at my next stop, which is actually home, the OIVAC blog. As I visited Vermont Shortbread Company yesterday, I remembered Anne, the proprietor, is graciously providing shortbread as one of the convention’s donated prizes – so who knows Kylie, – you might be a winner – now don’t forget to share! Speaking of sharing, today’s scrambled puzzle game clue (# 30) is: ontncet. Announcement: The stop originally planned to Cherry Communications has been redirected to the OIVAC blog. Stop by to read Shannon’s questions, my responses, and to pick up your missing clue (#27). Until tomorrow —
About Sharon Williams
Sharon is the Chairperson of the Alliance for Virtual Businesses and OIVAC, and president of The 24 Hour Secretary an administrative, secretarial and internet-based marketing support services company. She is the 2006 recipient of the Thomas Leonard International Virtual Assistant of Distinction Award and co-founder of Virtual Business University an e-learning environment for entrepreneurs willing to step towards their greatness.
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