Virtual Assistant Moms - Tips for being a VA and a Mom

Ideas about How to Build Your Own Virtual Assistant Website

July 31, 2009

You want to start your Virtual Assistant Business and you’ve been told to get a website. But how? By all means you must do what you can afford and what is within your skill level, but in order to have a good and thriving business you must have a professional looking website. After all you are a “Virtual” Assistant so you must show that you are tech savvy. Even if you outsource it, you still need it. Here are my recommendations based on the availability of funds and skill level. Free and very Low Cost No skills - While completely free is not my best recommendation - if that is all you can do on a temporary basis – do it – plenty of people have made it work starting out with a completely free site, or blog. You can go to either: http://www.blogger.com or – If you have a google email, sign into your google account and click on blogger. That is the fastest way. http://www.wordpress.com – Go here and sign up for a free account. It’s easy. These will be your best free options because neither of these services populate your blog with ads that make your site

Don’t be Desperate

July 30, 2009

By Stephanie Watson

It can be difficult to stay out of desperation mode if you were laid off, or for some reason you need money right now. (and don’t we all?) But, the very best thing you can do for yourself in your Virtual Assistant business is NOT to be in a big hurry and take just any client that comes along. Even if you bid for a project, and then later figure out that the client is not someone you can or should work for, or that the job is not what you thought - it is ok to not take the job. If a retainer was paid give the money back that you did not earn, give them a full refund, (plus some if you use paypal for payment) and explain that this is not really the type of position that you desire. Recommend someone who may be good for the position if you know someone. Do not cut them down or criticize them. Most people who are seeking to hire you will understand. They want someone who is passionate about what they are doing, and who really wants to do the job. They do not want to make you miserable,

Needing Money and other considerations for a Virtual Assistant

July 25, 2009

By Stephanie Watson

Many times when you are thinking about working from home or starting your own business as a Virtual Assistant you are doing it because you need money. There is nothing wrong with starting this business because you need money but you must keep in mind that it will not happen over night and honestly you don’t want “it” to happen over night. No matter how great of a secretary you are, there are some unique considerations for a Virtual Assistant. Technology - Your clients will be using all sorts of technology that you may have heard about, or you may not have heard about it. There is a learning curve for all new technology and it is important to stay current. With each new client is is just like when you start a new job outside of the home. There is a learning curve that you must adapt to before you start working at your top efficiency. Make sure that you have up to date technology on your computer. Make sure you have a back up plan. What if your computer crashes and you can’t use it? Did you back up the data? Do you have a back up computer?

Working at home has advantages

July 20, 2009

By Stephanie Watson

On one hand, working at home can be difficult due to people thinking that you don’t work, but on the other hand we are in a unique situation where we really CAN reschedule our time to help out our family, drive our children here and there, and otherwise schedule our work on our own time around the needs of our family. Sure there will be times where you have a deadline and you must tell everyone no, but if you schedule your time well, this should rarely happen. If you know how to say no to clients who are too demanding of your time in an unreasonable way, and no to your family and friends when tasks they ask of you are not truly important (junior can wait five minutes for a cookie). You can find balance in your life when you work from home. How do you find balance? What are your tips? Let us know.

Being a Virtual Assistant & a Mom

July 13, 2009

By Stephanie Watson

You’ve found this site because you’re either a Virtual Assistant or you desire to be a virtual assistant. If you are serious about being a Virtual Assistant, you really can be. It is a growing field that is in demand. If you’re already a Virtual Assistant you can attest to the fact that your skills are needed and the career is rewarding. We are so fortunate to live in this time of technology. This technology enables us to be the best moms we can be while also working in a rewarding career.

Virtual Assistant Websites – Yes you do need one!

January 2, 2009

By Stephanie Watson

I am often asked by other moms who want to be Virtual Assistants two questions. 1) Do I have to have a website? Short answer: YES! Without a website how in the world will you compete with all the other Virtual Assistants out there who do have websites. The title of your profession implies that you have some sort of technical knowledge. Either make your own site, or have one made. It is essential. 2) and what should I include on my website? Your VA website should be a reflection of who you are but most importantly it should be about the benefits you will provide your clients. It should be clear what your niche is by reading your site. Know your target market prior to creating your website. Then consider the question: What do I want potential clients to know? Most websites are pretty basic when you think about it. They all include a Home Page, some sort of banner or logo, an about me page, services, rates and contact me page – the typical stuff. It is possible though, to include much more. You can include downloadable files such as a brochure, a resume, contracts, and policies. Your