OIVAC Blog Tour Stops by To Pay Me a Visit
I’m thrilled to take part in the OIVAC 45 day Blog and Podcast Tour. Welcome to my Blog Sharon. It is still a work in progress. The Blog Tour is what prompted me to start blogging so I guess I have you to thank for introducing me to the world of blogging. Thanks for stopping by and now that you know where I am…don’t be a stranger!
Here is the question and answer portion of the Blog Stop:
Hello Yamisi,
First, let me congratulate you on your business success. For readers who aren’t aware, Yamisi has only been in business for five months and has already developed a thriving practice. That’s fantastic, and her success can serve as a beacon for other emerging VAs. Congratulations Yamisi! I know your questions will come from the fresh perspective of a new VA and I look forward to responding and sharing information with you today. Let’s get started.
1. There are so many VA organizations to choose from, what criteria should a new VA use to select the one and maximize the benefits of the organization?
As in any industry, choosing an organization is usually based on personal preferences. Some VA organizations are strictly structured, others very informal. Several charge a yearly membership fee and others offer free memberships. An individual should research the various organizations by visiting their websites, review the mission and vision of the organization, contact members and request feedback about services and programs, and evaluate if their philosophy/member benefits are important to your mission and will enhance your business growth and development.
2. What challenges could having clients from the same field or industry present to a VA and how could those challenges be addressed?
A challenge, from the client’s perspective, may be the “perception” that the virtual assistant will share proprietary or strategic planning information with competitors of the same industry. The VA can overcome this challenge by including an implicitly worded confidentiality and indemnification clause in the agreement.
A challenge, from the VA’s perspective, may be a client’s request that the VA purchase software to perform tasks specifically associated with the client’s business. The VA should consider the value of purchasing the software and determine if the purchase would benefit her practice and enhance her offerings. If the response is yes, then she may choose to make the purchase and not charge the client for time familiarizing herself with the software. If the response is no, the VA should require the client to purchase the software and charge the client for the time needed to become acclimated with the program.
3. A lot goes into to starting a business, things like a business plan, business name and business identity are important. What business basics do you recommend to new and aspiring VAs?
Yamisi, you have already listed three very important elements. Additional business basics include a marketing strategy, operational manual, disaster recovery plan, keep-in-touch program, informative-benefit-focused Web site, a computer backup system and an antivirus program, to name a few.
4. Organization is one key to running a successful business. How do you stay organized with your client work as well as your own business maintenance?
Organization is the cornerstone to running a successful VA practice, because we are responsible for managing client data. Therefore, creating an operational manual for each client is a vital organizational tool. In addition, performing routine tasks on a regular basis, such as systems backup; establishing set office hours and even setting aside one day a week to work on your business is important, also.
5. The Online International Virtual Assistant Conference seems like a big undertaking. How can a VA who wants to get involved volunteer?
Great question! Individuals interested in volunteering to assist with the 2008 OIVAC may complete the volunteer form online. Volunteers work with members of the Steering Committee on various subcommittees such as: speakers, registration, exhibitor, media, IVAD celebration and several more. Stop by the OIVAC for details.
Yamisi, we’ve reached the “almost finished” point of the tour. As you know, in conjunction with the tour, we are hosting a scrambled phrase puzzle game, where readers and podcast listeners solve mystery word puzzles to obtain clues for the mystery phrase. It’s not too late for your readers to join the game and solve the puzzle. We have a list of great prizes that will be distributed to eligible winners during the International Virtual Assistants Day celebration scheduled Friday, May 19, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. (New York).
By the way, readers, please accept our open invitation to participate in the upcoming OIVAC convention (May 17-19) as we’ve exceptional lineup of business gurus, inclusive of: Paul and Sarah Edwards, Michael Russer, Donna Messer, Rodney Payne as well as many virtual assistant presenters are niche specialists. So, I hope you’ll spend some time with us during the convention and meet and greet your fellow VAs. In the meantime, here’s today’s puzzle clue (#38) sater. Yesterday, I spent the day with Kelly McCausey of Work At Home Moms Talk Radio and tomorrow I’m stopping by the Work at Home Expo. So, drop on by and network with me there for a while. See you soon!
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 ready to step towards their greatness.
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