Taking the Monday off before the Melbourne Cup? 

Join us for an open discussion about being or becoming a virtual assistant – we share business challenges, resources, and have an informal chat about anything participants would like to discuss during this open forum.

We’ll also be sharing information about the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA.org), the premier industry association representing the interests of Virtual Assistants (VAs) in Australia and worldwide.

Find out about the benefits of membership, how the Association promotes the industry and educates prospects on the value and benefits of working with VAs, as well as, their commitment to providing education and certifications to savvy VAs looking to strengthen and grow their businesses.

To register to attend this event (which will be held every Monday at 5:30 PM Melbourne) click on the link below or copy/paste it into your Internet browser.  Once you register, you will receive a reminder each week to attend these free IVAA Australia Coffee Chats unless you opt-out.

Registration Link:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/744677282

A new discount code has been established to offer 20% off for anyone purchasing the second edition (for a limited time only) of Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow a Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice.

This code J7S85URA will allow you to get the discount on either the book or workbook, as well as for purchases of both the book and workbook.  Find out more here:  http://bit.ly/raEf9z

Join me, Monday, October 17, at 5:30 PM Melbourne, as I host our first ever, IVAA Australia Coffee Chat. I am so looking forward to speaking with current and soon-to-be virtual assistants from Down Under as we share business challenges, resources, and have an informal chat about anything participants would like to discuss during this open forum.

 We are pleased to announce that the Second Edition of Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow a Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice –paperback,  as well as, the Companion Workbook have been released.

COMING SOON!  In the next few weeks we will be releasing an eBook and Kindle version of Entrepreneurial Freedom – stay tuned!

Like most industries, raising your rates is a delicate process that many virtual assistants and small business owners fear. While understanding what prospects are willing to pay for your particular product or service is key to growing and maintaining your business, sometimes it’s as easy as learning that you need to generate a certain amount of business at certain fees in order to keep afloat.

• How much do you want to make? Decide how much money you want and need to make, both on a personal level and to manage to save some money to keep your business going and take on new ventures.
• Fees should be based on your level of expertise, especially if you are providing services. Those who have lots of experience, perhaps continued education and certifications, not to mention maintaining expensive software programs, can and should charge higher rates. If you’re like me and consistently increasing your experience through trainings, and special programs, you should be charging a higher rate than many others who don’t take the time.
• Don’t let the fear of losing business stop you from raising rates – We’ve all had those nagging thoughts about all of our clients taking their business elsewhere if we even consider raising rates, or maybe you believe you’re not worth it – whatever the case might be, know that you provide a valuable service or product (or you wouldn’t be in business) and you won’t lose much, if any business when you increase your pricing – at least that’s what most people have indicated, and what I have experienced over the many price increases I’ve taken.
• Like creating packages, your fees should represent the value and benefit of the results you provide to the client. If you’re solving an important issue or problem in their business, they’ll be willing to pay an appropriate fee.
• Test the market first. Many times before I plan to take an increase I will test the market by quoting a higher rate to a prospect, just to see if the market will bear my new rate. As I continue to quote the higher rate to new clients it helps me to substantiate taking the increase across the board. Many times I will give current clientele 6-months at the old rate before it takes effect for them. This is a great way to let them know you care and want to earn their business for many years to come.
• Evaluate your current client base. We all have a few clients that we hang onto because we really like them, but they are not profitable to our business. Remember, you are in business to make money, this is not personal. Let them be the first to approach with your price increase. If they are not willing to continue working with you at the higher rate, they really weren’t the right client for you anyway. You were wasting your valuable time on the wrong type of client. Offer to refer them out to someone else who is able to provide them with the products or services they need at a price they can afford. This will free up your time to find new, more profitable clients.
• Check the competition – look at some of your competitors and find out what kinds of rates they’re charging to be sure you are not really behind the market on pricing. Try to compare yourself to someone who has the same level of expertise so that you’re taking a look at someone who would be equal to what you’re able to produce and, if you find several people at the same level of expertise with a wide range of rates, check to be sure they’re doing the same kind of work/projects you do, as well as, how the different rates may average out.

As the Virtual Assistance industry continues to evolve, more and more organizations are promoting and endorsing the use and growth of the Virtual Office Professional.

Last week we talked about getting a friend to keep us accountable; making sure we stay positive about achieving our goal, and to make it public to keep us on track.

Even when you’ve set a “good” goal – one that adheres to your higher objective and is specific and measurable – you can run into some issues along the way… namely, staying motivated. Without motivation, even the most ambitious person will get sidetracked. Here are the strategies that I feel will keep you on track to achieving your goals: