VA Business Coaching Blog » Virtual Assistant

Are Your Business and Marketing Plans in Place for 2012 – Do Your Contracts Protect Your Business?

Jeannine Clontz — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:29:47 +0000

One of the most significant commonalities among my coaching clients is that most of them do not have a real, live, business and marketing plan in writing to make themselves accountable to growing a profitable Virtual Assistant practice. Not to mention that many either don’t use, or don’t have enough to protect themselves in a contract or agreement with their current clients.

I know, it seems like it’s just too much work to do something formal, or maybe you just don’t know where to start. Won’t your clients have a contract for you to sign if you needed to worry about one?

That’s what I used to think, too. But I found out the hard way, after three to four years in business, that not having these plans in place simply meant I was inconsistent with my marketing and the way I ran my business. I had no goals, so no way to determine whether or not I was creating a profitable business, and I lost a whole lot of money because I didn’t have a contact in place that protected me from non-payment, client project copy errors, and a whole lot more.

What I’ve learned over the past 14-years is that you don’t really need to have this long, drawn out business or marketing plan; that it needed to be updated at least once a year; and I spent the time and money in having an attorney help me create a contract that protected me, and the client, while allowing me not to have to be too concerned with additional E&O insurance, that can be extremely costly.

Want to find out how you can have these documents in place for your business? No matter if you work with hourly rates, retainers, or packages, you still need to have this vital information available to yourself, and your clients, to help grow a more profitable and stable business.

Mark your calendars now for my new Virtual Assistant Inner Track Program teleseminar on Thursday, January 19th, and join me for a special session about Contracts – Forms – Business & Marketing Plans!

Sounds like just the basics, but this information will help you to re-invent your business and set yourself up to grow in 2012 and beyond. Here’s some of what I will be sharing:

Determine what contracts and forms will work best for your type of VA practice, and where you can find information to help kick-start yours.
Why you even need a business plan, and how simple and easy it can be.
What a marketing plan should include and how you can easily establish one with much of the information you are probably already using like your ideal client profile, mission statement, niche, and specific products/services (or use this time to establish those, too!).
How to create the ‘call to action’ necessary to make your marketing efforts trackable and provide the biggest return on investment.
The reality about how often and how many times you need to reach your target market before a sale can happen.
How and when to update your business and marketing plans.
And much more!

Plan to be on the call in January to ask me any questions you have about how to set your business up for success in 2012 with the use of contracts, forms, and your business and marketing plans.

And in February, join me for an in-depth look at Pricing/Rates, Retainers, Packages and Projects! Packages are the latest rage in the VA industry – have you taken the plunge? Find out how to create the rates that you’ll need in order to establish your packages, when you might need to quote rates, are retainers obsolete, and so much more in this interactive session coming on February 16, 2012!

Mark your calendars now and join me on Thursday, January 19th, beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern.

You’ll also be able to ask me all those burning questions about what challenges you’re facing in your business and client relationships during this 90-minute session, as well as whatever you need to know to effectively use contracts, forms, and a business and marketing plan in your business, to organize and grow your VA practice!

Submit your application for the 1-month trial and enjoy this session, at no cost to you…visit: http://www.VAbizcoach.com now to find out more and register to participate.

I hope you will register now and mark your calendars to participate LIVE!

You will not want to miss this session, so register TODAY for your 1-month trial membership in Jeannine’s Virtual Assistance Inner Track group coaching program. Go here for more details and to apply for this program: http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html

The industry is booming right now, you need to differentiate yourself from the thousands of other VAs who may be vying for the same piece of business you are…now is the BEST time for you to make an investment in yourself, and your business to stay current with marketing trends, and be accountable to yourself for building the business you’ve always dreamed of.

Mark your calendars now for this interactive session, Thursday, January 19th 2011 beginning at 3:00 p.m. EASTERN. To find out more about our upcoming monthly schedule go to http://vabizcoach.com/teleseminars.html

You also get a recording of the session – so you can check back anytime you need a refresher. But there’s more… here’s what you’ll receive during the trial program:

One month’s direct access to my monthly teleseminar sessions for VAs discussing in detail the topics as outlined above;
One month of direct access to ask me any question you want on how to successfully take your business to the next level. This Q&A session will take place at the end of each month’s teleconference call and questions are not limited to the monthly topic;
An audio recording of each month’s teleconference sent to you by email;
A highlight of each month’s teleconference sent to you via email;
Direct access to call me during my special monthly call-in times. I’ve set aside two hours each month for my Inner Track members to reserve telephone coaching appointments with me. If you reserve an appointment with me, we’ll work together on your business for 10-minutes. This is on a first-come first-served basis for Inner Track members who take action every month and reserve appointments with me immediately. Members who wait may find that they’ve all previously been taken by other members.

After your first teleseminar you can call or E-mail me at anytime (at least 10-days before the next call) if you no longer want to continue your membership in the program. And, if you continue in the program after your first month, your credit card will be billed just $47 monthly, for each month you remain in the program. There’s no long-term contractual agreement to stay in the program for any amount of time, but I know you’ll want to if you’re really ready to focus on improving and helping you be accountable to growing your business.

And there’s still more! Once you are a paying member of Jeannine’s Virtual Assistance Inner Track, you will also receive access to these additional bonuses to create explosive business results:

Access to our Online Community which includes coaching lessons, resources/information about growing your practice, audios/videos, a discussion group listserve, and fresh information every month (Priceless)
Two free reports to continue to expand your business knowledge ($75 value)
30-minute one-on-one coaching session ($75 value)
And more…

The information contained in this program is so powerful that I’m totally confident of how completely you can transform your business if you use this detailed information. That’s why I’m letting you test drive the program for FREE, so you’ll be completely convinced of what the program will do to transform your business.

Don’t miss it! Registration is required – go to: http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html

The VA Inside Track is a group coaching concept like no other. It’s a fresh perspective on how to positively grow the business you’ve always wanted to have. We inspire and motivate you to do what’s needed to stay accountable to yourself and to the growth and profitability of your business. It’s like business know-how on steroids!

This group coaching program is for Virtual Assistants (VAs) who are ready to take action in their business and have a desire to move their business forward and be more profitable and successful. Our teleseminars do not include any sales pitches nor do they encourage you to purchase an upgrade, participate in any other cost-based program, or just give you vague and incomplete information like so many of those FREE teleseminars do.

Isn’t it time you made an investment in making your business more profitable? Take the plunge, give us a try: http://vabizcoach.com/

You may have even attended online or local business training classes but left feeling like something was missing, like no one else was developing a business quite like yours.

I believe a Virtual Assistant’s business is not like a traditional small or medium-sized business and so many of those classes are geared towards businesses with employees or those not run from a home-base, as many Virtual Assistance practices are.

The Virtual Assistance Inner Track is designed specifically for a VA practice from someone who has been in the trenches for more than 14-years.

I’m extremely confident you’ll realize that through applying just one or two of the many new ideas you’ll be learning in this program, you’ll begin making a lot more money as a Virtual Assistant. Just one additional client or transaction with a current client over the next 12 months because of your membership in the program will pay for your membership many times over. It’s a valuable investment in your future and your business.

Don’t wait, dip your toes in the water and try us on for size! Register TODAY!!! (http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html) so you won’t miss our exciting January session to kick-start your business in 2012!

Now is the BEST time to get the knowledge and resources you need to propel your business and become more profitable. Make this important investment in yourself and the well-being of your business. You’ll be glad you did.

Hope you can join us!

Sign up NOW so you won’t miss that ah-ha moment that could make 2012 your best year ever. http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html.

Are Your Business and Marketing Plans in Place for 2012 – Do Your Contracts Protect Your Business? is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

What would it take to grow your VA business and make a good income?

Jeannine Clontz — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:32:21 +0000

KICK START YOUR VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE PRACTICE NOW!

What would it take to grow your business and pay yourself a reasonable income regularly?

Do you need more clients, better clients, fewer clients, but those willing to pay you more? What do you believe is holding you back from being successful?

Tired of sitting in the bleachers hoping better seats will open up for you? Take control of your business and determine what’s missing, or holding you back, from turning your business around and becoming more profitable!

Consider taking the first 10-weeks of 2012 getting real about what you need to build your business and make a decent income.

Consider my 10-week Business Essentials Teleclass for a Virtual Assistance Practice.

We’re getting geared up for our next 10-week program. Beginning January 2012, each 60-90 minute weekly session takes you step-by-step through the process of starting or growing your VA practice. Utilizing the wildly successful book, Entrepreneurial Freedom, and the companion workbook (included with your paid registration) you’ll get hands on support to formulate your ideas, plans and dreams.

There are several bonuses offered with this program at a value of more than $1,050 – plus…

We also offer a payment plan, and, if you’re a member of IVAA.org, you qualify for a 20% discount. Don’t let another month go by without investing in your business success! Get inspired; work on organizing the business you’ve always dreamed of; and take action! Sign up today – class sizes are limited!

Class Schedule for 2012!

January 10, 2012 (ending March 13)
May 1, 2012 (ending July 3)
September 4, 2012 (ending November 6)
January 8, 2013 (ending March 12)

Find out more: mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:
EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">http://bit.ly/dieUee

What would it take to grow your VA business and make a good income? is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

On Your Mark…Get Set…GROW! New VA Coaching Program – Get Your FREE Trial!

Jeannine Clontz — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:05:56 +0000

Ready to take charge of your business for success in 2012? Consider my new group coaching program starting in January!

Are you stuck? Do you feel like you’re missing something in moving your business forward?

If you’re like most VA professionals (or prospective VAs), you’re very good at what you do; however, you haven’t mastered the business aspects that can take your business to the next level. What’s missing; what’s not your strong suit; what can you do NOW to make sure that you’re in a strong and growing business for years to come?

Before we go any further, let’s agree that you’ve done nothing wrong; that you started this business because you had superior talents to offer prospective clients; and that you just need to find the knowledge and establish a system that will provide the results that haven’t been a part of your success, no matter what you do or try.

There is a solution…there is help. What if you could start making more money without working so hard; without having to design your business a certain way, but were able to get real solutions to growing your practice to fit your dream business model?

There’s certainly no ‘one-size-fits-all’ option for a VA practice, and you shouldn’t have to work with VA teams, donate hours of your time to your coach’s clients that the coach gets paid handsomely for, or work with third world country providers in order to make more money and model your business based on someone else’s ‘system’. Whatever your reason for wanting your own business, you can have a business on your terms, and in record time.

Are you ready to take the steps you need to lead the life you deserve?

Ever wonder why some VAs seem to have an easier time of things?

Do you still get overwhelmed when considering a price increase?

Are you still charging the same rates as you did 3-years ago?

Have you considered packages, the latest thing in VA programs, but don’t know where to start?

What consistent marketing are you using and how successful is it?

If this sounds like you, then my Virtual Assistance Inner Track program may be the perfect fit to increase your success in 2012! And I’ll even let you try the program for one month FREE!

Try a one-month free trial inmy Virtual Assistance Inner Track program that provides everything you need to take the steps necessary to build the business of your dreams and lead the life you’ve always imagined! Here’s what you’ll receive during the trial program:

· One month’s direct access to my monthly teleseminar sessions for VAs, discussing in detail the topics as outlined on our home page at http://www.VAbizcoach.com ;

· One month of direct access to ask me any question you want on how to successfully take your business to the next level. This Q&A session will take place at the end of each month’s teleconference call;

· An audio recording of each month’s teleconference sent to you by email;

· A highlight of each month’s teleconference sent to you via email;

· Direct access to call me during my special monthly call-in times. I’ve set aside two hours each month for my Inner Track members to reserve telephone coaching appointments with me. If you reserve an appointment with me, we’ll work together on your business in a private coaching session. This is on a first-come first-served basis for Inner Track members who take action every month and reserve appointments with me immediately. Members who wait may find that they’ve all previously been taken by other members.

Check out our monthly topics at: http://www.VAbizcoach.com and find more information about the free trial and on-going program. Live sessions are held the Third Thursday of every month beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern!

Once you become a member of Jeannine’s Virtual Assistance Inner Track, you will also receive access to these additional bonuses to create explosive business results:

· Access to our Online Community which includes coaching lessons, resources/information about growing your practice, audios/videos, a discussion group listserve, and fresh information every month (Priceless)

· Two free reports to continue to expand your business knowledge ($75 value)

· 30-minute one-on-one coaching session ($75 value)

· And more…

This is not like anything else you’ve been exposed to, no matter whose coaching program you’ve tried. Put my more than 14-years of business experience in the VA industry to work for YOU!

Visit http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html to find out more and apply for your FREE trial. After your FREE trial you can call or E-mail Jeannine at anytime (at least 10-days before the next call) if you no longer want to continue your membership in the program. And, if you continue in the program after your free trial, your credit card will be billed just $47 monthly, for each month you remain in the program.

There’s no long-term contractual agreement to stay in the program for any amount of time, but I know you’ll want to if you’re really ready to focus on improving and being accountable to growing your business.

Don’t wait any longer to re-invent your business and increase your success in 2012! You have nothing to lose by giving us a try. Visit: http://www.VAbizcoach.com and take the plunge. You’ll be so glad you did.

Jeannine Clontz, provides professional business coaching to established and start-up virtual assistants (VA’s). Learn more about Time Management for Virtual Assistants by downloading her FREE report “A Fresh Look at Time Management for Virtual Assistants”, or request her FREE audio CD “What’s Holding Back my Business Success?”, and more by visiting: http://www.VAbizcoach.com ; or contact her at: coach@VAbizcoach.com.

On Your Mark…Get Set…GROW! New VA Coaching Program – Get Your FREE Trial! is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Second Edition of Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow A Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice RELEASED in Kindle and eBook formats!

Jeannine Clontz — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:54:56 +0000

We are pleased to announce that the Second Edition of Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow a Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice – in Kindle and eBook versions has been released.

“We had to make several adjustments and offer the contracts and forms as a separately requested download, to successfully offer a Kindle version that we’re sure will be a welcome addition,” said Co-Author, Jeannine Clontz, “But the eBook was a natural offering for our tech-savvy readers!”

The eBook version is available only at the Entrepreneurial Freedom website, at: http://entrepreneurialfreedom.com/order/, and there is also a link to the Kindle version (only $9.99) on the same page. Purchases of all versions, except the eBook are also available at Amazon.com.

For a limited time (through December 31, 2011) the print version of the Second Edition, book and companion workbook are being offered at a 20% discount. This discount is not available on Amazon.com purchases.

Get your copies here:

Entrepreneurial Freedom – Paperback – https://www.createspace.com/3614006

Discount code: J7S85URA

Entrepreneurial Freedom – Companion Workbook – https://www.createspace.com/3656289

Discount Code: J7S85URA

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take the next steps to grow your practice; this book will help you decide whether or not you have what it takes, and give step-by-step details, information and resources to building a successful and ethical business. This book teaches you to:

Use business plans; contracts; and record keeping
Develop your Brand
Network
Handle difficult clients
Collect from non-paying clients
Develop a ‘professional’ YOU
Create a marketing plan
Use social media to expand and grow
Grow your business with employees or independent contractors
Shorten your learning curve by reading the real-life experiences of 21 established, professional entrepreneurs
And much, much more!

The print book and companion workbook are also used for an online 10-week teleclass offered by co-author, Jeannine Clontz. Our next class starts in January 2012 – for more information visit: http://vabizcoach.com/starters.html

Now is a great time to start a Virtual Assistance practice, or take your business to the next level. Find out what our readers have to say about Entrepreneurial Freedom: http://entrepreneurialfreedom.com/comments and then order your copy TODAY!

Second Edition of Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow A Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice RELEASED in Kindle and eBook formats! is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Taking Monday Off Before the Melbourne Cup? Join Us for an Open Discussion About Being a Virtual Assistant!

Jeannine Clontz — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:47:50 +0000

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

Taking Monday Off Before the Melbourne Cup? Join Us for an Open Discussion About Being a Virtual Assistant! is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Seven Tips for Raising Rates

Jeannine Clontz — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:18:37 +0000

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.

We’ve looked at packages as an alternative to actually having to disclose your rates, to help clients get a better feel for what can be accomplished in a certain amount of time, or to complete a certain project, but it still needs to be based on a rate that allows you to keep your business running, while providing you with the income necessary to live a reasonable lifestyle.

I’m sure you, and your clients have noticed that everything is on the rise, gasoline prices, food, healthcare, etc., requiring you to adjust the way you do business in order to remain profitable.

Here are my seven tips to help you raise your rates:

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.

This is a great time to take a close look at your rates and packages and decide what will serve you and your clients best.

INVENTORY BLOW OUT WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

The Second Edition of Entrepreneurial Freedom – How to Start & Grow & Virtual Assistance Practice is due to be released in a few weeks, so we’re BLOWING OUT remaining First Edition copies at HALF PRICE!

While supplies last, get your First Edition copy of Entrepreneurial Freedom for only $9.98 – BUT THAT’S NOT ALL! Save on shipping, too! Only $2.98 – a $1.00/book savings!

Want to save even more?

Purchase the First Edition Companion Workbook, while supplies last at a REDUCED PRICE, TOO!

Add the First Edition Entrepreneurial Freedom Companion Workbook for only $6.50 (A $6.45 savings) and bring down your shipping costs to $3.98 – a $2.00 savings!

Don’t wait, quantities are limited. You MUST place your order at www.EntrepreneurialFreedom.com to take advantage of our Inventory Blowout pricing*!

(*) = not applicable on any sales through Amazon.com For orders in quantities higher than 5-copies, please contact us at: sales@entrepreneurialfreedom.com for more details and savings!

Seven Tips for Raising Rates is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Virtual Assistant (VA) Trends – Packages

Jeannine Clontz — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 15:12:42 +0000

As the virtual assistant industry has continued to evolve I have seen some trends that have helped improve our ability to promote our services while helping prospects and clients understand the value and benefit of working with virtual professionals.

One of them is the transition away from quoting hourly rates to creating packages that identify for the client what can be accomplished in what period of time and at what cost.

As my business has grown, so have my rates. It’s a natural transition as I gain additional knowledge, purchase additional software and hardware and provide additional services to current and potential VA clients.

One of the most challenging things during the initial contact with a prospect is helping to establish my value when we get to the ‘what’s your rate’ segment. It’s difficult for prospects to understand what a VA can accomplish in an hour, and the scope of knowledge, expertise, and partnership we bring to the table; so quoting them an hourly rate simply confuses the issue and may tend to turn the prospect off, or create a price shopper where one may not have existed.

Instead, when the rate question arises I try to get more information about the prospect’s need and create a package based on that need, which gives them the total cost, per month, or per project, to accomplish their goals.

I have found that my ability to ‘close the sale’ has far exceeded what I was able to close simply quoting an hourly rate. My close ratio has increased by about 65%.

So how do you handle the rate question when speaking with a prospect for the first time? Are you embracing packages, staying with a retainer model and selling a block of hours, or quoting an hourly rate establishing to the prospect’s satisfaction what can be accomplished in an hour to attain their ultimate goal?

I have found it much easier to establish my value to the prospect using the package option and still maintain the higher caliber clientele and ideal client that fits my practice best.

Have you transitioned to packages? Are you using retainers or quoting by the hour? I value your input and comments on this topic, please share them below!

Virtual Assistant (VA) Trends – Packages is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Client’s View on Virtual Assistants Featured in NBEA Newsletter!

Jeannine Clontz — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:27:10 +0000

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.

The March issue of the NBEA’s (National Business Education Association) Newsletter was focused on “The Virtual Office Professional (VOP)” and featured several of my client’s views, as well as those of my colleague, Terri Orlowski of Beyond the Office.

Not yet being provided electronically, here are the highlights of the article: “The Entrepreneur’s Entrepreneur: The Virtual Office Professional (VOP), The Client’s View”

“Solopreneurs, such as life and business coaches, independent legal and real estate professionals, and consultants, are among the businesses that hire virtual office professionals. Keying In interviewed some of these solopreneurs to get insights on their expectations of and their experiences with virtual assistants.

We hope this information will be useful to you as you guide and advise individuals aspiring to this profession and or build a course or a curriculum around this career. This sidebar offers additional insights on a company that provides "hybrid" services to small businesses that need an extra pair of hands, on-site or virtual, as they hurdle through growth spurts and the impacts these spurts have on their business processes (see "Providing a Hybrid of Services").

Eve Siegel

Kailas Career & Life Transitions Coaching

EI Cerrito, California

www.Kailaslifecoaching.com

Eve Siegel is a certified life coach. Three years ago she decided to hire a virtual assistant to help her set up a newsletter and send it to her mailing list so she could keep in touch with clients and potential customers. Now her VA handles Siegel’s Internet marketing efforts to expand and diversify her audience.

In her own words…

I found my first VA through a local agency. She lived 2,000 miles away. I worked with her for a couple of years [until she] moved on to something else. A friend recommended my second VA — [she lived] 1,000 miles away. I began to find out that there are VAs who specialize in certain things … and [this one] was savvy with e-marketing.

She helped me learn how I could use Facebook and LinkedIn. I gave up the newsletter, began blogging, then went to Twitter.

In the beginning I thought I’d learn how to do [Internet marketing from my VA], then do it myself. Then [it dawned on me]: Why should I do it myself? She’s more interested and eager [to do it], whereas it was tedious for me.

When hiring a VA, it’s always with the understanding that they’re good at what they do. Communication is very important: How quickly do they respond to emails from me, and how do they respond? Are they professional, friendly, and on time? And I think about what I really want someone to help me with and how much would that cost. I have in mind a certain [financial] limit per month. Which of these items can [she] do for that amount this month?

My current VA, [Jeannine Clontz] is very current on how to market business on the Internet. She’s always thinking of other ideas, building on things that I started. At first it was overwhelming. Then I got a sense of her vision. She didn’t do "just jobs."

As an entrepreneur, there’s a limited amount of time in the day. Factoring in sleep and a social life, how much can I do and what’s it worth my time to do? This is where VAs come into one’s life. It’s not that I have extra money floating around. It’s just that it’s worth putting some of the money I do here, to further extend and maintain my business.

Laura MacDonald

The Laura MacDonald Team

St. Louis, Missouri

www.theLauraMacDonaldteam.com

A real estate agent, Laura MacDonald works predominantly in the St. Louis corridor. She sought a virtual assistant when she felt the business model for real estate shifting from a staffed office to a technology-driven market.

In her own words…

[In the past], I had paid, salaried employees — a closing manager and a listing manager. I was responsible for their livelihoods. When the market shifted, I decided to create a strategic approach to increasing my bottom line by adjusting my business model and hiring a VA.

From the beginning, Jeannine [Clontz] was familiar with our industry, [which is] driven by Internet marketing. Reports are Internet based. [You don't] set up an appointment to see a property, [you take a] virtual home tour on the Internet. Anything that was once a paper trail is now a paperless model. Jeannine is comfortable operating in that environment. She is also good at creating newsletters and postcards and sending [mailings] to our immediate database to keep them abreast of what we’ve done.

She helped us streamline our communication. An example is social media. She had the knowledge and wherewithal to tap into all that content with one simple process. Anything behind the scenes that could help us keep our position in the market, she’s done.

When hiring, I looked for qualities other than expertise: knowledge of the industry, talents, past [experience] with other realtors, familiarity with [software] programs that realtors use. Also [how the VA can] bring value to us.

You also have to do due diligence. There are a lot of VAs out there. You get what you pay for. Really follow up on references. Look at work samples. Find out how long they were in business, and whether they can offer a wide palette of services and comprehend the language [that’s used], depending on the field.

In an ever-changing economy when you have to shift and adapt, change, or restructure your business model, I think a VA makes you shine like a star and keeps that overhead intact. Her value is immeasurable.

Kelly Eckert

KellyEckert.com

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Like many solopreneurs, personal and professional development coach Kelly Eckert works from home. And like other solopreneurs, she has spent a lot of time doing tasks that were necessary to build her business — website and blog updates, online store maintenance, and general marketing — but that took her away from her core businesses.

In her own words…

As an entrepreneur, I had hesitated about hiring a VA because I worried that it would take a lot of time [to train the VA] and I wondered if it would really be worth it to pay someone rather than do the tasks myself. As a former marketing consultant and graphic designer, doing these tasks is not difficult for me, just a time burden.

Right away, though, Terri [Orlowski] freed up a huge amount of time for me. Not only that, I felt unburdened and light. I was able to focus on coaching and writing again.

Terri’s specialty is website creation. She came up with a great vision for my Positivity Girl™ website right away. When that is done, I plan to continue working with Terri, especially on web issues.

I hired a second VA, Lee Drozak, to help me with my coaching club website and online payment system. Terri really got Positivity Girl™. And Lee understood how to support my work on my coaching club.

When hiring, I looked for someone [who gets me] and someone I could easily communicate with. I don’t expect my VA to be available 24/7. But I do want emails and calls to be answered quickly. I also want to feel that my VA is closer to being a partner, rather than being someone on whom I’m dumping work I don’t want to do. I appreciated the glowing testimonials about Terri and Lee from other women who had hired them.

[I'd advise] anyone who’s considering this career to be very clear about how you can help your clients. Don’t overstate your abilities. I would definitely hire a new VA, but I would want to know that she is new. In fact, as long as she can do what she says she can do, the fact that she’s just getting started would be a selling point, as I like to help new businesses. Also, find out exactly what the client’s expectations are and be clear about your boundaries. I imagine some clients would have unreasonable expectations. But you can prevent misunderstandings by clarifying expectations and boundaries upfront.

Source: “Keying In: The Newsletter of the National Business Education Association”, March 2011, Volume 21, Number 4

I want to congratulate my clients, Eve Siegel and Laura MacDonald, for their contributions and kind words about our relationship. It’s always helpful to get some perspective from clients to gain knowledge on their needs and how a Virtual Assistant fits into their business plan.

For more information about NBEA visit: www.nbea.org

Client’s View on Virtual Assistants Featured in NBEA Newsletter! is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

What’s Holding Back Virtual Assistants? Have Great Expectations

Jeannine Clontz — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:13:04 +0000

As we have touched on previously, you are totally in charge of, and responsible for, everything that happens in your business. So what are your expectations? What do you hope to achieve? What do you do to stay current with the industry? Do you know or understand where the industry is headed?

In order for us to have great expectations for our business, we have to know where we are going? If it’s only about making a buck, you have to think bigger.

It’s about leaving your mark not only as an entrepreneur, but as a VA and a part of the Virtual Assistance industry. It’s also about having an exit strategy.

I know, that sounds silly. Why would you need an exit strategy? Well, unless you plan to work your practice until the day you die, you will need to have an exit strategy. A part of that exit strategy will be a plan for either closing, or selling your business.

If your expectations are low, if you’ve never really planned for your retirement, or the sale of your business, what happens to your clientele? Do you think you’ll just work for them until they retire and then close your doors?

Even if that’s the plan, you need to create and develop that plan in order for you to meet the expectations your clients will come to demand. If you don’t take the business seriously, or create a plan and strategy for growing and exiting your business, you will be doing yourself, and your clients, a huge disservice.

Some of this has to do with time, and time management. Surveys with top executives and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies indicate that the average corporate CEO actually logs less than 90-minutes a day of genuinely productive time. And I would suggest that entrepreneurs have even bigger problems with managing time than do those in the corporate world. Clearly, you will need to find ways to make your time more productive than you have in the past, and doing all the work yourself may be a big part of the problem.

I’m not necessarily talking about the client work; that is most likely what you enjoy doing the most, and where you most often attach your expectations. But truth be told, it’s the business expectations that will make or break you over the long haul. So delegate your workload, too.

Do you have a business plan? How about a marketing plan? You need to.

Neither needs to be long and involved. It should be something that identifies why you’re in business, and what you want that business to look like and how you’ll market it to get it where you wanted it to go. This exercise will help you to focus on what you really want and need in your business to continue to grow that business in a way that fits your current and future needs.

And it’s not just something that you put in writing and file away never again to see the light of day. It should be a living, breathing forecast that you update and change once or twice a year as the industry and your business continue to evolve.

So realize that you must change your mindset and be willing to do things differently in order to move your business forward.

Remember if you keep doing what you’re doing, you can only expect more of the same. However, if you be authentic , if you try and make a difference, and know that doing small changes can make a BIG difference, you will be well on your way to claiming the life you want and deserve.

Jeannine Clontz, provides professional business coaching to established and start-up virtual assistants (VA’s). Learn more about Time Management for Virtual Assistants by downloading her FREE report “A Fresh Look at Time Management for Virtual Assistants”, or request her FREE audio CD “What’s Holding Back my Business Success?”, and more by visiting: http://www.VAbizcoach.com; or contact her at: coach@VAbizcoach.com.

What’s Holding Back Virtual Assistants? Have Great Expectations is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

What’s Holding Back Virtual Assistants? – Make Lots of Lemonade!

Jeannine Clontz — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:48:08 +0000

Life on both a personal and professional level is going to throw you plenty of lemons. How you handle those situations will make or break your business. As we discussed earlier, if you look at each challenge you are faced with, in both your personal and professional lives, as an opportunity to grow and learn, all your lemons will become lemonade in a very short time.

Don’t give in to those challenges that can’t be solved. What does that mean? Well, have you ever heard the saying, “the customer is always right”? Do you believe that statement?

Most people who have worked in their own business, or in the corporate world would probably tell you that isn’t a very accurate statement, the customer is many times, ‘not right’, but, ethically speaking, there are those people whom you will never satisfy, who will never find pleasure, and will never be convinced that they haven’t been wronged in some way.

Yes, there are unethical people out there, but what I believe is this – if they are unethical, then no matter what you say or do to try and fairly resolve a situation, they will most assuredly only see it their way, and only be satisfied with a total refund of anything they paid, but with the ability to keep the product or result of the service, too.

It happens, and one of the hardest things to do is to, listen, let them vent, and walk away. Give them the refund, don’t charge them for anything. Complete the service you promised, even though they don’t deserve it.

Because if they are unethical, then they’re going to bad mouth you all over town, or the Internet, or in as many ways as they can think of, and believe me when I say, unethical people know many ways to be evil, it’s simply their nature.

So take the high road, don’t lower yourself to their level, let them rant, let them lie and deceive and put a spin on things so they seem to be in the right, and give them what they want, even if it means you refund all of their money and let them have what they don’t deserve.

Then sit back, and enjoy the lemonade, knowing that you saved yourself from having to continue to deal with someone who is unethical and could ultimately damage your reputation, should you try to make them do what’s right.

It’s not about what’s right or wrong, it’s about their perception of what’s right or wrong, and you’re much better served to take the hit and sever the relationship so that you know you won’t be associated with them in any way in the future.

Jeannine Clontz, provides professional business coaching to established and start-up virtual assistants (VA’s). Learn more about Time Management for Virtual Assistants by downloading her FREE report “A Fresh Look at Time Management for Virtual Assistants”, or request her FREE audio CD “What’s Holding Back my Business Success?”, and more by visiting: http://www.VAbizcoach.com; or contact her at: coach@VAbizcoach.com.

What’s Holding Back Virtual Assistants? – Make Lots of Lemonade! is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog