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Ep 35: The Evolution of the VA Industry

Posted on September 22, 2018 by LynPB

The VA industry has been going since the early 1980s! Since I began my VA journey back in 2000, the industry has certainly evolved and changed significantly. Back then we had a fledgling industry forged primarily by women who had come from years working in administration, secretarial, PA or EA roles, whereas now there are many types of VA. This means that clients need to be clear on what they’re looking for to ensure they partner with the right VA.

I mention Julie Hoflin’s (Your Versatile VA in British Columbia) infographic in the podcast which highlights the difference between what she terms Offshoring (‘the tasker’), Outsourcing (‘the side hustle’) and Contracting (‘the professional’). You can find it here.

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Most people don't get started because of fear

Ep 34: How I Got Started

Posted on June 18, 2018 by LynPB

Recently a question was asked on a group I belong to, “What’s your reason for not starting your business?” The primary reason for most people not getting started was fear: of failure; not being successful; not being good enough.

Here I share how I started my business back in February 2000 in the hope it will help others get the courage they need. Back then, VAs really were a completely novel concept here (especially in Queensland) (and not confused with offshore call centres), when we didn’t have 99% of the apps and technologies available today, and when we were operating on dial up internet. {gasp!}

Resources:

Some of the organisations I mention in the podcast no longer exist. Here’s one to consider joining:

VA Directory (A Claytons Secretary) – including VA Trainer

VA Classroom – if you’re after specific training

Podcast: Five Tips for Starting Your VA Practice

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Ep 33: The Myth of Work-Life Balance

Posted on June 14, 2018 by LynPB

The Courier Mail ran an article about an NBN commissioned study highlighting that many small business owners who had begun their business in the hope of achieving work/life balance were no longer living the dream. The nationwide study of 700 business owners with fewer than 100 employees shows they want to work half the hours they are. This desire for work/life balance is behind many start-ups – but I think we should be aiming for work/life integration – especially those who are home-based self-employed.

Resources:

National Museum of Australia – Defining Moments in Australian History – The 8 Hour Day

The Courtier Mail – Small Business Owners Lament the Loss of Work Life Balance

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How do clients find you if you don't market yourself

Ep 32: You Are Your Best Marketer

Posted on May 31, 2018 by LynPB

Do you rely on family and friends to help market your business? Do you feel ‘miffed’ if they overlook you? I think we all go through that – especially start ups – but no one knows your business like you and no one can market you like YOU!

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Ep 31: Good Quality Clients Who Pay Your Rate

Posted on April 2, 2018 by LynPB

A listener asked for a show covering how to attract good quality clients who are willing to pay your rate, and won’t try and bargain you down. This is probably the second most asked question by VAs in particular – after “How much do I charge?” In this show I share some tips from my own experiences, as well as some from industry legends Sharon Williams and Kathie Thomas.

If you have your own tips to share, please do so in the comments!

Links:

OIVAC – http://www.oivac.com

The 24 Hour Secretary – http://www.the24hoursecretary.com

Alliance for Virtual Business – http://www.allianceforvirtualbiz.com

VA Directory – http://www.vadirectory.net

Elizabeth Mary Hancock – https://www.elizabethmaryhancock.com

Other Episodes referred to:

Ep 5 – Getting Clients

Ep 15 – What do I charge?

Ep 19 – Client Purchasing Decisions

(Image: Getty Images)