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Ep 36: VA Training – Do Your Homework

Posted on September 26, 2018 by LynPB

Previously I’ve said that I didn’t think it was necessary for VAs to have training – however with the evolution of the VA industry and so many new VAs coming from little to no experience in an office or admin environment, and others straight from school, getting training in running a business, or a specialist niche area, is probably advisable for some. However, not all trainers are alike. You have to do your homework and ensure you’re getting what you pay for! Do your research and ensure your trainer knows what they’re talking about! Check their background and credentials before you part with your money.

Remember: the VA industry is unregulated and there is no over-arching regulating/certifying body … therefore NO training can be “certified”. Getting a certificate at the end of a training isn’t the same as that training being certified. The articles I mention in the podcast are linked below:

Kathie Thomas: VA Certified – or Certificate?
Susan Mershon: VA Certification – Why You Don’t Need one

I also include reference to what I consider legitimate, valuable trainers and organisations. I’ve included links to those below:

Sharon Williams – Online International VA Convention
Craig Cannings – VA Classroom University
Kathie Thomas – VA Trainer
Tracey D’Aviero – CAVA and GAVA
Tawnya Sutherland – VANetworking
Rosie Shilo – Virtual Business Start Up Course
Ingrid Bayer – The VA Institute
Sharon Broughton – VA Graduate School
Susan Mershon – The Techie Mentor

For specialist Author and Speaker Assistant training visit here.

This should be plenty to get you on the road to a successful VA practice!

History of the VA Industry infographic – find it here.

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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!