• Introduction
• Success Story
• Useful Tool
• Webtastic Designs SPECIALS!
• Clear Communication is VITAL!
• Email hints

My success story comes from a recent reassessment of my business aims and goals which I felt was needed so that I could achieve what I had always wanted to achieve - to run a successful business.

I was given some guidance and invaluable experience from a wonderful friend and fellow VA/business owner which has turned my business around completely.  Her advice was to find a niche and advertise my business under that niche banner. 

Originally when I started my business, I decided to stick with what I knew and had done all of my working life, which was secretarial work in general, although I had many years of transcription experience.  So from that DEB'S SECRETARIAL SERVICES was born.  I spent a lot of time and money on advertising, gaining exposure, contacting local businesses and joining groups but the amount of work and calls I was getting in were minimal.  The bulk of my work in the first year of business was sub-contracting, doing transcription work for others who were already successful.  I earned a pretty good income in that first year, but knew that if I could get my own clients, I could earn more - in dollars and personal satisfaction.

So under the guidance of this wonderful person, I chose my niche (transcription) and went through the process of changing business name, having a professional logo and stationery designed and boosting the spend on my advertising.

I admit that the increased spend on advertising has developed my clientele, but I am 100% certain that if I was still operating under the banner of DEB'S SECRETARIAL SERVICES, I would not be experiencing the success I am today.  I now no longer need to sub-contract my services out to earn an income.  In fact, I have been using sub-contractors to help me with the work load since the name and direction change came about.

There was a discussion recently that I saw about finding a niche to be a better VA and there were some in agreeance and some not, but in my case, finding that niche and advertising it appropriately has indeed been the reason for the success of my business.

by VYVA Network Member, Debra Webb, Dictatum Transcription Services

In tune with the new year and New Years resolutions which often focus on health and being good to ourselves, I am promoting a useful tool which is not actually business related. This website, map my run, is a fabulous site which gives those of us who tend to live on the computer, a fun way to stay inspired to exercise, be it running, riding, walking or whatever else you enjoy.

Personally, I have taken up running. Being a computer based business owner can be a very sedentary job so getting outside and hitting the pavement is a very therapeutic way to clear the mind and get the circulation going.

This website allows you to track your km's and even keep track of the kilometers your latest pair of running shoes have done. It has forums, competitions and maps which allow you to see how far you have run/walked/riden and to save the maps for future use on your own calendar.

So add this fun tool to your new year's resolution and get fit this year! Enjoy!

The importance of details! After you have found a virtual assistant or VA company that you feel comfortable with, the next step is to describe what you want the VA to do for you.

The importance of providing your virtual assistant with directions that are clear, concise and detailed cannot be emphasized enough. If you provide vague instructions about the tasks you want performed, chances are you’ll be disappointed with the results. Virtual assistants can do many things, but reading minds is not one of them.

Explain what you want done in great detail and provide examples of previous work if possible. It is vital to be aware of your style of communication. Don’t be vague or generalize the tasks you would like the VA to perform. Be specific and detailed about your requirements and project deadlines. If the tasks you want performed have several elements, take the VA through the process step-by-step. It may take a few more minutes of your time initially; but it will make your VA more efficient and eliminate needless follow-up communications to get it right. Also, describe any special software or hardware that your project requires.

When you submit your detailed request for VA services, do not use the phrase “If you have any questions, please contact me.” Have the VA rephrase your instructions in an email to you so you can make sure you’re both on the same page.

Using virtual assistant services can be a big saver of both time and money. By following the few prudent steps listed above you can help ensure that you’re getting the quality of work and value that you expect from your virtual assistant.

by Clarin