What not to do when you start a new Virtual Support business.
by Rosie Shilo
Article from Run Your Business Life
As a network manager, I’ve seen many start-up Virtual Support (or Virtual Assistant – called VAs) businesses come through Virtually Yours. I’ve seen new VAs who are unsure of what they should or could be doing, and others that leap in and give everything a go with a smile.
One thing I have seen on occasion though, are VAs who start up their new venture, and begin by emulating the VAs they admire. Personally, I think this is a good idea, however, there are a few golden rules to consider when starting up in the VA Industry.
Respect copyright is the first. You may admire another VA for their products and promotions, but be inspired by it and create your own.
Your business name needs to be unique and reflect who you are and what you want your business to become. Your products are unique to you and your skillset. Stand out by being you. As they say, ‘everyone else is already taken’ and ‘you are best at being you than anyone else’.
Join networks and get involved. Work isn’t going to just come to you, you need to build up your networks both in the VA Industry and in the Industries you would like to target as clients. People hire people they trust.
Don’t just sell your product. Sell yourself too. You can sell yourself by being active in your Industry, dedicating yourself to enhancing your skills and supporting those around you.
Don’t just see other VAs as ‘the competition’. The VAs with the most successful businesses are those who have worked alongside other VAs, lending a hand when needed, collaborating to build better ideas and products. There is plenty of work to go around if you are good at what you do.
Love what you do. Don’t just provide a service because you can. This might get you by when you are employed – you still get your paycheque at the end of the month even if you didn’t push yourself to be the best you can be. But when you run your own business – loving it is the key to success. If you love it, you will care about what your clients think of your work and you will be energised by it. If you only do it because you can, it can be easy to be uninspired and not really care so much about the end product and how it helps your client. Plus, it’s not as much fun!
And finally, ask questions! Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask friends, peers, mentors. Listen to their advice and use what you think best suits you and your situation. You don’t have to do it on your own.
Memberships
Memberships
The VYVA Network aims to support you as a unique Virtual Assistant service. There are many benefits associated with membership – details are listed below.
- Amazing FREE support and advice via email, msn messenger or phone – think of VYVA as your business resource!
- Access to restricted VYVA Network member forums (we use yahoo groups) where you can communicate with like-minded VAs.
- Your own VYVA listing showcasing your skills and services.
- Opportunity to participate in VA mentoring program.
- Opportunity to participate in a fabulous 8 week group coaching program.
- Regular online skype chats – VYVA le Chat!
- Discounted web-hosting – amazing Aussie rates (saves you $$$).
- Access to regular jobleads.
- Access to VYVA Plus for new or struggling VAs
- Member icon for your website letting clients know you are a member of a reputable network.
- Access to a restricted zone on the VYVA website, providing you with great tools, ability to network with each other easily, and opportunities to cross promote your services.
- Opportunity to be listed as a featured member (additional costs apply).
- Promotion throughout our social media pages.
VYVA Member Testimonials
Virtually Yours Virtual Assistant network is a great resource for a growing business. Rosie presents the team in a professional manner using great promotional items; the postcards, folders and member webpages are great (I get a number of hits a week from my VYVA page to my business site!) Job leads are genuine leads and well educated about virtual assistants. Member forums have been really useful in sharing knowledge and technologies and when I’ve needed specific urgent or technical help Rosie offered personalised technical support in such a friendly way. The network has been a great advantage to my business.
Katie Allen
My membership with Virtually Yours has provided me and my business with opportunities and support and is expertly operated by Rosie Murphy. A membership worth having!
Debra Webb
I’m very happy to be part of the VYVA Network. Since joining, I have enjoyed the support of a fantastic group of people and picked up some excellent clients which has helped my business grow. I look forward to being a long term member of this group.
Melinda Dunlop
I have only been a member of this group for a few weeks and haven’t been participating much, but I must say that Rosie you are fabulous. You just keep giving and giving and giving, and I’m really glad I joined this group. As a few have said, VYVA Rocks and so do you. I also find everyone on this group very supportive and eager to help out where they can which is fantastic.
Maria Zito
Just wanted to say a massive Thank You for all the hard work and effort you put into the network and supporting us VAs. You are an amazing woman, you just keep on giving and giving, and I for one know I wouldn’t be as positive about my business if it wasn’t for you and VYVA.
Paula Wynyard
I just wanted to let you know how very much I appreciate you and the VYVA Network. You have developed an amazing network with such an awesome group of people. I’m always overwhelmed by the generosity and support of the team when I need some assistance. VYVA is always the first place I come to when I need support – I belong to a few different networks but by far this one feels like home.
Sue Gross
