Atypical VA Meets Podcast & Blog Hopping VA for Short Chat

I’ve been waiting anxiously for the days of the tour to make it to my neck of the woods, and I’d like to thank Sharon Williams of OIVAC for answering questions I know my readers would love to have the answers to!

1) What’s the first thing I have to do if I want to work from home?
Hum, this question opens the door to many answers. The very first thing is very difficult to identify – but I’d say –“make the decision”.  That decision is not that you want to “work from home”, because telecommuters can work from home – but instead, that you “want to become an entrepreneur”! There is a huge difference.

Telecomuters report to a boss. Entrepreneurs undertake and operate an enterprise and assume the accountability and inherent risks.

After I’ve made the decision, I would put, in writing, “reasons” I want to work from home – the pros and cons, and determine the income I need to generate, minimally, to maintain my current lifestyle and make a profit, and if the risks are worth it.

2) What are the pros/cons of marketing locally vs. online?
Actually, I recommend that a VA market both locally and online, since neither venue alone may reach all of your target audience. So, pros and cons are all relative to the individual’s prospective.

I advise, after the VA has identified her target market and ideal client, that she determines where these targeted prospects mingle and make a connection. These locations may be on or offline, at networking events, via list servs or member organizations, chamber of commerce, leads or neighborhood group meetings, etc.  A VA should not depend solely on one marketing platform, because marketing is an ongoing element of business planning and operations – or at least should be – and a well-defined strategy should be implemented. Normally, elements of such strategies include local media, publicity, outreach and networking exposure, especially if you are new to the industry and lack name or business recognition.

3) Should I have someone else answer my phone to look more professional?
No. If you want to sound professional but are uncomfortable speaking on the phone or believe you do not present a professional telephone image, practice! Develop a telephone script, test it on your mate or friends by asking them to call inquiring about your services. Practice until it becomes second nature. If you have a true phobia about speaking, join a local Toast Masters. They can provide training and practice sessions as well as help prepare you for speaking before larger audiences. Who knows, you may develop into a phenomenal speaker!

4) Should I get a separate phone line for my business?
With today’s technology, it is not necessary to purchase a separate phone line.  Many local phone companies offer an “identi-ring” service. Identi-Ring enables two or three telephone numbers to share one line. Each number has a different ring sequence, enabling you to differentiate personal vs. business calls. Another option is to utilize VoIP technology, such as Skype or Vonage and other VoIP options. (Research the Internet for plan details).

5) How do I make the most money as a virtual assistant? Are there certain skills that command higher prices?
The way to make more money as a virtual assistant is to become the “expert” in your specialty. I wouldn’t necessarily say it is the “skills” that allow you to command higher prices versus a combination of your level of expertise, training and experience. For example, if two VAs specialize in marketing and each has the same “skills”, but one has a track record for obtaining exposure for clients and the other doesn’t – it is likely that the 1^st can demand higher compensation because she has a proven, documented history. The 2^nd VA, cannot, because she does not have documented success.

In other instances, it isn’t always what you know (skills), but who you know and if those individuals will refer others to you. As the number of referrals increases (demand) the VA may dictate higher rates.

Finally, if you have “basic” admin skills, but not familiar with and utilize “advanced” skills or “technologies” associated with the service, you are also unable to demand higher rates.

So, in a nutshell, while skills are important, and there are certain specialties that may command higher prices, even if you are proficient, other factors influence your ability to command top fees (not in any order).

• Supply/demand for your services
• Your presentation/image (how you package your self/services)
• How and to whom you market your services (your sphere of influence)
• Delivering what you promise

That’s it for today. Time to leave Atypical and plan tomorrow’s visit with Kathie at VA Directory. Yesterday, I relaxed at the OIVAC Blog, and now have scheduled more podcast and blog hopping for the rest of the week. So tomorrow, I’ll meet you “down under”. Today’s scrambled puzzle clue is: slskli.

About Sharon Williams
Sharon is the Chairperson of the Alliance for Virtual Businesses and OIVAC, and president of The 24 Hour Secretary an administrative, secretarial and internet-based marketing support services company. She is the 2006 recipient of the Thomas Leonard International Virtual Assistant of Distinction Award and co-founder of Virtual Business University an e-learning environment for entrepreneurs willing to step towards their greatness.