Tag: business owner

Interview: Belinda Stringer, VirtualAssistants.com

Posted on by Sue L Canfield

Belinda Stringer is the founder of VirtualAssistants.com. Belinda sends out a regular newsletter and has graciously used several of my articles in her newsletter. She’s also listed my book, The Commonsense Virtual Assistant – Becoming an Employee, Not an Entrepreneur, in her Recommended Reading list. I asked Belinda to answer a few questions for an interview here at the Chief Virtual Officer blog.

virtualassistants.com logoWhy did you start VirtualAssistants.com and when did you start it?
VirtualAssistants.com was started in February of 1999, mainly because of getting scammed a few times when I was looking for a real virtual assistant job. I thought it would be great if there was a job site with screened jobs that I would feel safe in applying to, so I created VirtualAssistants.com.

What is the purpose of VirtualAssistants.com?
What we do is to prescreen the jobs before they can be posted to our job board. We wanted a safe place where you did not have to worry about the job you were applying to. We have alot of repeat VA’s who pick up extra clients from our job board. With over 800+ job virtual job openings that are posted, there is something for everyone from admin, customer service, transcription to tech jobs.

What challenges did you face starting VirtualAssistants.com and how did you overcome them?
Well, in 1999, it was very difficult finding companies that would consider a ‘virtual assistant’. With a lot of determination and hard work, we were able to find the jobs and make companies aware of the concept of working with a virtual assistant.

How do you become a Virtual Assistant? Can anyone become a member of VirtualAssistants.com and what is the fee?
If you have job skills you can use them to work virtually. So you do not have to already be a Virtual Assistant to get a virtual job. You can join, view the job board, apply to jobs and also post a VA ad listing what services you are offering for either a small monthly rate of 9.99 or you can choose the yearly rate of just 49.99. You can view the register info at http://www.VirtualAssistants.com/virtual-assistant-jobs.html

How can a business owner post on your site that they are looking for a Virtual Assistant?
We have a great email job form they can use that is very easy, and it is free to post a job at http://www.VirtualAssistants.com/post-your-virtual-assistant-jobs.html. Once we have reviewed the job and deemed it safe, we will then post it to our private job board.

Are You an Employee or a Business Owner?

Posted on by Sue L Canfield
The Commonsense Virtual Assistant
The Commonsense Virtual Assistant

Sometimes new virtual assistants think of themselves as employees. But you are not! You work for yourself. You are a business owner!

Since you are a business owner, you need to understand what it takes to run a successful business. It takes more than just having the skills your clients expect you to have to help them in their businesses.

You need to now how your clients think and what they want. You also need to know what you want – what you expect from your business.

To help you succeed as a business owner and get out of the employee mindset, the book, The Commonsense Virtual Assistant – Becoming an Entrepreneur, Not an Employee, was written.  Here are what some readers have said:

“This book is a must read for anyone looking to get into the virtual assistant industry and it is a blueprint for success for those who are already in the industry. It guides you through a mindset shift that shows you how to operate as a highly successful online business.” – Lucinda Cross, Life Coach, Vision Board facilitator, Business Mentor

“While this book is directed towards Virtual Assistants, business owners of all industries will find it very useful in their pursuit of the American Dream of owning their own business. It will help you understand and overcome the limitations you place on yourself, consciously and subconsciously, that stand in your way of becoming a confident, successful business owner. It helps you develop an understanding of how your customer thinks, why you think the way you do, how to best utilize resources, and put processes into place to help you become the successful entrepreneur that is in every one of us!” – Michelle Randolph, Gold Force Administrative Support

“This book is a great reference for anyone considering a career as a Virtual Assistant (VA). It is well-written and gives a roadmap of the entire VA process from how to think like a VA, the skills needed and even to to how to operate your VA business. I especially love the resource chapter.” – Sandy Plarske, Elite Administrative Services

To get your year started right, begin by reading this book. The Kindle version is available at Amazon for only $3.99.

What The Virtual Assistant Expect From Clients

Posted on by Sue L Canfield

stock business photoAre you a business owner looking for a Virtual Assistant to work with? Then you have expectations. A Virtual Assistant also has expectations of their clients. Here are a few:

  • Treated with respect as a fellow business owner. They are not employees.
  • Clear communication of your expectations regarding the skills needed and time frames.
  • For you, the business owner, to be open to the Virtual Assistant’s feedback and suggestions.
  • To be paid what they are worth and on time.

Be sure you go over these details before you sign a contact and insist these be included in the contract.

© Aydeniz | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

You Are a Business Owner, Not an Employee

Posted on by Sue L Canfield

Over the years we’ve had some great conversations with virtual assistants around the globe. The feedback we’ve received has helped us refine our message. One of our clear messages has been, “You are a business owner, not an employee.”

One of the virtual assistants we’ve connected with is Laura Putnam of  You’re the Best. It was very gratifying to receive this Facebook message from Laura a few days ago.

I want you to both know how much I appreciate all of the opportunities I had learning from you both when I started my business two years ago. I recently got involved in a collaborative business arrangement. The first week I heard two words that sent a red flag up, micromanage and nitpick from this person. As the relationship progressed I began to feel as though I was an employee…your words, you are a business owner, not an employee flew through my mind as he was criticizing me on the phone as though I was a member of his staff yesterday. Today I spoke up and terminated the collaboration, and feel awesome. You guys are the best, thank you…

If you’d like to learn more about how to run your business and not be micromanaged, read the Kindle version of The Commonsense Virtual Assistant – Becoming an Entrepreneur, Not an Employee. Then tell us about your success!

Building Blocks: Succeed as a Chief Virtual Officer Workbook

Posted on by Sue L Canfield

Building Blocks: Succeed as a Chief Virtual Officer WorkbookWhat is a Chief Virtual Officer?
Our philosophy revolves around the idea that you, the virtual assistant, are now a business owner. However, we’ve found that often business owners, and even virtual assistants themselves, view a virtual assistant (VA) as little more than another employee. This view can make it challenging to convey the true value a virtual assistant can provide a business owner. It also makes it challenging for the VA to present their business in the best professional setting.

That’s why we decided to call the VAs we coach Chief Virtual Officers. After all, you are the chief officer of your business. This title more accurately reflects the VA’s position as a business owner.

The Workbook
This 72–page spiral bound workbook is designed in such a way that a Chief Virtual Officer can work through it on their own, at their own pace, and develop the mind set needed to run a successful business. The workbook has been designed with large margins and plenty of space to write notes.

Topics Include:

  • Are you Chief Virtual Officer Material?
  • Setting Up Your Business
  • Identifying Your Ideal Client and Target Market
  • Marketing Your Services
  • Communicating With Your Client
  • Referrals and Testimonials
  • Sub-Contracting
  • Collaborating with Other Chief Virtual Officers

Samples Included:

  • Marketing Plan
  • Marketing Calendar
  • Pre-Contract Questionnaire
  • Contract
  • Blog Questionnaire
  • Self-Promotion Questionnaire

Order your copy for $19.95 here!