Tag: business solutions

VA Interview: Michelle Colvin, MLC Business Solutions

Posted on by Sue L Canfield

Michelle Colvin

When did you start your business?
 October 2008

Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
 I began MLC Business Solutions because I enjoy working in the administrative field and I have always wanted to own my own business. I knew becoming a Virtual Assistant would allow me to provide an innovative way of assisting organizations in the administrative field. It was exciting – and still exciting today – to know that I can help businesses expand on their success.

What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
 Get involved in all the social networking sites that you can. It pays to get your name and face out there. There are also many virtual assistant sites to link with including: FindVirtual.com, VAnetworking.com, and Virtual Assistants Forums; just to name a few. You can learn a great deal just by joining in on the forums and talking with other Virtual Assistants.

What resources have helped you in your business?
 The first book that I purchased that helped me extremely was Virtual Assistant, The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA by Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker. It helped me a great deal when I started my Virtual Assistant business and helps me today regarding certain topics in the virtual assistant industry. It’s a great book and one that I would recommend to anyone who wishes to start their own virtual assistant business.

Share something about yourself such as a hobby.
 I enjoy learning new computer programs and reading books that will help me expand my Virtual Assistant business. Outside of my business, two of my favorite hobbies that I really enjoy are singing and dancing.

Additional comments you’d like to share.
 Be persistent, yet patient in your business. Persistence will take you a long way. While patience will help to keep you focused.

Michelle’s Contact Information:
Michelle Colvin,  MLC Business Solutions
Website: http://www.MLCBusinessSolutions.com
Blog: http://www.mlcbusinesssolutions.com/blog
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MLCBusiness
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MLCBusinessSolutions
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mlcbusinesssolutions

VA Interview: Carrie Withers, Pure Binary Business Solutions, LLC dba Lake Anna Bookkeeping

Posted on by Sue L Canfield

Carrie WithersWhen did you start your business?
Pure Binary Business Solutions, LLC dbaLake Anna Bookkeeping originally started in 2002 as a sole proprietor. The entity Pure Binary Business Solutions, LLC was created in January 2009. In June 2010, Pure Binary Business Solutions, LLC launched Lake Anna Bookkeeping to manage all of the bookkeeping clientele both virtually and locally.

Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
I became a full time Virtual Assistant in January 2009 so I could have a more flexible work schedule and be able to spend more time with my family. Prior to January 2009 I worked for a corporate company as well as working part time for my business.

What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
I can’t tell you how important it is to network, network, network! Also, for those new aspiring VA’s the best thing you can do for yourself and your business is to find your niche and stick to your niche. If you run across any type of work that does not fall within your niche, it is okay to subcontract out those services so you can stay FOCUSED!

What resources have helped you in your business?
I have found that LinkedIn has been very helpful with staying in touch with my contacts and to meet new contacts. It helps to join groups so you can bounce ideas off of each other and get feedback from others.

Share something about yourself such as a hobby.
Outside of enjoying spending time with my family, I enjoy drawing and sketching!

Additional comments you’d like to share.
I recommend keeping a list of VA’s and the type of services they offer so you can refer out work when you need to.

Carrie’s Contact Information:
Carrie Withers, Pure Binary Business Solutions, LLC dba Lake Anna Bookkeeping
Website: www.LKABookkeeping.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/carriewithers