Freelancer Interview: Cindy Snyder

Cindy Snyder

I first connected with Cindy through a mutual connection on LinkedIn when I was looking for an additional transcriptionist. She is now also an account manager on my social media management team. Here is my interview with Cindy.

When did you start your freelance business?

I started working as a freelancer early 2013.

Why did you choose to work from home?

I became permanently disabled around New Year’s of 2012. I knew I’d never be able to work an in-person job again and I wanted to be able to contribute to the household income. I started researching what I could do from home. I started out slow and as my health improved I was able to take on more clients and expand into different areas.

What advice would you give those who want to work from home?

I’d tell them to thoroughly do their research beforehand and make sure it is something they can really commit to because it is very hard work! It is also highly rewarding and I’d definitely encourage them to go for it. Just be aware of exactly what you’re getting yourself into.

What resources have helped you in your business?

There were a couple of forums and websites that were helpful and in the beginning I got most of my work through freelance sites such as Guru and Elance. 

Share something about yourself.

My hobbies are reading, writing, watching movies, playing video games, and spending time with family and friends.

Links to online profiles:

Elance: https://www.elance.com/s/csnyder83/

Guru: http://www.guru.com/freelancers/cindy-snyder

I’ve also recently written a book about freelancing which you can find at all the major retailers. The social media page for it is https://www.facebook.com/pages/CJ-Snyder/918229991574263.

Virtual Assistant Interview: Leigh Anne Aston

I’ve known Leigh Anne Aston for several years and we’ve worked together on many different projects. Among other things, Leigh Anne is my primary account manager for my social media management services. I interviewed her and here are her responses.

  1. Leigh Anne AstonWhen did you start your business?

Officially 2007

(Unofficially 2006 – I was still working full-time in the corporate world and doing some VA items on the side.)

  1. Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?

To have more control over what I was doing. I felt this was the best next step in my career.

  1. What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?

First, contact Joel and Sue for a consultation. (That’s what I tell everyone who asks me.) Then, set a schedule and stick to it. You’ll want to try to be everything and do everything for everyone in the beginning. Set your goals AND limits and then go from there. Make sure you leave time for yourself.

  1. What resources have helped you in your business? Forums, blogs, coaching, books?

First and foremost, Joel and Sue.

I do a lot of internet research when I need to try to figure something out – utilizing LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, as well as just plain old internet searching. I also belong to the International Association of Administrative Professionals, which is a wonderful place to exchange knowledge with members from all over the world.

  1. Share a success story or something about yourself – a hobby perhaps.

My main hobby these days is reading. (I read trashy romance novels with happy endings, in case you’re wondering.) Up until a few years ago, I absolutely hated reading. I was good at it, but it was always (and I mean from the time I learned how, always) a chore. A few years ago I was prescribed progressive bifocals. That’s when we found out I have “double vision” and things didn’t line up for my eyes the way they do for most other people. One eye is higher than the other. After having prism adjustments added to my prescription, I was looking at things completely differently. After getting the new glasses, I remember the first time I read a letter Jesse brought home from school. I was about half-way down the page when I realized I wasn’t using my finger to keep me on the right line of text. It was “eye-opening” and so exciting to know there wasn’t anything wrong with my desire to read, it actually was truly a chore all along. I read practically nonstop in my spare time now. Although, I will say, I read almost exclusively on my tablet (love those e-reader apps).

  1. Additional comments you’d like to share.

Just to always, always be true to who you are and do the best your are capable of doing.

  1. Links to any online profiles you want to share.

@leighanneaston

http://www.linkedin.com/in/leighaston

https://www.facebook.com/AstonAdminServices

https://www.google.com/+LeighAston

(and my website is www.astonadminservices.com)

 

Social Media Management in 10 Minutes a Day

You can get a lot done in just 10 minutes a day on Twitter. I recommend you determine your priorities and focus on using your 10 minutes each day on those priorities.

ten minutes a day on twitterOne of my clients wanted to make better use of his 10 minutes a day on Twitter. So we came up with this process:

Twitter Notifications 

  • Goal: to find retweeters and favorite-ers to thank them and/or follow them.  If time is limited, focus on the “Notifications” List.
  • Thank the user for favoriting or retweeting you. If favorited, see if it’s someone you want to follow and follow them back.

 Twitter Messages

  • Check for messages and reply as appropriate.

 Twitter List(s) and Retweets

  • Review list(s) and find appropriate post to Retweet.

 Twitter Post

  • Post an update with a shortlink and appropriate image.

If you spend just 10 minutes each day doing these simple things, you’ll find your social media presence is much more effective and productive.

Social Media Management with Limited Time

Sue CanfieldSocial media management is in high demand right now. More and more virtual assistants have taken on management of their client’s social media networks. Your clients come to you for this skill because they have limited time and want to use your expertise instead of taking time away from what they know best to learn a new skill.

But do you spend so much time on your client’s social media management that you own has been neglected? I know this has happened to me. One of my goals this year is to stay on top of my own social media management as well.

With limited time, it’s very useful to have a tool where you can manage all your social media networks from one place. I personally have been using HootSuite for several years. I’ve just started working through HootSuite University to get my certification as a Social Media Consultant. I don’t really care whether or not I am “certified”. I am interested in learning more about how to effectively use HootSuite for myself and my clients.

Now in one place I can manage all of my clients and all of their social networks: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+. I can schedule messages across all networks in advance. I can reply to mentions, see who is using specific keywords, see who my client’s new followers are. This is a huge time saver. I only have to log in to one place instead of several different networks for several different clients.

As I learn more about effectively using HootSuite, I plan to share some tidbits. So stay tuned!

Have you used HootSuite? I’d love to hear your thoughts!