Tag: va interview

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: Sharon Foster, Executive Online Solutions

Posted on by Sue L Canfield

Sharon is another virtual assistant in Canada that I connected with first on LinkedIn.

Sharon Foster

When did you start your business?
I actually registered my business name in December 2009. I spent the next few months working on my website, doing research via online forums, getting business cards, designing letterhead and putting client info together. During that time I was still working part-time as an Office Manager. I actually left my job and launched my business full-time in June.

Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
I chose to be a VA primarily because of the flexibility of working from home (I have two young children). I was growing very tired of having to stay at the office until 5 p.m., even though I had no work to do, when I should have been home with a sick child. This way, I can supplement my husband’s income, do what I enjoy, yet still be a mom.

What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
I would tell any new VA –do your homework! Research – there are a lot of experience VA’s out there who have been so helpful and generous with their knowledge. Also, take some business or marketing courses or seminars – they can be invaluable.

What resources have helped you in your business?
I have used online forums, particularly virtualassistantforums.com and VANetworking.com, quite extensively. Connecting with other V’s, sharing ideas, learning from others. I have also joined our local Chamber of Commerce, and found it to be a great way to connect and network with local businesses. I have purchased a few books that are specifically written by and for Virtual Assistants, including Sue Canfield’s The Commonsense Virtual Assistant and Elayne Whitfield-Parr’s How to Build a Successful Virtual Assistant Business.

Share something about yourself such as a hobby.
Someday, when I have more spare time (hah!), I’d love to get back into some of my hobbies, including scrapbooking, and introduce my kids to the joys of canoeing. Meanwhile, I try to keep fit by walking my dog and bicycling.

Additional comments you’d like to share.
Since I decided to launch my own business, my self-esteem has increased and I feel more confident in my abilities and skills. I never thought I’d be able to stand up in front of a roomful of strangers and talk about myself!

Sharon’s Contact Information:
Website: www.ExecutiveOnlineSolutions.com
LinkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/executiveonlinesolutions

VA Interview: Rhonda Holscher, Rhonda’s Virtual Office

Posted on by Sue L Canfield

Rhonda HolscherWhen did you start your business?
 February 4, 2010. Celebrating 6 months August 4th!

Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
 Office assistance is something that I enjoyed, and being a single, home-schooling mom working from home had its attraction. So when I found myself in need of a job I decided to go for it.

What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?

  • Do your research
  • Network with other VAs
  • Get a mentor & Accountability partner
  • Get whatever training you need
  • Do these before you start if possible, if not do it anyway.

What resources have helped you in your business?

  • Virtual Assistant Forums
  • Virtual Assistant Directory
  • Other VAs
  • Hess Business Professionals & Associates LLC
  • Mentoring 2 Success
  • Certifiedvp.com

Share something about yourself.
 I play the piano & sing. I love to sew. I love to read. I enjoy sci-fi, romantic, romantic comedies, comedies, action, and horror movies. Most of all I enjoy being involved with whatever my children are involved with. I enjoy the time I get to spend with them, and I love watching them grow and learn.

Additional comments you’d like to share.
 If you are just starting off and getting discouraged keep your chin up. It takes a lot of hard work to get a business started, but if you want to you CAN do it!!!

Rhonda’s Contact Information:
Rhonda Holscher, Rhonda’s Virtual Office
Website – http://RhondasVirtualOffice.com
Twitter – @RhondaHolscher
Facebook – Facebook page
LinkedIn – http://www.linkedin.com/in/rhondaholscher

VA Interview: Laura Putman – You’re The Best

Posted on by Sue L Canfield

I believe Laura and I first connected on Find Virtual – where you can find, hire and network with a Virtual Assistant. Laura continually looks for ways to improve her business and I’m glad to have found such a staunch supporter of the virtual assistant industry.
Laura Putnam
1. When did you start your business?
November 2009 was when I received my EIN, however, my website was just launched and published 4 weeks ago.

2. Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
I selected a virtual assistance business because I am super at what I do, and this is a way to focus on my strengths and the industry I choose to work with.

3. What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
Two suggestions.  First, do not go it alone.  Chief Virtual Officer has been instrumental in my business development and guidance.  Second, be a consummate professional, remember that just because you are virtual and using electronic communication does not change the way you should represent yourself.

4. What resources have helped you in your business?
Resources that I have used to guide me as a business owner: Chief Virtual Officer business coaching calls, books such as Duct Tape Marketing – John Jantsch, Power of Intention, Wayne Dyer, and a membership of International Association of Administrative Professionals.

5. Share a success story or something about yourself.
My success story: I am a very successful volunteer Project Leader for the Hands On, United Way volunteer group.  I have been involved for over three years.  This has been a pivotal force in my life.  First, because I meet a lot of great people.  Second, because I’ve grown as a person from being involved in projects where I am helping someone who needs it.  I feel as though volunteerism is character building, gives you internal strength and takes you outside of yourself.  I would strongly suggest that everyone give of themselves, it changes your life.

6. Additional comments you’d like to share.
Going from being an employee to a business owner takes strength, fortitude, support and encouragement.  Be strong, open, flexible and eager to learn, your motivation and willingness will make the difference between being a successful business owner and or having a business that may not make it.

Thank you Laura for sharing with us! Her contact information follows:
Laura Putman, You’re The Best, Inspired Creatrix
Facebook – Business Page

VA Interview: Joanne Jinks – HRVA

Posted on by Sue L Canfield

Jo first contacted me after being referred by a fellow member of Find Virtual. Joel and I immediately knew she was the type of person we would enjoy working with. It’s been a pleasure to coach Jo as she’s growing her business in the UK.

Joanne Jinks
1. When did you start your business?
I started the business in October 2008.

2. Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
I have a family and wanted to continue working whilst being there for my children.

3. What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
Have faith that you can do it and have faith in your abilities. Its hard work but the benefits for my family have been immense!

4. What resources have helped you in your business?
I have had experience of all of these but have found a real gem in 2 VA business coaches that helped me focus when I had lost my way and their advice has been invaluable. I didn’t read many books but did subscribe to other VA blogs and forums.

5. Share a success story or something about yourself.
I have changed my focus to being a Virtual HR Officer and am now on the verge of signing a contract with a company for over £10k a year… I still get to work from home and be with my children!

Here’s to your continued success Jo!

Joanne Jinks,  HRVA
Website – hrva.co.uk
Blog – hrva.co.uk
Twitter – Do You Need My Help
Facebook – Joanne Jinks
LinkedIn – http://uk.linkedin.com/in/jojinks