I first met Collette online at the Find Virtual website for Virtual Assistants. Collette and I have had many discussions about the industry and in particular subcontracting. If you are interested in doing work as a sub or are looking for a sub contracting virtual assistant, Collette can help you out. She has a monthly free call for those interested.
When did you start your business?
March 2007 while working fulltime and raising my two children.
Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
This has been a dream. I wanted to stay home with my children yet continue with a career that I would expand my knowledge and skills. It also is an achievement of learning something different or outside my regular experience.
What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
Had I known I could have subcontracted for other VAs and learn as much as I have I wouldn’t have purchased so many unnessary learning tools. Learn from others. Read VAs’ success stories. Don’t get over booked when it comes to social networks. Just a few and be an active member in the group by adding value.
What resources have helped you in your business?
eading success stories of others. Corporate Mom Drop Outs is a book I can’t put down. I also thrive on assisting other VAs by subcontracting. They teach their knowledge by physically doing their tasks. http://findvirtual.com has been one of my main resources along with Mom Masterminds. I’m also an audio learner there are a huge amount of podcasts that have taught me so much. http://wahmtalkradio.com http://nicoleonthenet.com and Denise Griffitts series.
Share a success story or something about yourself.
No matter what type of goal I set I seem to accomplish it sooner or later. The thing I want people to realize is how appreciative I am that I’m able to do so. There are a lot of people who drop the ball if they’re not getting to the goal as quickly as they thought. The key is to stick with it. Maybe I’m not working from home full-time yet but I am learning more than I ever imagined and from the right people. I’m from the midwest and technology isn’t many people’s forteit, however that’s what keeps me going. So I chose to use it to my advantage and become a virtual assistant.
Additional comments you’d like to share.
If you’re a little nervous about getting started start slow. Do it part-time for awhile. Most of all I suggest working for someone else so they can somewhat take you under their wing. It’s ok to ask for help.
Collette’s Contact Information:
Collette Schultz, Software Savvy Sub
Virtual Dream Office Services
Website: http://softwaresavvysub.info
Blog: http://virtualdreamofficeservices.blogspot.com/
Twitter: virtualdream
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/virtualdream