Even if I don’t reach all my goals, I’ve gone higher than I would have if I hadn’t set any.

~ Danielle Fotopoulis

I have to be honest with you.  When I first started my virtual assistant business, I didn’t realize what a large part marketing myself would play in my success.  Call it naïve, but I was really just focused on working from home, in my cozy little office, with clients who loved me and paid exactly what I asked.

I quickly realized that I wasn’t in the business of being a Virtual Assistant; I was in the business of marketing!  But, I didn’t have a marketing background and had never had any marketing training.

What’s a girl to do?  LEARN!  I immersed myself in learning about effective marketing for small businesses, specifically for solo service professionals like Virtual Assistants.  Through a process of trial and error, I learned the system for filling my practice with ideal clients.

In the mean time, I developed a few innovative ways to get new business quickly.  And I’d like to share my tips with you!  Following are my top 7 ways for you to attract new clients to your business NOW: Continue Reading>>

Many Virtual Assistants struggle needlessly in their business or limit their opportunities for growth because they don’t charge enough for their services.  Don’t let this happen to you!

There is a simple formula you can use to calculate your fees that ensures you are:

1. Compensating yourself adequately
2. Covering ALL of your expenses
3. In control of your business’ financial affairs

If you decide to start a Virtual Assistant business as a means of making a living (who of us didn’t??) then don’t shoot yourself in the foot by giving away your time for free and turning your business into non-profit organization. 

And DON’T think that your clients have the right to dictate or negotiate your fees …. they don’t.  YOU are the business owner, YOU provide the services and YOU get to decide how much your time is worth.

Check out the post my coach, Stacy Brice, wrote on topic and leave your comments, questions, and feedback below:

http://www.virtualmoxie.com/2008/10/are-you-impover.html

(FYI, this is the very formula she shared with me almost two years ago that helped to propel me six-figure status last year!)

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in creating a successful Virtual Assistant practice, is about sticking to the standards I’ve created for my business.  I’ve learned along the way how one can shoot themselves in the foot by not doing so, especially as it relates to the clients you choose to work with. 

My post today at the Virtual Wire discusses just that and I wanted to share it with you:

http://www.thevirtualwire.com/2008/10/the-importance.html

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts with me!

You already possess everything to become great.

~ Crow Proverb

Many Administrative Professionals who make the decision to start a Virtual Assistant business do not have a “traditional” background or training in business management. However, this fact does not have to hinder them for developing a thriving, successful business.

One way to support the foundation of a new (or forthcoming) business is to invest time and energy into learning the necessary skills to be a successful business owner, BEFORE you take the leap into Virtual Assistance.

Continue Reading>>

At times it is necessary to go over the top.  How else can we get to the other side?

~ Kobi Yamada

Most everyone right now is REALLY concerned about the state of the economy and how it will affect their business, job, family and life.

As Virtual Assistants, we too need to be making smart decisions about how we run our business. Taking a proactive approach is essential to repelling a negative mindset and focusing on making progress in your business.

My coach extraordinaire, Stacy Brice, wrote an awesome post on Wednesday about what we as VAs, should and should not be doing right now. Check it out and let me know what you think!

http://www.virtualmoxie.com/2008/10/economy-post-wh.html

It’s a sad fact that most business owners are NOT great networkers. I’ve seen this repeatedly. At any given networking event, the “networkers” run around shaking hands, swapping business cards and “working” the room. At the end of the event, they end up with a pile of business cards, a fuzzy memory of who they talked to, and no business leads. What a waste of time!

Continue Reading>>

Where do I find good mentors and/or mentoring groups?
D.K. – Florida, USA

Having a group of like-minded colleagues to support you in growing your business is crucial to your success as a Virtual Assistant. The great news is finding a supportive mentor (or group of mentors) is easy! Following are a few tips on finding a mentor (or group of mentors) to assist you in building your business.

Continue Reading>>