Virtual Assistants and the International Connection

Virtual Assistants Globally Taking Clients To New Frontiers - The International Connection


You would have to live under a rock to not hear about the latest craze that is spanning the globe - Virtual Assistants. With the economic outlook diminishing, and more and more companies working with fewer employees, businesses are flocking to find the right virtual assistant for their team. The need is simple: Someone that can do the work virtually, professionally, and with the upmost of confidentiality. Fortunately, Virtual Assistants meet all those needs and more.

Virtual Assistants, like their clientele, are highly skilled professionals working as independent contractors from their home offices. Virtual Assistants use leading edge technology to communicate work assignments via the Internet, e-mail or disk transfer. Traditional methods such as regular mail and overnight shipping are also used. While most Virtual Assistants will never meet their clients, it is not unusual to find a VA providing pickup and delivery service in their local area. Many have found success in a combination of the two, local and virtual clients. And what is even more impressive, is that most Virtual Assistants now realize the amazing power of the Internet and their client base spans globally.

The ultimate goal of Virtual Assistants is to partner with their clients. By partnering the VA learns all they can about their clients' business to become a trusted and valued member of the team-an extension of their organization. At the same time, the VA only charges for time on tasks so it ultimately saves the client in overhead expenses while affording them the necessary time to take care of more business.

A perfect example of a Client/VA partnership is the sole proprietor; let's say a consultant, who charges $300 an hour for his consulting services. The consultant is spending time each week preparing presentations and teleseminars, rummaging through paperwork, marketing his business, keeping up with the social networks, generating mailings and sorting through the tons of email he gets on a weekly basis. Since the consultant is doing this work himself he is paying $300 an hour for these services when, in reality, it would benefit him to partner with a VA at a rate of $40 to $95/hr (depending on specialty) and save tons of money a year. Plus, he could be generating more revenue because he would have more time available for doing what he does best-consulting. See how it works? As evidenced in this example, clients can't afford NOT to have a virtual assistant on their team.
In addition to the financial rewards for the client, the following list reinforces other areas clients benefit when working with a virtual assistant.

Personalized attention - The virtual assistant works one-on-one with clients and often knows their clients' business better than they do. That personalized attention allows clients to keep things under control and more organized and often relieves the pressure of having to do it all and remember it all. How great would it feel to just say to your VA, please handle this for me and know that it was done.

Exceptional service - Virtual Assistants are a proud bunch and take great pride in the Virtual Assistant Industry. One of the ways that VAs protect the integrity of this Industry, is to always offer exceptional services. Virtual Assistants want their clients to tell others about them and how having a VA on their team is one of the best business investments they have ever made. Therefore, most Virtual Assistants go above and beyond what is expected of them to make sure the work is done accurately, professionally, and successfully.


Experience in the latest technology - A virtual assistant knows that there's always an easier and better way to do things and are constantly looking for those ways. Most continue to update their skills and network extensively with others to learn the latest and greatest tools out there.

A colleague to brainstorm ideas with - Have you ever had this great idea, but just couldn't bring it to fruition because you couldn't get it all together? Not anymore. Virtual Assistants are there to brainstorm and work with you to help you bring those visions to reality.

No benefits/no equipment/no office space - That's a given. It's obvious that clients won't be paying for their Virtual Assistants' office space or equipment. But in today's economy, think how truly important that is. By not having to pay for someone's electric and office use, that saves money. Money clients can spend in growing their businesses.

Specific knowledge of your niche - This is perhaps one of the greatest benefits that a virtual assistant can offer - specific knowledge of a clients' particular niche. Virtual Assistants specialize in different areas, fine tuning their skills always striving to be the best in that niche. Therefore, when you partner with a virtual assistant that specializes in the area of your business, you have someone who knows the lingo and knows the ins and outs and what works and what doesn't. It's a win/win for all.

What types of services can a virtual assistant perform? Sit back and be amazed. Virtual Assistants can assist with tasks as simple as transcribing every day correspondence to as detailed as implementing an entire marketing campaign. Virtual assistant services include the following: publicity and marketing, article and press release writing and distribution, social networking updates, legal, medical and general transcription, bookkeeping, web design, administrative tasks, and so much more.

As Virtual Assistants become as commonplace in the workforce as the computer in everyone's office is now, there's never been a better time to analyze what your business needs are and how the right virtual assistant will meet those needs. Stop by our site at Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com for complete information on what a virtual assistant is and how you can find that virtual assistant to add to your team. Also, if you feel a career in the Virtual Assistant Industry is right for you, email me at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com for our free business informational package. Today's the day to start running your business better. The start begins with one simple step - Hire a Virtual Assistant.
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Diana Ennen is the co-author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant: the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA with Kelly Poelker and Words From Home: Start, Run and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business. She specializes in publicity and book marketing and is president of Virtual Word Publishing http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Email us at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com for a free business informational package. Articles are free to be reprinted as long as the author's bio remains intact.

Marlo C. Harkins
Agape Business Services
http://www.agapebusinessservices.com

How To Choose A Niche

We're all trying to attract new clients and make more money. Choosing a niche could get you well on your way. Choosing a target market is the key to growing your company.

So the question is:
Are you still trying to find that niche that fits you like a glove?
If so, drop by the virtual assistant networking site to hear the monthly expert, Cari Vollmer, founder of Life on Track provide you with invaluable information. This event takes place on Thursday, May 15, 2008.

To Register, visit:

http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/teleseminar.htm

Time: 5PM PST/6PM MST/7PM CST/8PM EST

NUMBER TO CALL: (712) 580-0100
ACCESS CODE: 403267#

It's just one hour of your time.

Oh yes! The teleseminar is FREE.

Mark it on your calendars for next week.

Marlo C. Harkins
Agape Business Services
http://www.agapebusinessservices.com

The Importance of Keeping Your Books

I know that tax time can be a frustrating time for everyone. But here is an article that explains the reasons why bookkeeping is so important.


5 Reasons Why Bookeeping Is So Important
by Kimberly Bagley

When you decided to start your business, was your first priority concerned with setting up your filing system for recording your expenses? I seriously doubt it. This simple task (yes it is simple) is usually the item that is the last thing on the new business owner’s mind. The more “important” issues of what product to sell, how am I going to advertise, how much money is it going to cost me, and how much money can I make are the first questions we consider when going into business.

The task of recordkeeping is usually procrastinated until the very last minute, when it is required. It is time to file your tax return, or time to go to the bank to get a loan for the business and the banker wants to see some financial records for the business. This can be a very daunting and cumbersome task if you have to dig through receipts and expenses for the whole year! No wonder we hate keeping records. That’s no fun!

Well, guess what? If you aren’t keeping good, timely, and up-to-date records monthly, you don’t need to be in business. That’s right. I said it. Here are the top five reasons why I truly believe this statement.

1. Lost tax deductions = Lost Money If you are throwing your receipts in a shoebox each month and not keeping an organized record of your income and expenses, I can bet you money that you are losing out on some major tax deductions. A smart businessperson keeps track of her income (cash in) and expenses (cash out) monthly, sometimes even weekly. You do not need a fancy accounting software package to do this. You don’t even need a computer! Simply keep a journal monthly and log in all of your receipts and invoices, and there you have it.

2. High CPA/Tax Preparer Fees = Lost Money I can speak from personal experience, that if you bring in that shoebox of receipts for the year and expect your tax preparer to record and properly deduct your business expenses on your tax return, you are sadly mistaken. Tax season is the busiest time of year for these professionals. If you expect them to do your bookkeeping and recordkeeping as well, expect to pay for it. They don’t have the time, or the desire to make sure that every receipt is accounted for. As a businessperson, it is your responsibility to make sure they are given the right totals and you can trace it right back to your tax return.

3. Too much time spent looking for receipts The time you spend looking for a past receipt for a particular purchase for whatever reason, you can be utilizing this time in advertising your business or producing your product. These are important money generating activities that you are sacrificing due to your lack of recordkeeping.

4. No financial statements Every business owner should review at least the profit and loss statement (income statement) for their business MONTHLY. This important piece of paper tells you if you are making money or losing money. How can you possibly run your business and make a profit if you are not analyzing your sales and expenses continuously? A good recordkeeping system will allow you to have this information at your fingertips.

5. No need for expensive accounting software If you are just starting your business, or are a small business owner, you more than likely do not need software to prepare your books. A simple journal that is kept monthly of your income and expenses is all you need. At a glance, you will know how your business performed for that particular month.

As a business owner, you need to realize the importance of a good recordkeeping system. This should also be a task that the business owner performs for at least three to six months before delegating the job to someone else. You will be able to run your business more effectively, determine possible cycles in the business year, and know where your money is going. Your business will be much more successful if you keep a simple recordkeeping system.

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Kimberly Bagley is a Certified Public Accountant in Texas and owner of Mom’s World Online at http://www.momsworldonline.com where she offers financial guidance, inspiration, organizational resources, and other products to help make mom’s life a little simpler! Sign up for her bi-weekly newsletter at http://www.momsworldonline.com/newsletter.html

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SOURCE
http://www.articleson.com/Article/5-Reasons-Why-Recordkeeping-Is-So-Important/6797

Participate in the 2007 Virtual Assistant Industry Survey

How would you like to educate the marketplace about the Virtual Assistant profession?

Participate in the second annual survey of the Virtual Assistant profession conducted by the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce.

Participate in this anonymous survey and get a FREE copy of the survey results. You do not have to be a member of the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce to participate. It is open to individuals who seems himself or herself as a Virtual Assistant. It is open to individuals who work for themselves and who currently have a Virtual Assistance business and have at least five years of secretary/administrative assistant experience.
Topics range from clients/target markets to pricing and marketing. The survey is instrumental in that it creates more awareness about the Virtual Assistant profession and better educates the marketplace.

Please complete the survey page at
http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/survey.htm

Until next time...

Are You Earning Your Potential?

Do you want to learn about the 5 strategies to earning your worth?
If so, then drop by the virtual assistant networking site to hear the monthly expert, Mikelann Valterra, Founder of The Women's Earning Institute on Thursday, September 20, 2007.

Register Here: http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/teleclass-registration.htm

Time: 5PM PST/6PM MST/7PM CST/8PM EST

It's just one hour of your time.

Oh yes! The teleseminar is FREE.

Mark it on your calendars for next month.

Procrastination

Procrastination! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Speaking of procrastination, I've been doing a lot of that lately. I'm usually one that is on top of things. If there is something that I know needs to be done, I'm right on it. But quite some time now, I've been procrastinating on just about everything. Yes, even my blog. I've come across an article below by Julie Plenty which talks about procrastination and ways to kick the habit.

5 ways to kick the
procrastination habit!

by Julie Plenty

Do you rush around doing things at the last minute? How many times have
mentioned something that you felt you ought to do and said yes, I'll get
round to it -but it; never happens. Procrastination means to defer action,
but it rarely serves you well, unless you know what's behind it and what to
do about it.

Procrastination isn't only about deciding not to do or to delay doing
something -it also means that we have chosen to do something else
instead. So, it's watching TV instead of having a relaxing swim. It's going
out to lunch with a friend when there's a report to be completed. Habitually
making choices which don't serve you well will continually create challenges
and drama in your life.

Procrastination causes stress. Yes, most of us have too much on our plates,
but leaving things until they really have to be done just ensures that we
put even more pressure on ourselves.

Delaying things take time and energy -because when you know that
something needs to be done and you're not doing it -it stays in the back of
your mind and quietly/silently drains you.

Procrastination is only a habit and habits can be changed. The first thing to
ask yourself is whether procrastination is a sign that you need to change
something fundamental in your life (ie job, environment, relationships) or if
it's
masking fear, lack of self-confidence, self-esteem etc

There are a number of ways to tackle procrastination and you can use
different strategies for different situations.

1. Conversion
May of live a have to rather than a want to life. Our lives are full of
obligations and things that we don't really want to do. But with some
creative and imaginative thinking we can convert the have to into the want
tos. How can we do this? By thinking beyond the immediate task and
focusing on the wider benefits of completion.

For instance, if you don't want to do the books or open your bank
statements, you can try asking yourself what are the benefits of greater
financial control. Will you have much more money in the long run as you
learn to save, spend and invest it wisely? How much freer will you feel now
that you've taken back control and your energy isn't being drained by the
nagging, insistent worry that you ought to be doing something about it -


because you already are!

2. Prioritization
By which I mean do the thing you least want to do when you have the most
energy to do it. You can always find the energy to do things that you enjoy
doing, but you need your energy level to be highest when tackling things
which you don't care for. So, if you're best in the morning -then tackle the
administration then, clear out your clutter and vice versa if you're an
afternoon or evening person.

3. Delegation
We have things that we're good at and things that we prefer to do. Ask
yourself: (i) does it have to be done at all? (ii) does it have to be done by
you? Is there someone else who could do the job? You may decide that you
don't want to concentrate your energies on bookkeeping, but you can hire a
bookkeeper or Virtual Assistant to free you from this. Or someone else at
work may like administration; ask for their -or more -assistance.

4. Do it in pieces
The difficulty with procrastination is that the task may seem overwhelming
because it has been avoided for so long. It has grown in size and taken on
a life of its own! Bring it back down to earth and start tackling it in bite
sized pieces (when you're at your best! -see no 2)

5. Develop a system
Procrastination takes up time and energy. You may always find yourself on
the defensive as things catch up with you. Developing a system means that
you nip procrastination in the bud.

If you want to take more exercise, then exercise with a buddy, hire a
personal trainer (either at your house or the gym), join a walking club,
sports club -somewhere where you are committed to being and encourage
others to commit with you.

Set up structures which ensure that procrastination doesn't get the chance
to put its feet under your table.

And remember to reward yourself when you've broken through and
achieved something. Dealing with procrastination is a way of taking back
control of your life and the ultimate reward is having more time to really
enjoy your life.

©2003 by Julie Plenty

Julie Plenty is a Personal and Business Coach who suffered from low self-esteem for years. She developed tips
and techniques to raise her own self-esteem and turn her life around and now wants to share these with others. For


more tips visit: http://www.kickstartyourselfesteem.com

NOTE: Do NOT remove copyright information for any purpose whatsoever.


After reading this article, I promise to get better. And in case, you're a procrastinator too, I thought I'd share the article with you too.

Until next time....

Do You Want To Stand Out From The Crowd?

Do you want to discover how you can protect your position in your market? Insulate yourself from common competitive pressures? Avoid the pressure to compete on price and discounted services? And most of all, how to attract your ideal client?

Then drop by the virtual assistant networking forum to hear the monthly guest expert, Jim Logan, Marketing Consultant on Thursday, May 17, 2007.
Register Here: http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/teleclass-registration.htm

TIME: 5pm PST / 6pm MST / 7pm CST / 8pm EST

It's just 1 hour of your time.

Did I mention that the cost is FREE?

Mark it on your calendar for next week.

Marlo Harkins
Agape Business Services
http://www.agapebusinessservices.com