The Naked VA

After spending a single day on Twitter or Facebook you’ll soon see quotes going through the feed stream. Quotes of inspiration. Topical quotes. Often quotes by everyone but the person posting. Why aren’t people putting their own voice behind the quotes?

Don’t get me wrong, books of quotes and wall plaques can be found in my home. I have my favorites that hold special meaning and are elements of inspiration for me. I just wonder why in social networking more aren’t expressing their own thoughts and allowing their own voices to be heard–shelling out their ‘-isms?’

Think you don’t have anything to say? I challenge you to look closer and dig deeper. If you have a website, raise your hand. If you are an entrepreneur, raise your hand. If you are a parent, raise your hand. If you have a hobby or a pet, raise your hand. If you are alive, raise…your…hand. Wow! With all of those hands raised, it’s apparent who holds insight that can be beneficial to others.

Every raised hand is one area of knowledge that can be shared with another–potential quotable moments to discuss, expand on, and give value to someone else. A website is a treasure trove of information to craft into 140 character snippets. Talk about articles or books you’ve recently read, or movies you’ve just seen, or seminars you just attended. Did you like it or hate it? Give a mini-review. Heck, write an entire blog post and give the link if you need more than 140 characters. Know of a great restaurant or upcoming event in your community than tell others. Got a shortcut? Found a great link? Let us know.

A Top 10 List can yield ten fast posts. Do three of these and you’ve painlessly written 30 posts. See how effortless it is to find content that’s memorable, has value, can help someone, and is easy to pass on to your social network.

For a time investment of one hour, a whole month’s worth of snippets in your own voice (on a variety of topics) can be prepared. Why not pre-schedule these in Social Oomph or Hootsuite so you can set it, forget it, and let ‘em rip? Then you’re ready to post randomly, and impulsively, as the topics and conversations beckon to you. With the various Facebook applications syncing your posts between several social networks is a piece of cake–generating the biggest bang for the buck (and your efforts). Or, you can post your ‘-isms’ in real time.

Soon those retweets you see will be your words–the start of YOU being quotable. Suddenly, you will be the one who’s inspiring, motivating, funny, memorable, and an influencer. (Did you know if you’re an influencer you may also be a “whuffie”? But, we’ll save the whuffie discussion for another post, another day.)

Using Backtweets will show retweets and which posts are getting the most attention. In Facebook, you can gauge your impact by the additional comments in the thread, getting Thumbs Up, and checking your Insights.

Am I saying never use quotes? No. Quotes are a great way to dip your toe into social media to test the waters and see what this Web 2.0 stuff is all about. This really is fine to do. After the first few months (or sooner), it’s time to jump in and find your voice (and help clients find their voices). It’s time to venture a bit deeper into the pools of conversation and become more engaging, more social, and find a balance of using the occasional quote with your own ‘-isms.’

I’ll leave you with this quote by Tom Ziglar, a recent VAnetworking seminar speaker whom I found inspiring, motivating, and gave a great quote fitting for this topic– “Your only obligation is to ‘Just Start’.”  I encourage you to Just Start.  (I really do like quotes but in moderation, please.)

Web URL:     www.MLCBusinessSolutions.com
Years in Business:   2 ½
Type of Business:    Virtual Assistant
Works:   100% virtually
Facebook Page 
LinkedIn   
Twitter ID:  @MLCBusiness
 
Ruth:  Welcome to The Naked VA blog, Michelle. It’s great to have you here and be able to share more about you with the readers. How would you describe MLC Business Solutions?

Michelle:  MLC Business Solutions is a virtual assistant business providing businesses and entrepreneurs with a variety of administrative and social media services. 

Ruth: Michelle, what led you to consider a virtual profession?

Michelle: After receiving my B.S. in Organizational Management I knew that I wanted more than just a job.  I wanted to own my own business.  I had read about the Virtual Assistant industry and, having many years experience in the corporate world, knew right away that this was the business that I wanted to pursue. 

Ruth: Along the way have you had a mentor to support, guide, encourage and open doors for you?

Michelle: I never had a mentor throughout the course of my business but I did volunteer my services which actually got me started and interested in social media.  In fact, volunteering actually opened up a few doors for me.  If not for volunteering I would not be where I am today. 

Ruth: That’s how we met – through your volunteering. You were a vital part of a social marketing team that I managed. So, listen up friends seeking a social media specialist, I can attest that Michelle truly knows her stuff and does exceptional work in this area.

If you could share a nugget of insight or bit of advice for someone considering a virtual career such as yours what would that be?

Michelle: If you know that you want to be a virtual assistant, don’t give up.  Keep pushing forward.  Best of all, be prepared.  Do your research on the business that you want to pursue.  It’s important to know as much as you can about the business you want to go into.
 
Ruth: “Keep pushing forward”…that’s great advice. Now tell me, what bits of advice would you give someone seeking a virtual professional such as yourself? 

Michelle: I would say that if you are seeking a virtual assistant you must find someone you work well with.  Interview more than one Virtual Assistant.  Find the one you feel comfortable with and who wants to help you grow your business as much as you do.  You want a “partner” in your business.  Someone you can turn to, who is trustworthy, and who will always provide the assistance you need.

Ruth: These tips are sure to be helpful for those seeking a quality VA. Any last thoughts or comments you’d like to share with our readers?

Michelle: The Virtual Assistant industry is a wonderful industry.  Those who are looking to become a virtual assistant should go for it.  Those who are looking to work with a Virtual Assistant should try it.  It’s a win-win for all!
 
Ruth: I couldn’t agree more. Thanks so much for being available for an interview, Michelle. It’s been great.

Think Michelle would be ideal for your virtual assistant and social media needs? Contact her via her website or on one of the social media sites.

Business Acts of Kindness — like the familiar random acts of kindness — are aimed towards business needs among colleagues. I’ve been a participant as both a receiver and a giver. Most recently I requested a quote from a colleague for a teeny tiny project that some may have passed over because of its size. Much to my surprise the project was completed the same day as the request plus at a greatly reduced rate. All of this because she liked what I was working on and wanted to be a part of the work. Wow!  Taking a cue from another colleague I admire, I promptly sent a gesture of appreciation for this act of kindness in the way of an e-Gift card. (This colleague has surprised me numerous times with e-cards that I so enjoy and appreciate.)

Often I’ve done something in passing that seemed so small it was barely noticeable but to the recipient it meant a lot. Some say these deeds are the practice of Paying It Forward, while others do unsolicited acts because they are able and willing to meet a need, it makes them smile, or they want to lend a hand. Many times the gestures are spontaneous but from time to time it’s done with planned intention without asking or expecting anything in return. The giver frequently gains untold benefits in terms of joy and purpose that another has been served and the cycle merrily continues on.

Most importantly, acts of kindness are relationship builders and network strengtheners. Kindnesses are extended to those who you know, like, and trust.

Take a moment to share your acts of kindness stories. Tell me if you’ve been a receiver, a giver, or both. Your experiences may prompt someone to Pay It Forward and keep the ball happily bouncing along.

Web URL:     http://www.instantofficeassistant.com
Years in Business:  4
Type of Business:    Virtual Assistance
Works:   100% virtually
Facebook Page 
LinkedIn   
Twitter ID:  @ PatZapp
 
Ruth:  Welcome to The Naked VA blog, Pat. It’s great to have you here and be able to share more about you with the readers. Tell us what you do at Instant Office Assistant.

Pat: I handle many types of office administration to ease my client’s business needs. Some of my core specialties include: customer service, training, policies and procedure manuals, database management, bookkeeping, budgets and email management.

Ruth: Absolutely, having a skilled professional in place like you will relieve many of the pressures felt by a business owner who’s trying to do it all singlehandedly. Would you share what led you to consider a virtual profession and how you got started?

Pat: I started my business in January of 2008 after realizing that I had a lot of expertise that could help small businesses to grow and succeed.  After 30 years of corporate America I realized that assisting solopreneurs, using the knowledge and skills I had developed along with new technology, was an exciting future for me.  I love puzzles so developing policies to streamline and make a business more efficient is like a game to me – it keeps me sharp which plays off big for the end client. Plus, I get to do something I love all while helping the business owner focus on what is most important to them – bringing in new business.

Ruth: Along the way have you had a mentor to support, guide, encourage and open doors for you?

Pat: I have had the best mentors. I was fortunate enough to join two great groups immediately – IVAA (International Virtual Assistant Association) and VAnetworking (Virtual Assistant Networking Association).

One of the things that continues to amuse me is that I started this business thinking “I’ve been doing this for years – I can do anything!” only to learn that virtual assistance has evolved into a different animal than office administration in corporate America.  First of all, working with a small business is completely different than working in a corporate office with hundreds of people.  Second, the tools you need to stay in communication will probably need to be learned. Third, the VA world is evolving and you need to stay on top of the latest trends in programs and apps. 

Because, as an business administrator or office manager you learn to “roll with the punches”, it’s usually not that hard to catch up with technology – providing you have people willing to guide you.  I was so fortunate in that I had 10,000 to guide me with 5-6 very special virtual assistants that helped me achieve my goals quickly and stuck by me when things got tough.

Ruth: Pat, I adore how real and genuine you are with your answer. I think many emerging virtual assistants have entered this profession not fully realizing the differences between working virtually and within a corporate structure. Communication methods are different but easily adaptable and something that can be learned. It’s simply a different way of doing things to get a document from here to there that doesn’t typically involve an interoffice memo envelope. If you could share a nugget of insight or bit of advice for someone considering a virtual career such as yours what would that be?

Pat: Network, network, network.  It doesn’t matter if it’s virtual or in-person.  Your business will not grow if no one knows what you do.  Join groups and participate – it’s not enough to sit on the sidelines and take it all in.  You have to contribute to build relationships and credibility.

I have not only created relationships that will last for years but get referrals from people I’ve networked with.  I give them referrals as well – it’s a win-win situation.

Ruth: It never ceases to amaze me how close these virtual friendships become and the depth you can get to know someone that we often don’t get to meet face-to-face. We truly do belong to one of the most giving, friendly, and outstanding industries on the Net. Now tell me, what bits of advice would you give someone seeking a virtual professional such as yourself? 

Pat: I would encourage clients to interview all candidates until you find the right person for you. A virtual assistant may excel at all the tasks you want handled but if you don’t develop a rapport the relationship will probably not work.  If you can, check prior work (websites for web designers; blogs for ghost writers, etc) or check references and read testimonials.  The VA also needs to make a connection to the prospective client in order to treat the client’s business as their business.
 
Ruth: These tips are sure to be helpful for those seeking a stellar VA.Thanks so much for chatting with me, Pat.

If you’d like to meet Pat and talk with her about your virtual assistance needs visit her website.

Diversification in business is good and shouldn’t be overlooked or taken lightly. Businesses just starting out are encouraged to find their place, or niche, in the business world. For some, that’s as easy as determining the types of services to be offered or products to be sold. The diversification comes into play with how we operate in a chosen niche.

Looking at the financial sector, you’ll notice that investment planners suggest that you never put all of your eggs in one basket but diversify your assets. This may mean investing in CDs, mutual funds, saving accounts, stocks or bonds. The reasoning is if there’s a slump in one area the other areas will shoulder the weight and carry you through.

Applying this same principle to your business would look like, providing your niched services to a diverse group of interested clients. Does this mean you’re diluting your niche? Not at all. You are thinking in a broader scope of who can utilize your services and products and how you can continue to improve their experiences with you. You’re still casting your net in a focused area but you are now fishing with a bigger net. Want more fish? Move to a bigger pond and use a bigger net.

Say you specialize in shopping cart services and have your recognized place, or niche, in the business world. Now, focus on who would use a shopping cart . . . internet marketers, writers, coaches, speakers, small businesses to name just a few. If there’s a slump in one industry, for whatever reason, and a boom of business in another you’ll be better able to ride the wave of demand still doing what you love to do in your niche area. That’s a nice wave to ride – all from casting your net a bit wider.

Time and time again I see businesses zero in on only one area when taking a step back and surveying the land will often yield other avenues of income to be tapped into. If you’re unsure about diversification then remember chicken empire mogul, Frank Purdue and what his family has built with Purdue Farms. The family always knew they wanted their niche to be chickens. They started with an egg hatchery, added raising young hens, later grew to grain mills (so they’d have better control over their chicken’s feed and raise a better chicken), and eventually added the packaging plants. They kept diversifying and casting their net wider and wider to eventually encircle the entire chicken process. 

What do you think? Are you ready to think about diversifying?

Web URL:     http://www.lighthousevirtual.com
Years in Business:   6 ½
Type of Business:    VA Subcontractor/Real Estate
Works:   100% virtually
Facebook Page
LinkedIn  
Twitter ID:  @lvsolutions
 
Ruth:  Welcome to The Naked VA blog Sandra. It’s great to have you here and be able to share more about you with the readers. Tell us about your business and how you work.

Sandra: I am a VA that subcontracts out my services to other VAs and small businesses.  I have been in business since 2006.  I have extensive experience – over 25 years of Administrative Assistance and Real Estate operations experience.  Additionally, I have several certifications in the following: NAR REPA – Real Estate Virtual Professional Assistant, REW -Real Estate Webographer, Social Media Marketing Specialists, Infusionsoft, REVA Academy plus a few other courses.

Ruth: Would you share what led you to consider a virtual profession and how you got started?

Sandra: What lead me to become a virtual assistant was I needed to be able to stay at home for my son and I was tired of working in the corporate world with the drives across town and gas prices were on the rise and still are.

Ruth: Yes, having the 1 minute or less commute to your office is a definite plus. Along the way have you had a mentor to support, guide, encourage and open doors for you?

Sandra: I have to say that the people that I have been encouraged by are my husband and family. They are my support!  I do want to also say that by finding the forum of VAnetworking.com and purchasing Tawnya Sutherland’s VBSS system helped get me started in my VA business.

Ruth: Having a supportive family makes this chosen career so fulfilling. I’ll admit I’m a bit biased towards Tawnya’s VBSS system as I am one of the contributors to its content. For anyone who’s not familiar with the VBSS system (the Virtual Business Start Up System) you can check it out here. Sandra, if you could share a nugget of insight or bit of advice for someone considering a virtual career such as yours what would that be?

Sandra: I would have to say just do your research like I did when I started. There are lots more Virtual Assistant forums out there now than when I started. Some free and some not, personally I am part of both kinds.  If you want to get several clients more than say just marketing in your local area than you should join a few and pay their fees to be a part so you can see plenty of RFPs which are job postings that you can apply for! 

Ruth: Very insightful, Sandra. Being part of the forum communities is most certainly a way to network and get acquainted with other like-minded business entrepreneurs. With your chosen niche being a VA subcontractor it’s proven to be an excellent way for others to get to know you, your personality, and experience how knowledgeable you are with the responses you share on a forum. Now tell me, what bits of advice would you give someone seeking a virtual professional such as yourself? 

Sandra: My advice in finding someone you trust is to become a member of the a few virtual assistant forums – get in there and start networking with them. This is how I started and once they get to know you and you them, then you will feel more comfortable in being able to reach your business goals!  And, the old saying you have to have that I-really-wanna-do-this-and-I-can-do-this attitude.

Ruth: Great tips and a great Can-do attitude! Any last thoughts or comments you’d like to share with our readers?

Sandra:  I would just like to say a BIG Thank YOU to Ruth for picking me as a VA to interview!  I really LOVE being a Virtual Administrative Assistant and am so glad that I did my researching and found lots of others that started their own business!  Lighthouse Virtual Solutions looks forward in providing services to helping Virtual Administrative Assistants out and small business owners that need administrative assistance of various tasks.  We hope that you will give them a chance to show the reliable, trustworthy, honorable services that can be provided!  “Helping you to see the light at the end of YOUR tasks!”

Ruth: It’s been a pleasure, Sandra. I’m thrilled to have interviewed such an interesting virtual professional such as you and learn more about who and what a VA Subcontracting specialist is. Others interested in this niche, I hope you’ll heed Sandra’s suggestions.

If you’d like to connect with Sandra then head over to her website or seek her out on one of the social media sites.