I have realised that tonight I can either keep reading advice, writing my business plan and other things related to setting up as a VA or I can do the ironing.
My son does not have any t-shirts to wear tomorrow, so I think my decision is made for me there!
On a VA related note though I have had some very useful feedback on this blog from Sue Thomas so it looks a bit different (if you can tell!) so thanks Sue.
Well I've only managed to read a couple so far, my ginger cat Amigo has been helping me to read them with has made things um.... interesting.
The one from VA Networking was pretty good if a bit cloyingly North American for British tastes. And it does say that I can share it too, which is nice. If you click the link above it will take you to it. I will be doing stuff from this one particularly about SEO.
The other one had a useful checklist but was an awful lot of self marketing in it to buy their e book/join their courses etc. I know we all have to make our livings but it is a bit annoying but here's the link so make up your own mind, http://www.asklilach.co.uk/page-freestuff.html
I have, quite frankly, been bombarded with these from varying places....I can feel a rant coming on! Whilst I am sure that all these people may mean well and be actively encouraging people (well let's be honest here - women) to look at being a VA as a career and growing the industry, I feel rather overwhelmed by all the information. Some of it is conflicting, most of it says don't believe what other sites tell you and pretty much all of it is followed up with a "to find out more spend an exorbitant amount of money to get a book/do a course/join a forum etc etc. I'm setting up in business for pitys sake, I haven't got the money to spare!!
I shall read the 4 I currently have and let you know which ones I think are any good tomorrow. And I may even try not to be rude about them - you never know.
Today has been a day for discussing business ideas with a fellow mumtrepreneur. She is looking into more dynamic ways to teach music to young children so it is more fun and helps them learn more effectivly. I have offered her any admin help she may need in setting up like business plans, applying for funding to start up and key from area is my contacts who may be able to help. She's a friend so it's good practise for me and a way to build up my VA expereince. Another potential client I hope!
As my latest Tweet tells you, I'm just tackling the storage issues in my house so that I can actually have a vaguely dedicated work space without having to move house!!! It's too distracting to try to work surrounded by children's books and toys - will post a picture when it's done.
Well I probably will be a bit quiet as we're away for the weekend and it is doubtful that I shall have anything VA related to report.
I have good intentions for next week on sorting out my website (finally), sorting out my logo and getting on with things generally!
Today I've been investigating several forms of VA networking online and have had quite a few interesting things arise from Twitter mainly. Thinking I should join a specific online VA network too. This has all been very helpful and I need to do more.
I also attended a Business Plan writing training session run by CEO which had a few helpful pointers but I think it was aimed at people selling product rather than a service. Got a few good tips though!
Well they seem fairly happy with what I've done so far. Hoping that will continue!
Keeping positive today, or at least trying to. This will happen, people will be satisfied with my work and seek me out for my expertise!! If I say it enough it will happen.
I'm waiting for feedback on my first bit of client work, trying to sort out my website template so it is 'branded', get my logo designed and still have a job and look after my family. Phew, how do we do it all???? I know lots of other mum's and VA's do.
Going to email Jacky from Back Office PA now. I met her at the VA Success Group Training day and she has asked us all for some questions re blogging etc that she can ask someone she know, just want more people to read this really and up my ratings!
Yes tonight I have actually started my first piece of work for my client. It'll be there on that there intraweb for them to review in the morning. I foresee having no time in the evenings at all if this keeps up! Guess until this is my proper job that's how it's gonna be.
I'm quite pleased about that really!
Yes I had a day off from writing this blog yesterday, here's a little example of why....
Also a reminder to myself why I want to be VA in the first place, so that my work fits in around my life and not the other way around.
Right back to sorting out that quick task for my client!
Well my first client consultation went really well and I have my first client! It's only a small job I'm sorting out for them as I'm still working nearly full time but from acrons etc.
They're completely in my target market too as a performing arts company and really appreciate that I 'get' what they are about. They gave me some feedback too on what I need to really promote in my materials and website. It was very sensibly about heavily promoting my arts and creative background and that I do understand the sector and can, therefore, be entrusted with the non creative tasks so they can get on with actually doing their productions etc.
R&R
VA Services, Here to help you be creative!
Yep, it's moved to tomorrow and I'm trying very hard to be organised about it. Have all my questions typed out on a form to take notes on and am just trying to prepare a little statement or few about what a VA actually is and can offer a small business.
Hope it goes well.
Had a rubbish day at work today and apart from it making me really, really want to hand in my notice now and set up my VA business tomorrow (practicalities aside), it has left me too exhausted to do anything that involves thinking. So no more client consultation questions or review of what I've written so far as all I want to do is fall into bed.
Will try to do more tomorrow though, what else are lunch breaks for?
Am currently, as in right at this minute, in the process of trying to draft some client consultation questions as I have a meeting next week for which I will need them! I have had a look at the document packs available on the VA Success Group's website, as why should I reinvent the wheel quite frankly, but the appropriate pack with this info is is £79. Proabably a bargin really given all the things included but a bit beyond my means currently (bloody childcare fees again!). So It's back to my list and workbook from the workshop.
I'll let you know how the consultation goes, fingers crossed it's well!
Due to the lovely weather here last week I was required to work from home for a few days as the roads were a bit interesting and nursery was closed. Brilliant I thought, I can see how this will actually work. Husband was home too so I should be able to concentrate.......oh boy was I wrong!!
You really can't work at home successfully and have small children around! I got some things done but answering the phone to work colleagues and having to break off mid sentence to prevent baby being hit on the head with a toy train was not ideal to say the least. I still want it to snow again though......
I've just had one of those OMG moments. I was merrily working out how much money I think I should have saved to cover essentials like the mortgage and food for the kids to get me through the first 6 months in business. Then I factored in the childcare of 2 kids in nursery........shit! was my reaction. Think I may have to wait until the eldest is in school, which thankfully is in 8 months time, before I can even contemplate getting this off the ground!!!! That or a bank robbery just to pay nursery.
I've written a list (well combined several previous lists with a few additions anyway)- it's not too long- detailing all of my next moves towards actually being a VA. It seems deceptively simple and short(ish). However, tasks such as 'complete my start up costs spreadsheet' require a little more time than at first it may appear..there's a bit of research there into exactly what I want and how cheaply I can get it!!!
Write business plan is another case in point. I am going to try to get on with them, in order as much as possible though, so that I have something to actually tell you lovely people about and to keep myself motivated. This is what I want to do and I'm damn well going to do it!
I'll try and come up with some office space in the making photos along the way etc otherwise this blog will just get plain boring to look at.
Pondering names again, and STILL haven't come up with anything that isn't already taken and would appeal to my target market - the Creative Industries. It's the area I work in and with so I do understand the requirements of the small companies particularly. Need to do a practice client interview on my colleague who runs a dance and multimedia company and see what that turns up...
Off to write said questions in between eating my dinner and tidying up my desk area so it's a bit more accessible - will post a pic when it's done.
Sensible name suggestions will be considered if you want to post some.....
Just had an email from Emma & Justine about the online VA Marketing course they will be offering soon. Am I going to do it??? Probably coz I really want to get on with things and at least I won't need to travel or anything for this one. Mind you, the conflict with my current job rears it's head again and I'm going to need to do some serious consideration about what to do.
At the moment I'm just finding it all depressing. Here's what I want to do but then I have constraints within the rest of my life that restrict me. Mind you given the client interest previously mentioned I'd better pull my finger out......It will have to wait at least for today though - I need the kids to stop being ill before I can really concentrate on anything!
Can't believe it but have had at least one query and another possibility already! I'm not even in business yet...need to get more organised and fast!
After Saturday's course I'm starting to seriously ponder my name for my VA business. I had thought of R&R Virtual PA Services but now think it's far to long (RRVA.com has already gone too!) and having PA in the title is possibly a bit limiting. All the other names I can think of have already been snapped up by VA's in the states.......arse!
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