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Are you thinking of becoming a Virtual Assistant or have you recently started up ?
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Are you an established VA looking to take your business to the next level?
Take a look at the most frequently asked questions we get asked by people just like you!
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WANT TO BECOME A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT (VA):
What is a VA?
A VA is someone who provides a range of administration, secretarial, office, business or personal assistant services from their own premises using remote and online methods, such as email and fax. There is telephone contact with clients and on the rare occasion on-site.
How can VA coaching & training help?
VACT offers the unique dimension of professional VA coaching that will motivate you, build your confidence and help you to create a mindset for success. We don’t just want you to work for a living, we want you to enjoy a better work/life balance and have the lifestyle you want.
Our training will teach you everything you will need to know about setting up, managing and making a sustainable VA business for the long-term. Not just the overview, the big idea, but also the day-to-day practicalities of putting your business together, getting your administration systems and processes organised, finding and marketing to clients and all the other details that combined willhelp you build a profitable VA business.
• Make the most of your skills and experience to create a successful VA business
• Understand the technology involved in home working: equipment, software; so you can provide the best and most up-to-date service for your clients
• Gain clients through effective marketing and accomplished networking of your business to others
• Use coaching and NLP to help you present with confidence and create winning presentations
• Deliver great client management and retain a client base
• Sharpen your inner confidence and self-belief in yourself as a businessperson
• Work with other VAs to expand your business and increase your income
• Achieve the success you want
Why become a VA?
By becoming a Virtual Assistant you can use your PA, secretarial or administrative skills to work for the clients you choose, at hours to suit you and from your chosen location. The financial rewards will be all yours too!
• Flexible working hours
• No rush hour commute
• High earning potential
• Opportunity to expand your skill set
• Rapidly growing industry
What equipment do I need?
Apart from a PC, you will need at the very least basic office equipment to run an effective service, such as a laser jet printer to run off your everyday printing plus a colour printer and telephone with answer machine. The office “all-in-one” systems are good which provide a fax, scanner, photocopier and printer (including colour) in just one machine. You may find a safe useful to store your back-ups, and important documentation.
It depends on your niche market and the services you provide, for example, if you are offering digital dictation, you will need the relevant equipment to support that function. You may need to invest in particular computer software packages. A fax machine is not vital as you can use e-fax, and bulk photocopying you would outsource to a digital printer. You may also wish to purchase a laptop as back-up should your computer go wrong, or you are visiting a client. Some VAs who work at clients’ premises as well as virtually find an iPhone or Blackberry invaluable for retaining a virtual office presence.
There will be online systems you will need to be aware of that will help you collaborate documents and systems with your clients and associate VAs.
What are the advantages of starting my own VA business versus being a temp?
The VA service is growing in demand because of the way in which businesses are now operating, contracting out more and more services, alongside the opportunities of ever-advancing technology. Because VAs are self-employed they have the added appeal to employers or business owners of not needing a salary as they only pay for the time they use the service, employment rights, national insurance, tax, holiday and sickness pay, even office space. Also it provides clients with not only the image of a larger organisation, but a professional person who is there to delegate to so that the client can have the time to focus on what they do best and on the activities to enable to grow their business.
If there are so many VAs out there, how will I find enough work?
Because VAs tend to specialise in particular niche markets rather than attempt to be a “Jack of all trades”, not everyone is offering exactly the same service. Therefore, there are plenty of opportunities out there. The VA industry is also very supportive and other VAs can be a great support to your business when you need someone to cover for you when you have a work overload or off sick or on holiday etc. Of course it is about becoming an outstanding VA and at VACT we show you how specifically to stand out and get noticed.
Do you show me how to get clients?
Yes, we show you exactly how to get your clients from understanding and creating a niche market or creating a speciality about your business, networking and online networking and how to gain clients not just local but internationally. We cover every aspect of how to build your business.
Can this be my full time job?
Absolutely. Being a VA you can work as many or as few hours as you choose. You can build a large client base, and even have associate VAs to whom you outsource additional work, thereby creating yourself a passive income too. There are many well-established VAs who have chosen to work full time.
How do I know what to charge my clients?
There are a variety of ways in which VAs charge. Some simply charge by the hour, having already agreed a budget with their client. Others offer retainer packages, which means you agree a set cost per month with your client for a certain number of hours. It is normal to charge for telephone calls, stationery, travel and other expenses on top at cost. We will guide you as to what you should be charging, how to charge your worth and avoiding comparing yourself to others.
I have the skills and a home office. Why do I need VACT?
Many potential VAs make the crucial mistake of thinking that to be a VA all you need is a computer, a desk and an internet connection. WRONG! It’s not about simply using your PA or administrative experience to provide VA services to a range of clients. You will need to be a business owner too and that requires another set of skills entirely. The ability to actually run your business will be key to your success.
Many who have tried to set up on their own have taken longer to get their business established, and of course, as people like James Caan and Doug Richards who are successful entrepreneurs, they have stated in many of their talks, that to set up a business without the specialist guidance is not acting smartly. Why would you want to make your own mistakes, learn the hard way and take far longer when you can be mentored and shown the way by someone who has created themselves a successful model, made all the costly mistakes and can help you achieve your goals far quicker? Its costs you more in the long run!
Are there people really wanting to use the services of VAs?
More and more people are setting up their own businesses, and employers are increasingly becoming more supportive of a flexible and versatile working style. These shifts in attitude are providing more work for VAs, as people realise the benefits of outsourcing administrative and secretarial tasks in order that they can focus on their business and profit generation.
Generally industry is working smarter and business owners realise that employing staff versus using freelancers is a more cost-efficient way of running their business. It means they do not have to be restricted to using someone locally, they can tap into the resources of someone who is a greater fit for their business from anywhere in the world!
Is it lonely?
No. Whilst you are not sharing an office with a group of people, you are in constant contact with your clients and associates, whether it be on the phone, email or Skype. You are communicating all the time. Your office time is also of course interspersed with attending networking events in order to build your business and forge useful relationships. You have the opportunity too to be part of a larger VA community, whether it’s through creating your own support network of associate VAs with whom you share information, or the wider VA community, such as is available through joining the IAVA or VASG and participating on the organisations’s cyberchat facility.
Attending the National VA Conference and Awards is a great place to meet likeminded VAs too who soon become friends and colleagues.
Can I start up as a VA while continuing with my job?
Because we assign you with other dedicated VAs, either locally or nationally, or VAs you need with specific skills, we train you how, by working with these VAs. they can help you to kick-start your business until it is the right time for you to go into the VA business completely or even part-time. There are still many clients that do not have time sensitive work to be completed, so it does mean you then have the opportunity to fit clients around YOU as opposed to the other way around. We also show you how you can make money by working with other VAs and professionals which allows you, if you wanted to, to work more part-time as opposed to full-time or to boost your income opportunities in a number of ways and how to make the transition. You can request your free copy of ‘How to Make the Transition from Employed PA to Self-Employed VA’ by emailing carmen@vact.co.uk.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There are many legal angles that you have to be very aware of when working with other VAs and so with our training we help you to put all of this into practice CORRECTLY as well as provide you with the CORRECT contract material!!
So, how do I go about becoming a VA?
You can make your dreams come true by working with VACT by taking part in our comprehensive coaching and training programme ‘The VA Business Mastery System’ on how to become a VA or to grow your existing business.
How do you teach people to set up as a VA?
We teach you everything you will need to know about setting up, managing and making a success of your VA business. Not just the overview, the big idea, but also the day-to-day practicalities of putting your business together, getting your administration systems and processes organised, finding and marketing to clients and all the other details that combined will help you build a profitable VA business. Our courses cover a range of topics, including an overview of the VA industry, your business vision, practicalities, marketing, networking, fees, client care and more. They are provided in a variety of ways to suit your current employment or budgetary situation. These include one-2-one or group courses conducted in person or over the phone, fully bespoke courses or our VA Toolkit in a Box©. You can complement your course by joining the VA Mastermind Club©.
I only have a small start up budget. Can I afford you?
You can choose how you work with us, according to the time, budget and depth of involvement you want to commit to making your new business work and enable us to help you realistically achieve your goals. We offer packages to suit all circumstances, even if you are still in full-time employment.
Can I train while I am at work?
That is not a problem at all. We would never advise you to leave your job whilst training. In any situation, we advise that you do the course as early as possible and give yourself as much time as you can to prepare all you need for your VA business, we provide you with so much information and free material to help you in that process, which, in the long run, can save you at least £900!! AND, because the courses are, amongst others, available in the evening, by phone and via the internet, it means that even though you are still at work, you can still access the courses and still receive our coaching and training support at a time that suits YOU, which has proven invaluable.
What can I do to prepare for the course?
You can purchase and read “What it takes to be a Remarkable VA” by Carmen MacDougall. To buy your copy for £24.99, please click on the Buy Now button to pay using PayPal and then complete and submit the order form.
This is the perfect foundation builder to your VA business, but it does not just cover the basics, we have added an extra special ingredient from building a mindset to success, building your confidence in your abilities and working with clients, how to attract clients, to what makes you REMARKABLE….You want to be the VA that GETS NOTICED!!!
This is not a substitute for our VA Mastery courses but it is a great partner to it and can get you started nicely on your way. It has contributions from VAs, the IAVA, and respected business coaches and PR and marketing experts, providing invaluable support and tools to get your VA business off the ground and be known for how remarkable you are!
Where can I get more information?
Please email us on alexia@vact.co.uk for a full course brochure or to arrange a personal chat as to how we can best help you.
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FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE ALREADY A VA
I already have a VA business, why do I need to work with VACT?
We offer the unique dimension of professional VA coaching that will motivate you, build your confidence and help you to create a mindset for success. We don’t just want you to work for a living, we want you to enjoy a better work/life balance and have the lifestyle you want.
So, even if you are an established VA or just starting out with one or two clients, then we can teach you how to:
• Make the most of your skills and experience to create an even more successful VA business
• Fully understand the technology involved in home working: equipment, software; so you can provide the best and most up-to-date service for your clients
• Get more clients with more effective marketing and accomplished networking of your business to others
• Use coaching and NLP to help you present with confidence and create winning presentations and get more clients
• Deliver great client management and retain a client base
• Sharpen your inner confidence and self-belief in yourself as a businessperson
• Work with other VAs to expand your business and increase your income
• Achieve the success you want
I am already set up as a VA, what additional help can you offer?
If you feel our standard courses don’t fit in with what you want then we can provide personal and bespoke business coaching to suit you, just ask us about it!
Or you can choose our Marketing Skills course for established for VAs. This is ideal for VAs already set up in their business and who want to boost or expand their business via powerful marketing techniques.
Our experts will coach you through the stages of developing a practical, effective, targeted marketing strategy for your business taking you through all the issues you need to consider and why you need to consider them, including how to attract new business, know how to communicate your concept to potential clients, building your client base quickly and on a budget and learn how to stand out as a VA by finding your niche.
You may already have a marketing plan, but many find the marketing concept confusing or hard, or want to get someone else to do it for you…this no longer has to be the case for you. By providing you with tried and tested and proven techniques that work for the UK market, no selling concepts involved, we will take you to the point where your problems have been solved, you will have, not only a business that people “need”, but also a business that people “WANT”. We will provide you with the solution on how the two can meet, successfully without having to “sell” or be “pushy” or exceeding your budget.
Create, Focus, Master and Succeed towards the VA business you want to make happen…join us on the journey of discovery and enlightenment where, with our support and your commitment, you will discover the keys to a becoming a brilliant VA.
Consultations are by phone, in person or online.
What will the VA Mastery courses teach me?
Our courses will guide you in all in you must know about your business worth, hourly rates, retainers and fee structures, ensuring clients see the value of your VA service, as well as how to:
• Make the most of your skills and experience to create a successful VA business
• Understand the technology involved in home working: equipment, software; so you can provide the best and most up-to-date service for your clients
• Gain clients through effective marketing and accomplished networking of your business to others
• Use coaching and NLP to help you present with confidence and create winning presentations
• Deliver great client management and retain a client base
• Sharpen your inner confidence and self-belief in yourself as a businessperson
• Work with other VAs to expand your business and increase your income
We can also show you how to work with associate VAs to boost your income.
What else do I get for my money?
• Course manual – The VA Toolbook
• Modular notes and assignments
• Trainer feedback on assignments
• Example marketing material and business strategy templates*
• Your new VA website created and designed for just £550
• Graduation logo and certification
• Access to membership of the VA Mastermind Club
• Post-course business coaching sessions*
• VA Buddy System – we will help you network with other VAs to gain support, share ideas and build contacts for your new VA community
*Amount and value varies depending on course taken
Where can I find more information on these courses?
Please click visit the Courses page
How much will my investment be?
Programme fees vary from £149 to £1297.
Can I spread the cost of the course over a period of time?
Courses can be paid for in three equal instalments or four instalments for one-2-one courses.
