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What you need to know to be a VA
November 14, 2009Many have asked and now is the time to answer it all.
This is just the first part, the basics of what will be discusses in my training class for freelancers and VAs. Read on…
First topic would be FINANCES. Money is always an important issue for all people, not just for freelancers. Many of you might be used to getting a regular paycheck weekly, bi-monthly or monthly. This time you have to get used to having days when you don’t have clients and no moolah is coming in. What do you do? Make sure that you have enough money in your bank account so that when you don’t have projects coming in, you still have enough to get by.
Second is your WORKPLACE. If you would like to work at home (like many of us), consider the environment. Is your house quiet enough so you can focus? Do you have kids roaming around and throwing tantrums every now and then? If so, you need to find your own place where you can work. My suggestion is to rent a nearby place and share it with other freelancers. Split bills such as rent, electricity and other utilities.
Third would be your RESUME/PORTFOLIO. Build your resume/portfolio like life would depend on it, because it actually will. Your resume/portfolio will either make or break you. The first few months/years/projects would probably be your building blocks. Make it good. Improve and learn during the process. Another great tip would be to not to lie in your resume. List only that things or companies that you have worked on or worked for. Don’t exaggerate. Be truthful.
Fourth is HOLIDAYS. If you are from the Philippines like me, consider the holidays that your client has. If you work for them fulltime, make sure you set it straight the first time. Tell them and ask them what holidays you are willing to take. BUT, having a good vacation is crucial to stress release. I personally would like to get a few extra days off to unwind, clear my mind, refresh and recharge.
I hope these tips once again helped you. Take my class to get more of these. 
See yah!
Freelancing/VA business training class
One of my new clients has made me realize that I’m not utilizing everything that I know and am capable of. Due to the fact that I’m in a lucrative industry and that I’m preparing myself for other ventures in the near future, I am now planning to go back to training and tutoring. This time, I will prepare something that I can do online or in the office.
For my readers who have been missing my posts and tips, this training class will definitely teach you how to do it right. Sign up now! Email me
Writing your cover letter
November 5, 2009Its been a while since I last updated this blog. All because of a personal family matter wherein we had to move out and rent our own place. All for a good cause. I’ve also been busy with a family business that we opened just recently.
So what do I have for you today? As a virtual assistant, cover letters are but important. These are our make- or-break when it comes to our jobs. Let me write, based on my experience, the things that would make your cover letter, stand out from the rest.
1. Spelling and Grammar
Imagine a prospective client reading your cover letter and seeing too many spelling and grammatical errors. Major fail! So don’t look stupid. Check and recheck.
2. Tone
Business tone is always best. It will send the message that you are a professional. Don’t use chat/text speak, and jargons that your prospective client might not know.
3. Make a checklist
Be sure that you cover all bases on that checklist. Here’s my short-but-sweet version on how my cover page/letter should be like :
- introduce yourself
- tell the client of what you can do; sell yourself
- ask questions
- provide samples of what you have done; links/URLs or design portfolios
- how efficient are you? how fast can you give good results?
- do you have the right equipment? if so, what are they? software and hardware
- closing statement ; contact info
I hope these helped you think twice about sending that cover letter you’ve prepared. Again, check and recheck for errors. Keep your letter short but enough to say how it’s best to get you over the other VA applicants. Goodluck!