What is your support system?

As a virtual assistant who’s been practicing for more than 3 years now, there were many times when, people and even family, would ask me if I’m okay with what I’m doing and if I’m earning well. If you must know, even call center agents have a certain hype here in the Philippines. Most people would think that call center employees have nothing better to do or can’t get a REAL job. I tell you, I’ve been in that business for some time also and I consider that as a major turning point for me. I honed special skills that I’m using now for my business. I say business because I consider myself as an entrepreneur. I sell my services of being an assistant. And I totally believe that I am good at it. 

In previous posts, I’ve discussed the pros and cons of being a virtual assistant. One of the major cons would be the support system. Since most people don’t know about this industry, there’s a stigma that this is just some part time gig. I say not. This is as legit and stable as any business. What’s good about this business is you don’t need a big overhead capital since you’re using your own skills as the main entree. 

This is one business where you can find those who truly support you or those who never believed in you and your abilities. In the first few years, you might not be able to pick out the ones who really care from the ones who actually think you’re nuts for giving up a corporate office career, but you just might see who you should stick with when you finally have the chance to think about it, in say, 2-3 years! *wink*

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

Its 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!

Benefits in getting a Virtual Assistant

I wanted to share today the benefits for clients in getting a virtual assistant. So why exactly would you have to hire one? Let me enumerate the top reasons :

• Pay only for the time used for your business
  
• No overhead costs like physical office, computers, equipments, office supplies, etc.
• You do not pay for vacations, time-off, sick leaves, maternity leaves, health benefits, coffee breaks, government taxes and mandated benefits.

 So getting a virtual assistant would definitely help you and your business. Hire now!

More advantages

I’ve been contemplating on my business for the past few weeks. Thinking as to why I decided this was the best job I ever accepted. And here’s some reasons why :

1. I don’t travel from home to work, therefore saving time and money.  
2. I don’t spend on office uniform or business clothes
3. No traffic!
4. I get to spend more time with my family
5. Laid-back feel in my home-office setup, therefore, less stress
6. No politics
7. Flexible working hours (maybe or maybe not)

Just a few of what I consider as my perks on this job.  

Now Accepting Paypal Payments

The best way to pay. 

International.

Secure.

Hassle-free.

My Virtual Office

As I have mentioned on previous posts, I have been in this industry for quite some time now, and as preparation, I’ve made a substantial investment for my virtual office. I’m always on the lookout for new programs and constantly upgrades or change my setup. 

• Desktop -  Pentium 4, 120GB HD, 1.5GB RAM, Windows XP Pro SP3, Combo Drive
• Laptop - HP Compaq Presario V3000, Intel Core Duo, 80GB HD, 1GB RAM, Windows XP Home
• Notebook - MSI Wind Edition U100 LXP8 Intel Atom N280, 1.66ghz, 2gb RAM, 250gb HDD, Windows XP Home
• Wireless (WiFi) Network - Apple iPhone3G 16gb
• Printer - EPSON 3-in-1 printer, scanner, photocopier
• Microsoft Office 2007
• Quickbooks Plus 2007
• AVG Pro Antivirus; Spybot Search and Destroy
• Dropbox
• GoToMeeting
• FireFTP
• Messenger/VOIP - Yahoo, MSN, Skype (voicemail and forwarding available)
• Internet Connection - DSL 1mbps; Backup - Globe Wireless Internet

Always check on this list for updates.

Virtual Services : For Hire

Since I have been in this business for quite a long time now, I would like to start marketing what I have to offer :

I have set up a team of virtual assistants who’s working with me on projects. The team comprises of content writers, personal assistants, web designers, bookkeepers, web developers, project managers, etc.

Low, low fees! As low as $4-5/hour!!!

Send me an email for an RFP on your project! =)

More on this post SOON!