Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

NZVAs · #1 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009

Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise

Having been in business for 4 years now and a member of the Virtual Assistant Forums, Dawn Riley of A Virtual Assistant in Paradise shares with us some of her VA experiences. Dawn says the best thing for her, about being a VA, is being able to work from home so that she has the flexibility to work when she wants so that she can ultimately be there for her family.

With her business physically located in Venice (Florida), she has been providing the answer to the overworked business owner's time and budget constraints since 2005. During the 15 years prior to starting her own business, Dawn held various professional positions in numerous corporate environments including: Executive Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, and Credit and Collections Specialist within the Healthcare and Construction Industries. While a full-time professional herself, she still found the time to help her husband start his first business which skyrocketed to over 6 figures in record time.

At month end of September 2009 we also acknowledge Dawn has contributed much to the Virtual Assistant Forums and has provided nearly 2000 insightful, friendly and helpful posts of advice to our VAF members. Well done Dawn & thanks for sharing with us!

In addition to being an Online Business Manager running small businesses across the country, Dawn has exhibited a passion for mentoring her peers within the Virtual Assistant Industry. With her extensive experience working with small business startups, she has been able to successfully guide many hopeful Virtual Assistants towards a successful path to entrepreneurship.
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise welcomes accounts of all sizes across numerous industries. They are experienced at helping even the savviest business professionals’ transition to a virtual working environment.

Happily married to her best friend for over 17 years, Dawn also has 3 active children and several pets. She enjoys travelling and spending time with her family. Living in Paradise affords her the opportunity to visit the beach as often as possible where she indulges in Beach Volleyball every chance she gets.

What do you specialize in?

Online Business Management
Social Media Management
Mentoring Virtual Assistants

Please tell us about the greatest thing that has ever happened to you

I would have to say other than having my kids the greatest thing that has ever happened to me was being afforded with the opportunity of moving from NJ to FL. The lifestyle is so much more relaxing down here and it truly contributes to being consistently positive and happy!

What has been the most rewarding compliment a client has given you?

Before my business was officially born, I was residing in NJ. At this time I was running another local business from our home office. When we decided to move out of state there were reservations from this “client” on whether or not my continued support would work – this client testimonial gave me the confidence that working virtually could really be accomplished – "When I first heard you were moving to Florida I was stunned. You have helped my business grow to where it is today. I joked initially about sending it all to my girl in Paradise I never imagined that it would be possible for you to continue to support me and my business in the ways that you do virtually. I couldn't have asked for a better business partner and I strongly recommend to everyone to find their own Virtual Assistant in Paradise." - C. DeCorso, Leonardo, NJ

Do you use Press Releases as a marketing device and do you have any recommendations on how VAs can best utiilize these?

I most definitely recommend press releases if they are newsworthy such as the opening of your business, introduction of a new website or services. A press release is a highly effective tool to communicate your marketing messages.

Our niche marketing area is a popular one at the Virtual Assistant Forums. Can you please share with us how you found your niche?

When I first officially started my business I read over and over how important it was to have a niche. This was something I struggled with for quite some time. The importance of defining your niche market is to have a clearer picture of whom it is you are marketing to. Well I was currently running a small business virtually and I considered myself a generalist since I was capable of running a business from soup to nuts. It took some time for me to realize that the first step to defining my niche was to actually define who my ideal client was. Once I determined this and created my marketing material to target my ideal client, clients began to knock on the virtual door and my niche was essentially defined for me.

When you are approaching businesses with your services, do you do anything different for different types of clients?

I honestly have to say that I never differentiated what I did when approaching businesses vs. solopreneurs with my services.

Please tell us what the hardest part of being a VA is for you?

I would have to say the hardest part of being a Virtual Assistant is working from my home office. There should be a typical 9-5 and leave all behind, but when you work for yourself and have the availability to work when you want or as much as you want you tend to put in a lot more hours.

We are in front of computers day in and day out, and often night in night out too! How do you prioritize and balance your electronic life?

I am all about systems and processes and I schedule everything surrounding my work day. Yes there are times during the course of the day that something pops up and I stray from my schedule but for the most part I stick to my schedule and quickly regain my focus to get back on track.

With being online all day for many hours, one thing I have decided that I would commit to in order to maintain somewhat of a normal work/family balance is to not cave into the use of a Blackberry! With this decision it has helped me to only check the numerous emails during scheduled times while in the office.

Tell us about the hardest task you’ve had as a VA, and how you overcame this?

I would have to say the hardest, if you want to call it a task, is establishing and sticking to boundaries. For me I partner with all of my clients and it becomes quite difficult at times to stick to your boundaries in which you must establish early on so not to put out false expectations from clients.

If you do not stick to your boundaries you risk resentment within the relationship. It is also important too that no one can overstep those boundaries unless you let them. I learned this the hard way!

If you could improve one thing about the VA industry as a whole, what would it be and why?

I would have to say that with the VA industry growing at the pace it has been, it would be great to have more educational information put out there so that prospective clients have a greater understanding as to what the industry is about.

What would you give a million dollars to know now that you didn’t know before?

I have no regrets for everything you do I feel is truly a learning experience. But I guess it would be that with the right mindset anything is possible.

cbranch · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009

Thanks for sharing this article about Dawn! It's always wonderful to hear what other seasoned VA's are doing. It seems that her business is flourishing greatly because of her skills and knowledge. Congratulations Dawn for being spotlighted on your success!

splarske · #3 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009

Dawn,

Your article is very informative and inspiring. I am a "future VA" and this type of information is so helpful in guiding me along the way. Thank you.

Sandy

vainparadise · #4 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009

Thank you Cathryn and Sandy for your kind words.

Action Jackson VA · #5 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009

This was a truly inspirational interview. I love the way you went into detail about priorities, sticking with schedules and making time for "free time" with family and friends.

As our business grow we do need to follow Dawns example as it truly does make a difference in liking what you do and loving what you do

Thanks so much for the interview and sharing with us. Now I am off to buy that book lol

Sincerely,
Andrea

Tess · #6 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009

Hi Dawn, great interview! Thank you for your insight - you're such a professional!

It's wonderful that your business is flourishing and I wish you the absolute BEST!

Caliber Virtual Services · #7 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009

Hello Dawn.

Nice interview! Thank you so much for sharing all your wonderful tips and timely wisdom. I agree with having certain systems and processes in place, as well as a scheduled work day. Without boundaries, as you mentioned, one could become quite frustrated and burn out quickly.

Great job, my friend.

PrimoAssistance · #8 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009

Great interview, Dawn! Being one of the "hopeful VA's you are guiding to a successful path", I know first-hand how insightful you are about creating a thriving business.

Words cannot express how grateful I am to have you as a mentor and friend. All up and coming VA's should be so lucky!

Diane Cominotti
Primo Assistance

virtual writing · #9 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009

Well finally at last, we hear from you, Dawn! You've been such a mainstay of this community and we all treasure your advice and friendship, and this interview is just great to see, and perhaps long overdue. I love your practicality and positivity - you're truly a luminary! Thanks so much.

JKVirtualOffice · #10 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009

Dawn- You Rock!
Loved the interview and have really enjoyed getting to know you through the forums and everywhere else we are connected. You are the quintessential VA!