With over 19 years administration experience and now leading MG Virtual Office Solutions, Margie Gibson recognized an administrative need in growing businesses. Her response was to provide quality virtual assistance (VA) to small to medium sized businesses through her company MG Virtual Office Solutions. Margie's administrative expertise, coupled with her background in development, has allowed her to excel in the VA industry. Margie prides herself on the fact that her knowledge and expertise has been developed through years of experience.
You can connect with Margie on Twitter, Facebook, and right here at VAF.
Margie, a long-time member of the community, took the time to chat with Virtual Assistant Forums about her startup process, growth and changes in her business, and more.
How long have you been a virtual assistant and what drew you to the industry?
Prior to starting my business, I held a variety of postions in state governement which included administrative assistant, executive assistant, board/commission administrative support, scheduler for the state governor, administrative rules coordinator and grants/contracts coordinator. In March 2002, my life and my career goals changed significantly when I was awarded custody of my four grandchildren, ages 3, 6, 8 and 10 at that time. I struggled for over a year attempting to be super-grandma, working full-time and striving to meet the special needs of my grandchildren. I needed to find a balance between my personal and professional life, so after 19 years with state government, I made the decision to resign and care for my grandchildren full-time. That is when I started looking for opportinuties to work from home. I was drawn to the virtual assistant industry because I already had the experience. After doing a lot of research, I opened my virtual doors in October 2008.
Can you describe the startup process of your VA practice as you remember it? Please share your biggest triumph and biggest hurdle you had to overcome.
I did a lot of research about working virtuallly before I finally made the decision to officially start my business. I decided on what services to provide, developed a web site, and made connections with several forums.
While doing research on Craigslist, I found advertisements from other VA’s. I sent them an email asking questions about their business. One of the VA’s that I contaced directed me to Virtual Assistant Forums and hired me to do some subcontracting for her. I knew at that point, that I had made the right decision.
After working for someone else for over 19 years, I encountered several hurdles. I have had to learn about marketing myself and my business, which is still my biggest challenge. The transition from an employee to a business owner has also been a challenge. I have to keep reminding myself to think like a business owner and not like an employee.
What is your specialty/niche and what makes you an expert or leader in your field?
When I first started my business, I offered general administrative services. Although I still provide general administrative services, I have become more focused on providing bankruptcy petition services to bankruptcy attorneys. As a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant I am able to have a significant impact on people’s lives and their future.
What are the top five tools or resources you use on a regular basis in running your own business?
Other than a computer, printer, phone, and reliable internet connection, I use a scanner, online fax (RingCentral), and MS Office. My Blackberry is my life source to my business. I like the flexibility it provides. I can stay connected (or not) no matter where I am or what I am doing.
What’s your number one source for new clients?
I would have to say word-of-mouth has been the one source that has worked for me. I have retained clients by working as a subcontractor for other VAs and responding to RFPs on VAF. In fact, I retained my very first client through an RFP on Virtual Assistant Forums and continue to work with this client.
Can you describe your new client intake process?
I have an intake form that I fill out while talking with a new client. I will follow-up with an email or fax that summarizes our conversation and the scope of work. Once we have decided on the scope of work, I send a Welcome Packet that includes a welcome letter, the contract, confidentially agreement, brochure, business card and W-9 form.
What is your most important business policy?
Having worked with contracts in my j.o.b., I learned the importance of having a signed contract in place prior to beginning work. Communication is also key -- the more you know about your client’s business, the more valuable you are to them.
What do you love most about being a virtual assistant /self employed businesswoman?
What’s not love about being self-employed: the freedom, being in control of my own destiny, connecting with people all over the world, challenging myself to reach my full potential!
Please take us on a tour of your home office – can you describe how you have it set up and what you love about it?
When I first started my business, my office was set-up in a small corner of our family room. My files and supplies were kept in a rolling file cart and two portable filing tubs. My only work space was the dining room table. Plus, I had very little privacy.
I have since moved my office into a spare room and I just love it! I have an oak desk with a hutch, a credenza with lots of storage, a work table, book case and 4-drawer filing cabinet. What a difference having “real” office space has made. It is easier to concentrate on my business, there are less intruptions and I have privacy when needed.
What’s your best advice for aspiring VAs thinking of starting their own practice?
Do your research and make connections with others in the industry. This is not a get-rich-quick industry. It takes time to build your business. Do not reinvent the wheel. There are tons of resources available on the internet and most are free.
Interview with Margie Gibson of MG Virtual Office Solutions
Linear Mode
