Upon further thought, I too am thinking about some form of hybrid. I want to add personal services as they are a strong suit of mine as well. The issue I am struggling with is how to classify what is personal and what is something personal that an EA would essentially do?

I know some EA's make doctor's appointments for bosses so would that classify as a business EA service or package or personal?

Just some of the things rattling around in my head.

Just wanna say these information are really helpful and I think running errands isn't worth our time.

I was considering this very idea, but after reading this thread, I don't think it's an area I want to delve into. I think I'll stick with strictly being a VA!

I wonder how do you market yourself combine these services? and Im sure there a way to do personal assistant partime maybe 2 days or 3 days certain hours of the week. I work personal assitant work and i love who I work for and what i do.. she covers my gas, time on the spot..i guess im lucky to work for her. I handle her ersonal and business bank accounts and her clients, business/apartments that she owns. my questions is How do I market as a personal and virtual assistant?

Originally Posted by splarske

Has anyone combined being a personal assistant with a virtual assistant? I want to do both. I'd like to have local clients I provide personal assistance to such as running errands, purchasing gifts, etc. but also provide virtual administrative tasks such as scheduling, typing, preparing presentations, organizing, etc. Does anyone out there do both and how do you handle this? How do you market yourself? Thank you.

I considered it UNTIL the client requirements floated across my desk. To make it short....Personal Assistant does not equal Baby sitter/tutor/maid....

I agree with many of you, I've done the "concierge" thing and it just doesn't seem worth it to me. Step n' fetch it, is what I called myself and in the end, not only did I work twice as hard with the errands...you aren't nearly as appreciated. If you can't do it from your home office...I would'nt do it. Deposit another two cents, please. Smile*

I think adding that to your array of services is worthwhile if you can fit that into your scheduled. I am too busy managing VA tasks to even consider adding personal assistance services.

You should consider marketing your services in Craigslist or apply for PA jobs in Craigslist. I have seen quite a few ads for personal assistants.

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Karen Kamenwa
http://www.pridevirtualassistant.com

I am in love with Rebecca's idea. I was a Personal Assistant for 2 years and there were great aspects of the job and others I wasn't too fond of - like being called to go get salt from the store at 10pm in the cold and rain...lol.

However, the option to order your new shaving cream online and have it overnight shipped to your house or schedule doctor's appointments, etc from my home are perfect ideas. In this day and age, even things like salt can be ordered for delivery, it's just going to cost the client more. We have stores like Rice Epicurean market, etc that will deliver grocery orders to the home. I think this discussion has helped me to better-form my niche. Thank you.

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Nikki Johnson
The Millionaire's Assistant™

Originally Posted by JMJohnston

I considered it UNTIL the client requirements floated across my desk. To make it short....Personal Assistant does not equal Baby sitter/tutor/maid....

I agree with you there. One of the first serious discussions I had when I was a PA was when my boss asked me about helping to keep his kids. He already had a daytime nanny and an evening nanny...so I really didn't see the point. I told him flat out, if I wanted to work in a daycare, that's what I would have applied for. He understood and respected my forthrightness and we never really had that issue again.

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Nikki Johnson
The Millionaire's Assistant™

Hi Sandy,

I do both Personal and Virtual. You don't have to stick with one. You are going do have different clients with different needs. Make it work for you and at the same time meet the needs of the client. Don't limit yourself.

I prefer Personal and personal can be virtual. Everything doesn't have to be "in person."

I wish you the best!

Traci

I do know of a small number of VAs who do this and they're happy doing it. They like getting out and about. I haven't done it - I like being in my office and am pretty much a homebody.

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Kathie M. Thomas, VA Coach
A Clayton's Secretary, VA Blog

I do both. Make it work for you. Personal doesn't have to be "in person." Different clients have different needs.

If you are at a place where you can subcontract your Virtual clients then do so.

I wish you all the best!

Traci

What a great idea. I had never thought of doing both, but I'm going to now. Thanks for the great idea.

I agree with you SherriAnn - I think it's a great idea. I am sure it can work well when you get your elevator pitch just right to help potential clients see and understand the value of such a service.

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Nikki Johnson
The Millionaire's Assistant™

I work as a VA so that I don't have to do a ton of running around.. more power to you if this is something you enjoy doing.