Re: 12/2008 Interview with Deirdre Shockley of Deirdre's Virtual Office
Great interview Deirdre! Working with other VA's definitely has it's benefits. It makes it so much easier working with others in the industry that get the way the business works and what is entailed. I really enjoy doing subcontracted work.
And you're right, it's nice to leave the marketing up to them. Marketing is a business of it's own!
Re: 12/2008 Interview with Deirdre Shockley of Deirdre's Virtual Office
I am so glad I came across this post today--I have not-so-steadily been working to establish my VA business. I have been in the secretarial field (does that give away my age?) my entire career. I purchased a business start-up system, and have not quite finished following the plan. I know I need to do this. Dierdre, I started doing this the same time you did, and what you have shared in your interview has inspired me and given me hope that I can do this business. I just need to focus on doing what it takes to get it going. I appreciate this forum and the others in the industry, it's fantastic to learn from those who have been there, done that!
Re: 12/2008 Interview with Deirdre Shockley of Deirdre's Virtual Office
Deidre, I am new to the VA forum. However, I have been working from home for quite a while and much like you have also done some work for churches writing grants, in addition to managing educational programs. I signed up to be a VA looking to spend more time with my kids and eliminate the constant commute. Your story is inspiring and encouraging. As a result of reading your email I decided to go through the discussion forum (I had registered on this site over a month ago but did not do anything with it). I am looking forwarding to working as a VA and will probably have a lot of questions along the way. Congratulations and thanks for the inspiration!
Re: 12/2008 Interview with Deirdre Shockley of Deirdre's Virtual Office
That is a really great interview Deirdre. I'm really inspired by what you've accomplished along with other VA's taking care of each other. Congratulations and I wish your business continued success.
Re: 12/2008 Interview with Deirdre Shockley of Deirdre's Virtual Office
Hey Deirdre!
I had no idea how successful you are! This was a very inspiring interview to read. I am very happy for your success and envious of the location of your new home. I would love to live on a farm! Congrats Deirdre.
Re: 12/2008 Interview with Deirdre Shockley of Deirdre's Virtual Office
Hi Deirdre,
I'm so happy to hear of your business growth. And, I'm pleased that you got so much out of the Online International Virtual Assistants Convention. I look forward to hearing about your continued growth and your participation during the 2009 convention. Keep in touch.
__________________
Sharon Williams The 24 Hour Secretary
The "I Needed It Yesterday" Company
Re: 12/2008 Interview with Deirdre Shockley of Deirdre's Virtual Office
Great to hear your story Deirdre. It sounds very similar to mine and I hope I progress to FT like you do. In other words you feel subctracting for other VAs really can keep someone busy? That's my main goal is to subcontract.
Re: 12/2008 Interview with Deirdre Shockley of Deirdre's Virtual Office
Hello Deirdre! I always loved reading these interviews - they always bring fresh insights! Thanks for sharing and may you have continued success in 2009 and beyond!
Re: 12/2008 Interview with Deirdre Shockley of Deirdre's Virtual Office
This is a great interview. I'm new to the forum and am so happy to have found it. Hearing real stories of women and men who are actually making this business work for them is a huge motivator for a newbie like me.
I had to grin at the raising chickens and turkeys piece. There was a time, about 7 years ago that I found myself raising a few of everything! From goats, to chickens to pot belly pigs. I loved the chickens and had a favorite turkey named Petrie. There is nothing like fresh eggs!
Thank you to the author and to you for sharing your story.
Re: 12/2008 Interview with Deirdre Shockley of Deirdre's Virtual Office
Deirde - I find this to be true for myself - it's my biggest stumbling block! "I find it very difficult to promote myself. I found it was very hard for me to separate my business from myself. I do not enjoy marketing..."
Re: 12/2008 Interview with Deirdre Shockley of Deirdre's Virtual Office
DeirdreS
Thank you for sharing your story. I always love to hear the story of the paths that people take to finally reach the dream of doing what they love. Thanks for the inspiration.
Re: 12/2008 Interview with Deirdre Shockley of Deirdre's Virtual Office
Marketing is a business of it's own!
I am so glad I came across this post today--I have not-so-steadily been working to establish my VA business. I have been in the secretarial field (does that give away my age?) my entire career. I purchased a business start-up system, and have not quite finished following the plan. I know I need to do this. Dierdre, I started doing this the same time you did, and what you have shared in your interview has inspired me and given me hope that I can do this business. I just need to focus on doing what it takes to get it going. I appreciate this forum and the others in the industry, it's fantastic to learn from those who have been there, done that! 
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