Interview with Jackie Winslow of Winslow Girl Virtual Assistant Services - Virtual Assistant Forums

Tess · #1 (**permalink**) 08-23-2007

Jackie Winslow, owner and operator of Winslow Girl Virtual Assistant, has over six years combined experience in general administrative and organizational activities in varied industries. She was previously a small business owner in the spa industry and later ventured into the administrative world. Now Jackie has consolidated her extensive work skills and life experience to form her professional virtual assistant practice. Jackie is committed to excellence and exhibits dedication to her clients with a deep values-based practice. Having worked with both small businesses and larger corporations, her experience, integrity and honesty lends itself well to her company motto: "Dedicated to taking virtual assistance to the next level!"

Here's what Jackie has to say about her experience, her business practice, and what it means to be the IDEAL VA (feel free to reply to this thread with any questions or comments you have for Jackie!):

How long have you been working as a professional Virtual Assistant and how many hours a week do you spend in your practice?

I have been a VA for just over 6 years and I work 10:00 - 5:00 Monday through Friday.

With your first client experience, what were the three most important lessons learned and how did you adjust your business practices/approach in response?

First, I definitely learned the difference between being an employee and being an independent contractor. Second, I learned how to establish and discuss my rates with my clients. I learned how to be firm about my business practices in this regard. This is so important. And third, I learned that I could do anything I put my mind to. I could own my own business and own it well. That was hard as I was newly divorced at the time and had zero self-confidence. But with each baby step, I grew and became more self-assured; within myself and with my clients. Today, I can kick butt in business! Thank goodness for life lessons, they only made me stronger!

Have you invested in any Virtual Assistant training or certification programs? If so, which one(s)?

First, I have certifications in all of the software I use. Second, I have read, read, and read some more. What training I didn't have, I studied my heart out to learn.

What inspires you the most in your work as a VA?

My hubby inspires me! His motto has always been "Give excellence…" and I have taken that with me into my business, in everything I do. My hubby is my cheerleading section. He keeps me going and that is all the inspiration I need to begin each day as a VA!

What golden bit of advice would you give someone just starting out in the VA Industry?

Don't give up - believe in yourself! When you've given everything you have, give just a little more!

There is a pretty controversial conversation going around industry blogs, chats, and communities about what the definition of a VA is. What is your personal definition of the ideal virtual assistant?

As I am still in my jammies doing this interview, I would say being a VA is extremely flexible on the clothing. Seriously, a VA is a person who offers administrative assistance to small businesses across the country(and world) all from the comfort of their home.
We all want to be the Ideal VA. Here are just a few important qualities I think are vital to that:

Self-Starter
Great Communication Skills
Understanding
Perseverance
Dedicated
Loyal

For my own clients, I try to go beyond the norm in everything I do. I want my clients to know that they can depend on top notch communication, virtual assistance, and administrative support from me, everyday, all the time. Whether it is sending thank you cards or offering more detailed, more personalized assistance.

What is the single most important element, in your opinion, of maintaining good client relationships?

Maintaining a level of excellence in communication with my clients, for me, is the most important element. Communication is key, for both the VA and the client. We all want to build long term business relationships with our clients but that’s only going to come when trust is built between a VA and a client.

Personal top time management rule?

Business hours are business hours. After that, I am off the clock, no exceptions! Leave work at the office (even if the office is in the other room!)

Personal top invoicing rule?

Be thorough. A detailed invoice will save you and your client any misunderstandings in the long run.

Personal top marketing rule?

You can never market enough. Give at least an hour every day, in some way to marketing; even if its just brainstorming ideas.

Any other secrets to success you'd like to share?

The biggest secret to my success, I have to say, is my faith in God. This has been the cornerstone of my business, and I have no doubt that all my blessings come straight from Him!

What people are saying about Jackie and Winslow Girl Virtual Assistant Services

"Ms. Winslow is one of those rare individuals who possess all of the essential tools. She is dedicated, detail-oriented, and a pleasure to work with. Her enthusiasm, follow-through, and flexibility are above average, and her integrity stellar. Mediocrity is not in her vernacular. If it's excellent you seek, look no further."
-Shino T. Maya's Mom

"Winslow Girl Virtual Assistant was a diligent and hard working assistant that dedicated her time to advancing our net sales. During her involvement with our company, our net sales increased each year and her efforts helped us to achieve $1 million dollars in sales. Mrs. Winslow was certified in Microsoft applications and contributed countless hours to our research and development department. We would not have experienced the level of success we did without Mrs. Winslow's commitment to excellence with our Company. I would recommend her qualifications to any company that is desiring growth."
-Just For Spas

"I asked Mrs. Winslow to do intensive research on many diverse subjects. She always came through with more than I could have asked for! Timely, Accurate, and Dedicated!!"
-The Beauty Treatment Center

If you'd like to be considered for our next Professional Virtual Assistant Interview, please click here for more information!

Codehead · #2 (**permalink**) 08-27-2007

This was really fun to read and I agree with every single point especially:

Quote:

Don't give up - believe in yourself! When you've given everything you have, give just a little more!

I wish you the best in your business!

BTW, I have a little question:

What are the major differences in the Internet, between now and 6 years ago?

Office Goddess · #3 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007

The interview was great! I especially like finding out WHY we have all decided to "go out on a limb" and become VAs!! The "3 most important lessons" answer was SO dead-on for me as well. Keep up the good work, Jackie! I hope to hear more from you in the future

Gems Virtual Office · #4 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007

Awesome interview Jackie!!

Agnes · #5 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007

What a great interview Jackie!

I love your point about "excellence".

winslowgirl · #6 (**permalink**) 09-04-2007

Thanks~~ I was nervous for sure.. But when we start thinking about the how's and why's it gets us centered as to why we do what we do!!! I look forward to all the interviews!! Helps us get to know each other better!!

winslowgirl · #7 (**permalink**) 09-04-2007

In answer to Hamids question.. now and six years ago.. Basically, I was just starting out, so I didn't have the internet.. My first jobs I got locally, which is how I initially got started in the VA business. From a few administrative jobs I got, I realized I really loved doing this kind of work.. And I didn't even know what a VA was at that time.

As I grew, I realized the need for the internet, but at that time, let me tell you, I was green in everything, the internet included. Finding "Real" business was difficult because work at home generally meant "scam". I know you all know what I'm talking about.. Working at home was not really big..

But as I worked, and studied and researched, and built my repetroi(not sure this is spelled right!) I found more and more ways to use the internet as a soure of marketing!! Crazy how I look back and wish I knew then what I know now.. YIKES!! Back then I didn't google my way to answers!! haha

Anyway, hope that answers your question..

#8 (**permalink**) 09-11-2007

I am learning time management, that has been the hardest part for me. Great interview!

winslowgirl · #9 (**permalink**) 09-11-2007

That is awesome!! Don't we all have things we are growing and learning! All part of the experience!

Tess · #10 (**permalink**) 09-11-2007

Katro - when it comes to time management, where are you getting stuck? Are you juggling school, family, work, etc.?

#11 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007

I have some procrastination issues. I am juggling all those, but what i seem to do the most is work.Like sitting around the computer some days all day, working or not.

Tess · #12 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007

Aha! I can completely relate - my husband is worse though...we tend to always be working on something - either for clients or our own in-house projects (for me, this forum is a big draw

) and we get to the point where we have to force ourselves away from the laptops.
Now, when I catch myself *looking for something* to work on I just get up and make myself play with the dog or read a book.

The computer is great when there's something productive to be done, but when there's nothing of real value going on it's kind of like watching TV.

Be careful - don't burn yourself out!

winslowgirl · #13 (**permalink**) 09-15-2007

One thing I do to keep myself on schedule with everything I have going on is to have a schedule of all the things I need done. I also put them most important to least important, this helps me focus all the time.

My "List" helps when I get extra busy. I can glance at it to see what I need to do first. I also do this with my clients. I have deducted my hours in the day, so I know how much I can work on each of my clients. My list helps in this too because beside each project I have the amount of time I have alloted to do it. With multiple clients, it helps to be very detailed...

Of course, Tess, I have my one hour a day added for marketing.. But I have to add this in as well. Other wise, the day gets away from us!!

Does anyone else have ideas of how to manage your time?? What works for you!?

americanrose · #14 (**permalink**) 09-16-2007

How do I manage my time? I do everything that's left over from the day in the middle of the night!

ha ha ha!
With a daughter and all the great household stuff that comes along with that, the full time job, and my efforts at getting this virtual assistance thing off the ground I have little time during daylight hours to do anything else. So as soon as my daughter goes to sleep I pounce on whatever is at the top of my personal todo list. Like check in here for great ideas!

hehe

#15 (**permalink**) 11-29-2007

Lovely interview. I love your husbands motto and your attitude. Very positive interview.