Ok, so you've got your website set up, you've checked and double checked your spelling, grammar, links, and the like and everything looks great. You've carefully drafted all of your business info, rate info, service info, and you've articulately described what it is you do, offer, and why you're the virtual assistant of choice. Your blog is live, your site is optimized for search engines, your newsletter sign up box is activated, you're ready to roll...

Great
But where in all of that business-talk and marketing text is your *self*??
Where's the 'wow factor'?!

I'm big on pushing the boundaries when it comes to what's 'acceptable' in the business world because as far as I can tell those boundaries are crumbling, fading, and dropping away.
People may expect to see 'boring' when they get to a business site but that doesn't mean they like it and it certainly doesn't mean that it translates to income.

We're all human - and when you think of what it is that makes you want to buy something online, or makes you want to click further into a site I'd hedge a bet that 90% of the time you're reacting directly to an emotional feeling about the product, service, or site itself. Websites that get you excited about what they have to offer get more traffic, more sales, and more repeat visits. And the websites that succeed at that have PERSONALITY written all over them.

It IS possible to be professional AND shine your own brand of self right through the middle, without detracting from your very important 'business' message.

Take a look at your website - how do you feel when you look at it? (Other than relieved that it's *there* and functioning )
Imagine you're a potential client who's seen at least ten other VA sites today, you're shopping around for *the one* - what is it about your site that's going to make them go 'WOW! This is the person I want to interact with!' ?

Don't be afraid to infuse your site with energetic and unusual graphics, a picture of your own smiling face, funny anecdotes, and a mission statement that goes so far out of the ordinary it can't HELP but inspire potential clients to contact you immediately.

Think about all the copy you read on the web every day - what bits and pieces do you remember most out of all of it? Guaranteed it's the stuff that makes you feel something - so get back in there and take a look at your own copy - does it reflect YOU and not just your business model?

It not, it might be worth taking another look!

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You know, it's funny you should bring this up. Just yesterday my hubby's boss was looking at our web design website and said the same thing...it lacked personality. So I am gonna be doing some tweaking to add some when I get more than 10 minutes of extra time!

Hmm...you've definately got me thinking.. A mission statement that pushes the boundaries.. I am going to be thinking on this!! Great idea

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Winslow Girl Virtual Assistant
www.winslowgirlva.com
Taking Virtual Assistance to the Next Level

My website is SO BORING!

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Lily, I love your emphatic use of smilies!

This is how I see it - your website isn't just a reflection of your business but of *you* and I don't think I know a single person who is really, truly boring Everyone has their own little quirks, etc. I know the design part can be kind of tough if you don't have the experience, but Jacky if you guys are showcasing web design then you've got all the room in the world for making something amazing.

Fortunately for the design-challenged , infusing your copy with high energy words and phrases is one way to make that jump from dead copy to lively, exciting calls to action.

Try to work out your copy so it has enough of your personality shining through to really showcase your confidence in your business and yourself as an individual - because ultimately those two things (business/self) are mutually exclusive...if you can find a way to work your 'self' into your copy a bit - it'll make all the difference.

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Tess you bring up a very valuable point. I believe that it's who we are that determines our success.

If a potential client looking to hire a VA has 2 VA's that have the same experience and skills it comes down to who they are as a person that makes the difference. It's important to let your personality shine through your site.

That said I know my site is in desperate need of a revamp, now it's just finding the time and money to do it

MLA

I'm with you Mary Lou.. One of the things I always tell myself when I am talking with a possible client, is to be who I am.. Let who I am shine. The rest will flow soon after..

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Winslow Girl Virtual Assistant
www.winslowgirlva.com
Taking Virtual Assistance to the Next Level

Mary Lou, you joined us after I sent out the announcement, and there isn't a graphic ad for it yet, but we're running a little competition here for members with existing virtual assistant business websites (relative to a VA practice, specifically) - so if that's the site you're referring to here you could win a complete redesign, among other fabulous things...the juicy details on how to enter and win are all right here. The contest runs long, til the end of the year, so there's plenty of time to enter

And Jackie, you're super shiny The best kind of personality!

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Thanks for the offer Tess but I don't have a web site for my virtual assistance business I never needed one and have been full for many years (not recommended for today's VA market place ;-)) How's that for shine! LOL

I am actually transitioning out of doing VA work and focusing on training and coaching VA's. That's where my passion is today and hence I love hanging out in forums when I have time.

MLA

Understood I gave up my VA business site in favor of the forums, my own new passion - but don't see myself transitioning out of my practice; I'm having such a great time with my clients and still feel like I have so much to learn.

I'm curious about the point you must have reached when you realized you were ready to take your expertise in the direction you're pursuing now, if you don't mind my asking - was there an epiphany or was it a more gradual process? I'm always so interested in the driving forces behind strong business minds.

And actually, I'd ask the same question of anyone here - because you all made major decisions when you chose to transition from 9-5 in someone *else's* office to your own path.

And we're happy to have you here, wherever your passion lies...

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