Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

AusVA · #1 (**permalink**) 03-03-2009

Hi All!

It's been a long while since I've been on here, but it's mainly because I've been so busy with getting my website up! I'm finally launching this March 16th and in fact are seeking VA associates to join our team! - so if you know anyone who would be interested, would love a referral!

I would love to hear from you all and get some feedback on our website, also, if there are any spelling and grammatical mistakes - please point them out too! (side note: spelling is Australian/UK so words that would normally be spelled "specilization" for the US folks would be spelled "specilisation" for us here ;-)

http://www.askyourva.com

Look forward hearing from you all!

Thanks in advance

Cheers
Aise

annette · #2 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009

Hi Aise,

I think your site looks fantastic. Very crisp and clean with good friendly images and links. I wish you luck in your VA venture.

AusVA · #3 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009

Thank you Annette! Appreciate your feedback

Wisshing you the best also!

Administrative Partners · #4 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009

I haven't read through the content but on first glance all I can say is.. It looks great.. Great layout.. looks very professional. Headings are easy to follow and the colors are catchy.. good job.

AusVA · #5 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009

Thanks Tamika! Glad to hear you like the layout

Robin · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009

Looks great! Nice and clean...Good luck!

AusVA · #7 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009

Thanks Robin! I need all the luck I can get! Feeling really nervous - but I'm sure it's just the excitement and adrenaline

annette · #8 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009

You are bound to be nervous at first. Channel this energy into the decisions that you make in your start up. You are less likely to make rash decisions if you are nervous so you can be confident that any decisions you make will be completely researched for the best interest of your company.

AusVA · #9 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009

Thanks Annette, great advice. I'm doing exactly just that. Working on my systems and documenting processes now for automation and to ensure I'm ready for every possible scenario I can think of! (even though I haven't yet got a client!) And although compiling all of this is driving me insane atm, I know in the long run it'll be a God send!

An open question to all - I had my first inquiry the other day and the potential lead came back and questioned my rates. I am anticipating these kind of questions and have done my research, but I'm feeling kind of miffed regardless (I'm waiting to calm down before I answer the email!!) I am wondering what other VA's have said/done in this scenario in the past?

annette · #10 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009

I have read quite a lot about sticking to your rates, which may seem to be shooting yourself in the foot when you are trying to get your first clients. I kind of agree with it though, if you have done your research and your rates are competetive with others in your area then I would stick with them. If everybody where to try and undercut then the industry would fail and so would your perfect career as the moral would dissapear.

My reply would be along the lines of based on my technical experience my rates are competetive to my industry and although you may find them higher than the hourly rate of an employee, you must also consider the overheads that come with an employee and the full paid downtime that an employee brings with them. My rates are based on experience, professionalism and the ability to provide a full hours work in return for a full hours pay. I do not charge you for my time on Facebook and VA forums. Ok, so I wouldn't put the last line in my reply but I'm sure you get the picture. If you are confident in your rates then stick with them.

The other alternative however is to look at the background of the prospective client business. I intend to offer some kind of discount to smaller, local charity groups. I will not offer the discount across the board I see this as a way of putting something back into my local community. For instance, I did some video editing work for free for a local new business. For this, we will exchange web links and testimonials and I know that this gentleman was more than happy with the work that he got for free. This also built up my experience in video editing and I know that I have local business advice/criticism if I need it. They are my circumstances though and I wouldn't advise anybody to give work for free. I did it to build my confidence.