Web URL: http://www.writingva.com
Years in Business: 4.5
Type of Business: virtual assistant
Works: 100% virtually
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/maryhruth
Twitter ID: @maryhruth

Ruth: Welcome to The Naked VA blog Mary. Tell us about Virtual Writing and Communications.

Mary: I'm a virtual assistant specializing in copywriting, content creation, and online inbound marketing for small businesses and professionals. Just lately, I've been learning about formatting for Kindle and other electronic readers and about assisting authors with internet marketing.

For entrepreneurs and professionals who could use some backup, who need a trusty helping hand, I enjoy providing assistance as administrator, communicator, and consultant. Most of my work is based online though I also serve as advisor to clients through phone conversations and emails.

Ruth: Would you share what led you to consider a virtual profession and how you got started?

Mary: I'd already worked more than thirty years as administrator for various organizations when I finally decided that what I really wanted was to work at home. The field of virtual assistance was on my radar for some reason and I researched it online - becoming increasingly excited about the idea. Things fell into place naturally from there. I worked really hard, made a million mistakes, kept going, and here I am now, almost five years later and still going strong!

Ruth: Everything falling naturally into place seems like a good choice for your skills and personality. Along the way have you had a mentor or sponsor to support, guide, encourage and open doors for you?

Mary: The one outstanding mentor and inspiration in the first couple of years of my business as a VA was the Virtual Assistant Forums (VAF). I joined a number of VA sites – both job boards and networks – but once I got started at VAF I was entranced and never looked back. Everything I needed was there, for free, and generously offered. Nearly five years later, I still check in occasionally and keep tabs with the Forums via Twitter and Facebook. I made friends at VAF that are still my online buddies and some have even sent work my way.

Ruth: Much inspiration can be found on an industry forum. I agree, it’s like magic when the connections are made with others going down the same paths and colleagues facing the same challenges. A forum community serves as a place to meet people who’ve gone ahead, walk along side, and who are following the paths forged ahead of them. If you could share a nugget of insight or bit of advice for someone considering a virtual career such as yours what would that be?

Mary: May I share two nuggets? One: I suggest learning one skill thoroughly and emphasizing it in your marketing. I know it's tempting to be all things to everyone, but you can't so admit it, and work really hard to master one thing. You'll be more successful more quickly that way.

Two: Hang in there. Perseverance is key. The ones who remain after much time has passed prove their devotion; their trustworthiness. As time passes and you don't give up, you learn and grow, and achieve mastery.

Ruth: Both are outstanding insights, Mary. Thank you for emphasizing these two nuggets. Now tell me, what bits of advice would you give someone seeking a virtual professional such as yourself?

Mary: You have to test and re-test. Find a VA who presents an attractive and accessible website and who emphasizes services that match your needs. Look for testimonials and prior experience. Check listings on VA forums and directories. Google the names of VAs who seem like good candidates and see where else they appear online.

Although I'm the most easy-going of people (wink), even I find that there are some clients who are not good fits for me. It's chemistry or something. A small percent of the time, I come to the realization that the relationship is going downhill. There's nothing to do but bow out with whatever grace I can muster.

Especially in the relatively "blind" relationship that occurs in cyberspace, it's not easy to know right away exactly who you're interacting with. The only way to be sure about a new online acquaintance is to patiently test your interactions. Start modestly: an email, a call; one assignment; one payment completed. Expand as appropriate. The process needs to be acceptable on both sides. If there are warning signs, they'll probably surface early-on. If it's a good match, your mutual trust will grow naturally.

Ruth: These tips are sure to be helpful. Any last thoughts or comments you’d like to share with our readers?

Mary: Yes, there's one thing that I think it's important to say. Virtual professionals are nothing if not flexible people. Don't take on the title of virtual anything if you want your work to be steady and unchanging. Neither the technology nor the culture of the internet is the same today as it will be next year, or even next month. Do you love continually learning new things? Then the virtual world is for you!

Ruth: That’s so true. Having a virtual online business is a continual change that’s teamed up with continually learning. It’s been fabulous having you as my guest, Mary. Thank you.

If you need a hand with writing and communication materials then look no further than Mary. Connect with her here. Not sure if inbound marketing is necessary? Her recent mini ebook, 10 Fundamentals of Online Branding for Small Businesses & Professionals, has the answers. Read my review of her ebook here.


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About The Naked VA Blog

The Naked VA blogsite [www.thenakedva.com] is authored by Ruth Martin of Maplewood Virtual Assistance. The blog and site are focused toward virtual professionals of varying niche specialties.