Web URL: http://www.thevirtualasst.com
Years in Business: 4
Type of Business: virtual assistant
Works: 100% virtually
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/yourvirtualassistant
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemangen
Twitter ID: @mmangen

Ruth: Welcome to The Naked VA blog Michelle. Tell us about yourself and Your Virtual Assistant.

Michelle: I started my business about 4 years ago after reading a romance novel while on vacation. When I started I offered bookkeeping and general administrative services. Since then I started doing social media and some Wordpress work. I’m now phasing out of social media and focusing more on bookkeeping and the general admin again. Plus, I also work with Constant Contact and Aweber.

Ruth: Would you share what led you to consider a virtual profession and how your business took roots?

Michelle: As mentioned above I read a romance novel and that’s how I discovered there was actually a “real” industry. At the time I was driving 100 miles one-way to work and living in WI. We had a really horrible snowfall in 2007-2008. When spring rolled around in March 2008 I went into my boss’ office and told him I was tired of making the drive and they had to replace me by Thanksgiving. I remembered the book and thought I’d give this a try. Here is a blog post I wrote about this.

Ruth: Michelle, yours is the first I’ve heard of a fictional character who was a virtual assistant and inspired someone to check out this industry. Hmm, that’s definitely a signal that VAs are becoming more mainstream and recognizable. I love it! Along the way have you had a mentor or sponsor to support, guide, encourage and open doors for you?

Michelle: Not specifically related to business. Shortly before taking the leap to become self-employed I was working with a life coach. She’s gave me the encouragement and push I needed to get past the fear of failing (I’m a single mom so I have a munchkin that relies on me to keep him clothed, fed and a roof over his head). And I was making really, really good money where I was working. If I had a business coach (or mentor) I probably would not have had the learning curve I experienced and I would have made some smarter decisions on my path.

Ruth: 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?

Michelle: It can be done but it takes persistence, integrity, courage and relationship building.

Ruth: Absolutely. Now share, what suggestions would you give someone seeking a virtual professional such as yourself?

Michelle: Ask the right questions. We are all different and run our businesses differently. As often heard with any service provider sometimes you really do get what you pay for (I’m not saying that low-cost virtual providers are NOT good.) Sometimes a newer VA or a VA with a lot of bandwidth will say they can do something but they really can’t. Ask for examples, where applicable.

Ruth: I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me. Thank you, Michelle.

If you’d like to have Michelle’s assistance with your bookkeeping, newsletters, or WordPress sites contact her at her website.



About The Naked VA Blog
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The Naked VA is authored by Ruth Martin of Maplewood Virtual Assistance. The blog and site are focused toward virtual professionals of varying niche specialties with topics and resources for working online.