Web URL: http://www.murphyassistants.com
Years in Business: 9
Type of Business: virtual business support services
Works: Combination of virtual and onsite. I will go onsite for client events and tradeshows. I have also incorporated my team members onsite if the client requires additional support. We will coordinate the program from start to finish including the onsite support.
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/MurphyVirtual
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/murphyassistants
Twitter ID: @chellemurph

Ruth: This week The Naked VA blog welcomes Michelle of Murphy Assistants to our guest’s chair. It’s great to share you and your team with the readers. Tell us about Murphy Assistants.

Michelle: Murphy Assistants operates as a multi-VA team which allows us to support our clients by having multiple team members cross-trained to ensure that someone on our team is always available for the clients needs, although the client will only have one point of contact. Having a team also allows us to offer highly specialized services to our clients. We have a certified SEO manager on our team, as well as, a certified social media specialist.

Ruth: For a client who desires to find a single support resource working with a multi-VA firm is the perfection solution. All of the specialties are housed in one location for streamlined effectiveness and easy collaboration across projects. Share a bit about your beginnings in this line of work.

Michelle: When I originally began my career as a virtual professional in 2003 I was working full time in a corporate setting and quite happy with my job, but not necessarily satisfied. Owning my own business was something that I had always aspired to. So when an opportunity to work virtually with an association presented itself, I jumped at the chance. Initially I did this on a part time basis while maintaining my full time job. However over the course of 6 months it become very clear to me that the time required would force me to make a decision. In April 2004 I opened my virtual doors on a full-time business.

Ruth: It sounds like those six months really hooked you and captivated your heart…and look at you now. Along the way have you had a mentor or sponsor to support, guide, encourage and open doors for you?

Michelle: I am pleased to say that I am fortunate that I started my business in the earlier days of this industry. Some of my colleagues are also some of the pioneers in the industry and I am fortunate to not only call them colleagues but also friends. I believe that we have all supported on another along the way, in a mentor capacity as well as through our industry associations and trade events. It is great to know that if we hit a snag of any sort that we can call on one another. The support in this industry is tremendous.

Ruth: The supportive nature of this industry is another layer that adds to the fulfillment of choosing this type of career. 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: I think my best advice to someone just starting out or in the consideration phase is to really do the work before jumping in with both feet. It is so important to do the pre-work to ensure that you are really ready to go and also to grow. Two of the most important things to prepare are a strong business plan and a strong marketing plan. Be sure to revisit them and make sure they are still accurate for your business needs, as they may change over time.

Ruth: What suggestions would you give someone seeking a virtual professional such as yourself?

Michelle: This is a fantastic question and cannot be highlighted enough. Each company will have different needs and will need to find the best fit for their company. When scheduling time to speak with and interview with a virtual professional, it should absolutely be a mutual interview. The company needs to keep in mind that you are not hiring a traditional staff support person but rather partnering with a business partner. Clients who fully understand this seem to get the best ROI (return on investment) and the partnership works quite well.

Ruth: Exactly. The mutual interview is an excellent point to make. With the nature of these services the working partnership is often quite close. The virtual assistant truly does become a right hand extension that complements a client’s business. Any last thoughts or comments you’d like to share with our readers?

Michelle: Working with a virtual professional may be new to some but it seems to be much more prevalent in today’s business world. In an economy with far too many layoffs and downsizing, companies can work with virtual professional companies as an extension of their staff for ongoing positions and also for one time projects.

Ruth: Well said, Michelle. Now more than ever before securing the services of a virtual professional, or multi-va team, gives greater stability to a company’s footing empowering this business to continue serving their clients. The client can work effectively, and with increased confidence, knowing all of the bases have been covered by a highly skilled support team. Thanks so much for chatting with me, Michelle.

Murphy Assistants specializes in association management, event planning, desktop publishing, and office management. Visit her website to read the testimonials and schedule a consultation with her.



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.