VAF Admin

I am blogging today my concerns of our future as independent contractors. It is up to us to contact our congressman and let them know the importance of what we do and why we do it. You as an independent contactor in your needs to respond quickly. What am I referring to is as follows:

The Employee Misclassification Prevention Act, legislation targeting abuses of the employee/independent contractor classifications, has been introduced again in both houses of Congress on April 22. The bill was presented by Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-Cal.) in the House on April 22, 2010, and by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) in the Senate on the same day.

Like the Taxpayer Responsibility, Accountability, and Consistency Act of 2009,...

dlikens

I have learnt, my clients now are the best. They’re professional and they know exactly what they want done. We don’t go back and forth with questions that have been asked a million times before. Why you ask I could say this, well I have instituted a better way of communicating with my clients.

My first initial contact with my clients is a free consultation which is recorded; the client is informed of the consultation being recorded. From that a proposal, retainer or project agreement is prepared. One is email along with the recording to the client. Whatever is said or negotiated on in the free consultation is mentioned in the contract. If the client requires a second consultation before the signing of the contract,...

uniquely40

Author and Social Media Marketing Guru, Shama Kabani Invites Virtual Assistants to Learn ‘Marketing Zen’ Secrets, April 29th


Marketing Zen Group CEO and author of ‘The Zen of Social Media Marketing’, Shama Kabani joins the Virtual Assistant Forums community to discuss how social media can help virtual assistants effectively market and differentiate their business.

Small business owners utilizing Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or any of the other myriad of social media websites for business know how easy it is to feel as if their own voice is lost in the sea of marketing messages that flood timelines and profiles alike. Social media is touted as the new marketer’s paradise, but how can an entrepreneur on a...

VAF Admin

In our global economy, businesses are searching for customers not only in their own country, but worldwide. We understand how difficult it is to communicate in a country when you are not able to speak the language fluently. Partnering with a bilingual virtual assistant, who can liaise with your customers and prospects in their native language, can be highly beneficial for your business.

A virtual assistant (often called a VA) is an independent entrepreneur dedicated to providing secretarial, administrative, Internet marketing, social media, website, languages, graphic, legal and/or real estate services from a home office to help businesses, solo entrepreneurs and busy individuals focus on the core aspects of their business, generating...

OptimOffice

Often we are told that we cannot do this or that, and we believe it. Why? Why do we let ourselves buy into other peoples ideas of what we can and cannot do? If there is something you have a desire to do or have been inspired to do then do it. Do not let others dictate your successes and failures. They may be telling you that you cannot do it because they are trying to save you the hurt of failure, but I say the old adage is true, “The only true failure is the one who fails to try.” How do you know you cannot do what you want unless you try. If you do not succeed at it then pick yourself up by the bootstraps and try again. Do not let others dictate what you do or do not do.

Take me for example I am a single parent who for...

RhondaHolscher

Join us as special guest expert, Shama Hyder Kabani discusses – How Social Media Can Help VA’s Market and Differentiate Their Business – Thurs. April 29th at 9 pm EST/6 pm PST here in the VAF Chatroom!

For most businesses, it isn’t a question of whether or not they are going to make social media a part of their marketing efforts at some point. It’s a question of when they are going to enter the conversation, and take charge of their online reputation and brand. Social media is already influencing your customers. It’s the great equalizer, that amplifies every opinion (positive or negative).

Shama Kabani is President of The Marketing Zen Group, a full...

VAF Admin

BLOGGING! That is one impact VAF is making on me right now, and eventually will make on our business. I have been avoiding the 'blog game' because of my own ignorance. I didn't realize how it really helps with organizing my thoughts and plans with my business. I've looked at it more for a personal journal to record all of the 'stuff' I encounter in life! Well, I have 'stuff' in business too. And you know what?! THAT is what helps people connect with you! I get it now.

VAF has really helped me with getting familiar with this line of work and making things official with our business. I have used most of my time here getting familiar with this forum and the different resources provided here. The answers I've received to my questions...

litlearth

This month's VAF blogging challenge question is:

How has being a member of VAF made an impact on you and your business?

To put it simply, VAF is one of the reasons my business is here today. You see, early on in my search for independence (ie: becoming an entrepreneur), I stumbled upon Virtual Assistant Forums and several other Virtual Assistant forums as well. The VAF stood out to me because not only was it is a forum, it felt more like a community rather than a place to just post questions and look for answers.

Community is important to me. When I first arrived here at the VAF, I was a little scared, very excited and very wet behind the ears. What made an impact on me the most, was the fact that...

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance

Even though the VA industry has been around for quite sometime, it wasn’t until July of 2009 that I discovered the Virtual Assistant Industry. As I was sitting at my desk at work taking my break, I started browsing the internet for home based jobs. I knew they were out there somewhere but I was skeptical of all the scams going around so at the same time I was being cautious.

While browsing the internet I finally came across the Virtual Assistant Forum (VAF) so I decided to click on it. I started to read what the forum was about and it sounded interesting so I registered. A few days later I became a new member! So there I was in the “introduce yourself section”, introducing myself and before I had logged out of the forum for...

AngelicaP33

Wow, where do I start. Virtual Assistants Forum (VAF) has helped me and my business in so many different ways. Sometimes, I must admit that after two years I often take for granted the value of this wonderful forum and its members.

With VAF I now have a board of directors to aid me in running my business. They are there to run my brainstorming ideas by, or to critique my brochures, elevator speech, website or press release. Tess has saved me many hours with the wonderful resources in the Document Library. The social groups have helped me to expand my horizons and get out of my comfort zone. The free chats and Darlene's podcasts have been a great help in growing my business. Now let's not forget Andrea and The Virtual Entrepreneur (TVE)...

Admin_Moore_Business_Solutions

The impact on my business has been great, I have learnt to set up profiles, network, join groups and this is my second Blog here which is amazing I think anyway....I have found so many tips and tricks and useful points of reference many times and I have found even after spending hours checking out the site I will always find something new to keep me on track with my business. I learnt early that a business plan is important and also that many people cringe at the suggestion of achieving a business plan I think all the stress is worth it. I feel more organised and able to present myself as an anti-chaos technician. Thanks to the VAF forum for helping me move along so fast in my learning curve!

My...

MIM Enterprises

I found out about VAF from a virtual assistant in a nearby city, who suggested that it would be a good resource for letting other local VAs know about the meet-ups I was organizing. I was quite pleased to learn about it, especially since it has allowed me to connect with several local colleagues that I had not seen elsewhere.

Even more than that, it has given me access to a wealth of information. When I have a question, I know I can post it on VAF and receive an answer from one or more of the friendly members, and every time I visit, I learn about a helpful resource to help me in my business. I don't know of any other site that offers so much, including access to RFPs, without charging a fee, and because I get so much out of...

OrganizedAssistant

Join us during the Virtual Assistant Forums 3 Year Bash as special guest expert, C.J. Hayden discusses MARKETING – Thurs. April 22nd at 9 pm EST/6 pm PST here in the VAF Chatroom!

C.J. Hayden is the best-selling author of Get Clients Now!, Get Hired Now!, and The One-Person Marketing Plan Workbook. C.J. is a Master Certified Coach who has helped thousands of independent professionals to make a better living doing what they love. C.J. has taught marketing for John F. Kennedy University, Mills College, SCORE, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Find out more about C.J. at www.getclientsnow.com.

VAF Admin

In a couple of weeks, I will be moving back to Europe, Switzerland to be more precise. Everybody who has experienced an international move, will agree with me, that it is not an easy thing to do. Especially when there are children involved… But that story is for another time J Today I wanted to share with you my thoughts on the Virtual Assistance profession in Europe.

I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to start my business in the US, benefiting of an immense networking system of Virtual Assistants and taking advantage of a plethora of tools and information material on how to start your own business.


You see, in the United States, virtual work is extremely well developed. According to Kiplinger,...

simplicityadmins

Join us during the Virtual Assistant Forums 3 Year Bash as special guest expert, Felicia Slattery discusses SIGNATURE SPEECH SECRETS – Wed. April 21st at 9 pm EST/6 pm PST here in the VAF Chatroom!

Felicia J. Slattery lives her life with energy, passion and enthusiasm because she realizes each moment is precious. After nearly losing her life during childbirth in 2004, she began to put her communication and public speaking talents to use to create a positive impact on the world. She is a teacher, trainer, speaker, writer, consultant and coach and specializes in training busy professionals to succeed through effective communication and by delivering results-driven...

VAF Admin

Join us during the Virtual Assistant Forums 3 Year Bash as special guest expert, Kyle Lacy discusses the topic of Social Media – Tues. April 20th at 9 pm EST/6 pm PST here in the VAF Chatroom!

Kyle Lacy is co-founder and CEO of Brandswag, a social media consulting and training firm. Kyle writes a regular blog at KyleLacy.com and is a regular contributor to Dan Schawbel's Personal Branding Blog. His blog has been featured on Wall Street Journal’s website. Kyle is author of Twitter Marketing for Dummies from Wiley Publishing and was recently voted in the top Forty-under-40 business professionals in Indianapolis by the Indianapolis Business Journal.

VAF Admin

I am fairly new to the VAF, but for me personally, I think just socializing with other VAs, reading about what they are doing and how they are doing encourages me because I know others understand my business. So many people still do not understand what a Virtual Assistant is or what we do.

The VAF also gives me ideas and inspires me in my business practices. As a mom of many working from home, sometimes it doesn't always feel like I am a "professional" in the normal sense of the word. However, interacting on the chats and forum discussions help me focus on the professional side of my life outside of the work I do for clients - which, as all of you know is mostly behind the scenes kinds of tasks. It isn't like we necessarily...

RobnT08

This is my very first blog entry here and I just want to say how much I appreciate being a member of VAF. I have visited other forums and I feel like a new kid starting at a new school. VAF is definitely home for me

VAF is a very supportive community and I encourage all the newbies to glean as much as you can. There is so much to learn here that some times I have to stay away to let my brain simmer for a while

Happy 3rd Year Anniversary VAF and have a prosperous week!

AJ326

I have just joined the Virtual Assistant Forums and I have already written one blog and recorded my elevator speech for everyone to see. I do not believe I would have had the confidence to do this if I did not feel the support from everyone.

I have been able to join groups that have a great interest for me and will help guide me to where I want to be.

I believe the Virtual Assistant Forums will have a great impact on my business, as not only will it help build my confidence in myself, I will also learn many new skills and information that will help me in my support for my clients.

It is great to be able to connect with people from all over and learn from them. As well, I hope in the future that...

Nancy's Virtual Office

Starting a business can be a scary prospect. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, you are always going to have questions. Having access to resources is important. Having a network of professionals in your industry is vital. There will inevitably be questions about your industry that a pro in another industry wouldn’t be able to answer.

When I started my virtual assistance practice I was at a complete loss. I knew how to do my job. I just didn’t know how to do it virtually.

There were many little details I had not considered. I was flat broke from a business stand point so where could I turn? This is when I found the Virtual Assistant Forums. This amazing group of virtual...

SupportMyOffice

...

RhondaHolscher

For any of you that don't know it already, we are so blessed here on Virtual Assistant Forums. I received a phone call today that I was very excited about. I have been accepted to the National Association of Professional Women Association. I was thrilled as my account representative started explaining to me about all the free webinars and educational opportunities I would have access to, along with unlimited opportunities to network and introduce myself and discounts to hundreds of nationwide brands.

And when she had me positively drooling, she told me that the price for an elite membership is almost $400 or the preferred membership is almost $600. Wow! What happened to my free membership? Well it turns out I am still a member,...

executive_assist

The questions was posed as how do I drive traffic to my site. Funny that this would be the topic for March. One of my second quarter 2010 goals is to work on my SEO and list building. So this topic made me spend some thought time on tasks for achieving my goal.

Let me start at the beginning where I decided for 2010 to change my branding and website. Since I recommend WordPress.org to my clients who want a change or need a site I thought I better start walking that walk. I chose a premium theme and did some customization to it. I also added the SEO all-in-one plug-in and took advantage of what is built in to my theme.

Now I noticed right away that traffic did increase to my site but I am not sure if it was...

leedrozak

Having a brand new website is a lot like having a new car. Everything about it is exciting, the colors, the style and what's under the hood. And you can't wait to get the car out on the road to see it's true potential. The big difference between having a new website and having a new car is the direction of traffic. With your new car, you are usually driving from one destination to the next. With your new website, you want to drive traffic to your site and very rarely (if ever) away.

With that in mind, here are some tips on how to drive traffic to your website or blog. In fact, I have used many of these methods for driving traffic to my website or to clients' websites.

1. Use video - create and post videos on...

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance

I have just created my web site and am learning about SEO, keywords, meta tags, and many other ways of driving traffic to my site.

The one I like the best is blogging. I have always been interested in writing and believe this is a great way to get yourself out there while providing relevant information to my target market and/or my peers. I want to be able to write so that people will want to know more and go to my web site.

I am also planning a newsletter. We needed to create one in my Desktop Publishing course and I really enjoyed it and would like to put one out about every 2 months. Again, I hope that I create enough interest that they will want to visit my web site.

These are just a few ideas for...

Nancy's Virtual Office

After a wonderful meeting @Synerque and some good council from those in attendance I’ve made a decision. I have finally decided where I want my business to be in the grand scheme of this big world of business. For a long time I lacked direction in my marketing. I didn’t know what to blog or even who I was blogging for. This brand identity crisis left me so frustrated that I just stopped reaching out through my blog.

If you are a real estate agent you can look forward to articles that will give you marketing ideas for your business and ways your company can save money by using a Virtual Assistant. If you are a Virtual Assistant, especially a REVA you can look forward to posts about different ways to be more effective for...

SupportMyOffice

I've been blogging since 2006 and have had a decent, although not overwhelming, number of subscribers and commenters. I know from my web stats that the number of actual readers is even higher, but most people choose not to actively participate.

Recently I was invited by a time management expert to take part in a blog tour. He offered to be a guest blogger for five days, and to give a prize each day to the person who left the best comment. It seemed like too good a deal to pass up, so I agreed. He emailed his list at the end of the week before his appearance on my blog to let them know about it.

I was very pleased with both the number and the quality of the comments left on his posts. Although not a lot when compared...

OrganizedAssistant

VAF Admin

'Home Office Warrior' Grant Griffiths Helps Virtual Assistants Break Down the Blogging Barrier


Back by popular demand, blogger Grant Griffiths of Home Office Warrior and Headway Themes, returns to Virtual Assistant Forums for a live chat event.

Savvy virtual assistants and small business owners are aware of the exceptional marketing potential of a business blog and although that knowledge in itself can be a powerful motivator to start a blog, many otherwise very capable entrepreneurs find themselves at a standstill. They are uncertain what to write about, or how to target and engage their audience and as a result their blogs remain a permanent fixture on their to-do lists, or worse yet - are started with...

VAF Admin

Hello there this is my first attempt at blogging on this forum. I hope you realise I am new at the blogging challenge but that is good because I can start the challenge to myself and any views here amongst friendly commentators... I have been having a few issues with my computer this year so missed out on January and February simply because out of 40 days my computer was not working for 25 of those days. In between facing up to those issues and spending more time than I would like to admit on fixing it I have learnt a little about twitter and how to share information to my Linkedin account and also link in my wordpress blog. Also I recently attended the AVAC conference in Melbourne and not only met awesome VAs but learnt a great deal....

MIM Enterprises

Join us Monday March 29th at 6PST / 9EST in the Virtual Assistant Forums Chatroom for
Common Documents for Real Estate and Their Importance to REVAs

This informational chat will discuss documents that are common in the real estate industry and why every real estate virtual assistant needs to be familiar with them. The presentation will also touch on the importance of developing systems to deal with many different phases of a real estate transaction. Being a REVA is much more than marketing, client correspondence, and answering agent questions – get the inside scoop at this free chat event.

Special guest, Serita Diana, REVA and President of...

VAF Admin

The first question anyone considering set up a business website will ask is: How do I get traffic to my website?

I am still in the process of finishing my website design. Part of that process is figuring out the best way to drive traffic to get the most bang for my buck. Setting up a blog that will attract potential clients and encourage them to come back often will go a long way to helping my achieve this goal. The best way to keep people involved is to post regularly and make sure that the blog posts are interesting and unique.

There are other ways to help get people to your blog the first time, and here are some great places to start:
• Keyword optimization is vital.
• Comment on other blogs...

kristyle

The eBook Coach, Ellen Violette Shares eBook Tips, Tricks and Secrets with Virtual Assistant Forums Members


Virtual Assistant Forums [VAF] welcomes the eBook Coach, Ellen Violette, to the community chatroom as she discusses what it takes to create an eBook, with a focus on the seven biggest mistakes eBook authors make and how to avoid them.

Many virtual assistants and other entrepreneurs know that creating an eBook, or a series of eBooks, is an effective way to distribute a message, supplement income, grow a mailing list, and establish expert credibility in their industry. The eBook concept allows business owners to easily repurpose articles and blog posts they have previously written, providing information...

VAF Admin

As I have been blogging for several months now on my website, and am doing it consistently, driving traffic to that blog has been tedious at best.
My Active Rain blog on the Active Rain real estate boards receives comments almost every time I post. In an effort to get some of those comments into my website blog, I have begun copying only the first paragraph of my website blog to the Active Rain blog with a read more hyperlink. This is bringing more traffic, but alas, they return to Active Rain to leave the comment.
I too have added numerous keywords, all dealing with real estate virtual assistance, and am now working on back links. This is tedious at best.
My latest effort, one I have not completed but expect to finish within...

executive_assist

The million dollar question...

How do you drive people to your website or blog?

If you own a online business this is the question that is uppermost in your mind each and every day. Website traffic can make or break your business.

I have to admit that for some time I didn't give much thought to website traffic. Even though I downloaded numerous ebooks on the subject, they just took up space on my hard drive. When our Blogging Challenge Group on Virtual Assistants Forum (VAF) posed this question it was like a wakeup call for spring cleaning my website . So I will start this show on the road. Here are some of the things I am doing and some that are works in progress.

Things I have done:

• I optimized my

...

Admin_Moore_Business_Solutions

Join us March 22nd at 5:30 PST / 8:30 EST in the VAF Chatroom with special guest expert, The eBook Coach - Ellen Violette for
The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Authoring An eBook And How To Avoid Them

Ellen Violette, The eBook Coach, is the creator of the Quick-Start 3-Day eBook Authoring Workshop - a one-of-a-kind PROVEN authoring program that is turning people into successful authors in 72 hours or less.

She's also the creator of eBook Profit Marketing Secrets: 10 Easy-to-Follow Lessons to Building a Successful Internet Business From the Ground Up. She coaches and mentors individual clients as well.

Ellen’s mission...

VAF Admin

Special Topics Courses

Jesus used parables to illustrate and preach the gospel. Ultimately, he was not a traditionalist as he disturbed many through his conventional methods. So why not employ Jesus’ revolutionary habits in your ministry. Not only will it benefit your congregation, but it is also a great way to draw others.
Attending Sunday service is always a delight. It seems that each time I attend I’m encouraged, strengthened, and enlightened. Yet, while that is true, there have been occasions when I’ve left with questions and uncertainties. In those times I wish I could raise my hand and say “excuse, but I have a question”. Yet, the traditional arrangement of church services doesn’t permit actions. Rightfully so,...

VIPlifestyle

That the quote ” you can't be everything to everyone” not only provide words of wisdom, but moreover speak to becoming seasoned and an expert to those I am truly called to serve. Without a doubt niche equals passion. In other words when you become acquainted with your niche you define yourself and discover your passion. Out of that revelation, the development of excellence and expertise is born. Just think when you act with passion, your performance is zealous and in some cases you may become obsess with perfection. However, when you lack passion, while you may not lack pursuit, you become overwhelm with merely performing the task(s). In many cases it results in procrastination, meager, and mediocre performance. The truth is you don’t perform...

VIPlifestyle

As many of you were aware, we had our monthly Subcontractor's Q&A call with Danielle Cuomo last night.

Our questions were focused on "Why selling yourself and communication is so important as a subcontractor " A brief summary of the questions asked were:

1. Clarify the definition of niche and expertise for a subcontractor?
2. What are the differences?
3. While working on a project is it necessary to stay consistant with communication tools like email, phone, IM , project mgt software or documents?
4. Do you have specific communication and project management software preferences?
5. If a subcontractor hits a roadblock while working on a project how do you suggest letting the contractor know, without them losing

...

hbplifestyle

As a wife, first-time mom of an 11 month old boy (Where does the time go?) and a business owner, lately I have been asking myself, "Is there such a thing as work-life balance?"


Just recently, I asked some of my friends and family this question. Some of the comments where, "No, but when you find it let me know.", "Come on girl, you haven't figured it out yet?", "Still learning.", Excess family, work suffers...excess work, family suffers. It all equals out eventually...hmmm."

These comments lead me to look at this work-life thing a little more closely. Is it that difficult to achieve? Or is it that we tend to take on too much at one time? I would love to hear...

Gifted Assistant Management

VAF Admin

Join us Wednesday March 10th at 6PST / 9EST in the Virtual Assistant Forums Chatroom for
Grant Writing Basics

This informational chat will help participants with locating grants that are the right fit for your organization as well as the information you’ll need to create your proposal. We will also briefly discuss the sections of a grant proposal.
After this presentation, participants will be able to:
-Locate websites where request for proposals (RFP’s) for grant writing can be found.
-Identify the information that should be included in each section of a grant proposal.

Special guest, Cathryn T. Branch, President of...

VAF Admin

I have no desire to write a book nor do I plan to do so anytime soon. So when the question arose “If you could write a book or if you plan to write a book, what would be the subject of that publication?” I thought I would just pass on this post. However, not being one to take the easy road, I decided if I had to write a book it would certainly be an inspirational piece.

I was fortunate to not have anything handed to me in life as my parents knew the benefit of good old fashion hard work. This is what I would share. All those life lessons that I have learned along the way to becoming who I am today. The topic would be about life handing you lemons and you making lemonade, but somehow I do not think it would be a mushy...

leedrozak

VAF Admin

VAF Admin

Join us Monday March 8th at 6PST / 9EST in the Virtual Assistant Forums Chatroom for
Bookkeeping for Virtual Assistants & Entrepreneurs

This informational chat will cover basic bookkeeping for a small business. We will briefly discuss accounting terminology, setting up and maintaining a bookkeeping system, and year-end requirements. Participants will learn the basics they need to know about handling the accounting portion of their small business.

Special guest, Lily Chambers, CPS, CQU, President of The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC is also an instructor at the Academy of Virtual Entrepreneurs (AOVE.org) where she teaches VA: 109 – Bookkeeping....

VAF Admin

When I was in 5th grade I was obsessed with Nancy Drew. In fact, my parents, being the enablers they are, actually signed me up for the Nancy Drew Book Club. This meant that every month I got two new 'double' books, which gave me four new mysteries to devour a month. Of course I had them done well before the month was over and was anxiously awaiting the mail every month.

Until that fated day when I had finally exhausted the series. It was such a sad day for me, that I remember deciding that I'd have to write my own girl detective mysteries.

My fifth grade teacher, Mr. Clements, had the honor of being presented with my first attempt at writing. He was such a good sport. I'm sure he wanted to laugh out loud, but...

Clerical Advantage

The episode with Jeanne Clontz, has now been posted to my blog. http://softwaresavvysub.info/podcasts you can listen to it or download it to listen at a later time. Be sure to join my list to be notified of what upcoming things will be happening. All podcasts will be on software for the virtual business or subcontracting for other virtual business owners.

hbplifestyle

As a teenager, I dreamed of being a writer. Many evenings were spent writing stories, plays and poems. My stories ranged from downright silly, a play where the main characters met New Kids on the Block, my idols of the time. To serious, a dancer who was in a terrible car accident and lost her ability to walk. The story followed her through waking up from a coma, to being rehabilitated, falling in love with her physical therapist and finally, dancing once again.

I was determined to be a writer and in high school I took journalism and creative writing classes. It was during this time though, that my dream slipped away.

I wrote a story for my creative writing class and mustered up my confidence, walked up to my...

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance