I have been thinking on how to conduct a survey for seniors to find out what they would like or hope to have from a virtual assistant.

There is a forum that I go to daily and it has over 19,000 people on it. I wonder if it is okay to post a survey and offer a prize (perhaps a gift certifcate related to the forum?)to the winner drawn from a bucket as a thank you to all who did the survey? A 50+ only survey.

I have only been on that forum several months. Perhaps I should wait a while longer so they know me or is it okay to go ahead and post a survey?

Or is it a bad idea overall?

Or is there no need for a survey. Just draw up a menu and then GO for it?? Or both! Evenually I'll know what services is needed and what isn't.

I just realized something...this is also a great way of creating awareness in the forum of my new business??

What all do you think?

I honestly think you would have to go to that forum and see what they allow and don't allow. I think when you are dealing with seniors, the skies the limit. I live around old people and they need help with everything. I have an 80 year old grandmother steal living on her own in Florida, and she needs help with a little bit of everything..

I think you should just dive in!!

Maybe someone else has another point of view to add.

__________________
Winslow Girl Virtual Assistant
www.winslowgirlva.com
Taking Virtual Assistance to the Next Level

Yeah, you are right. It's probably better that I don't. I'll just jump in! :0)

May I ask for some list of what your grandmother most need on any given day?

Hi everyone! I hope you have time and would be willing to help me out with my draft copy and provide suggestions!

I came up with a new name (not set in stone, though) - it make sense and hopefully it conveys a message I'm trying to send...

It is "AVA Requests" - AVA stands for Archer Virtual Assistant. What do you think??

*ROUGH* copy:

Are you looking for that helping hand that understands the value of intimacy in a working relationship?

You ask me - what does it mean to have an intimacy in a working relationship? Intimacy is to have a genuine working relationship with a few necessary ingredients such as familiarity, closeness, understanding, and confidential.

AVA Requests offer a helping hand with a sense of intimacy. *How do I rephrase this?*

Do you need that helping hand in organizing your home such as garages, basements, attics, closets, cupboards or drawers?

Do you need that helping hand for setting appointments, setting up landscaping, garden services, buying that special gift for your grandchildren or with tinkering with technology such as the computer or iPod?

Do you need that helping hand for setting up reservations for flights for your upcoming family reunion or business meeting? Or do you need a room reserved in a hotel that offer a great deal and is close to that tourist attraction you’ve wanted to see or arranging family entertainment for a weekend or a quiet restaurant those menu has some of your favorite foods?

Do you need that helping hand for relocating to a new place and armed with information on the neighbours and amenities available in the new location? *This needs rephrasing*
Do you need that helping hand with planning a special event such as weddings, birthdays, family reunions or meetings and finding the best deal on photographer or catering services?

You can make requests with AVA Requests!

AVA Requests offer services to busy seniors who need assistance in various aspects of their lives. Home, personal, on-going and special requests are available that can be customized to fit your lives.

*I realize this may be too long on the question section?*

*I will, then, proceed to put up a menu with choices for my clients.*

*Am I missing anything? Do I make sense at all here?*

I truly appreicate all your support! You guys all have been great in the past few weeks! I hope I can reciprocate the same!

Yvonne AKA AVA Requests *winks*

This is awesome.. My grandmother tends to want confidentiality from my mom, which can be an issue. I bet you will find you will be hired a lot by the child, not the senior.. This happens a lot down here.. The child will let the parent, live on their own, but still handle everything for them.

This happen with my grandmother.. She has her own checking account, but she doesn't control it. That is where someone like you would come it. Helping buy the things she needs, remembering dates, wow, the list is endless....

__________________
Winslow Girl Virtual Assistant
www.winslowgirlva.com
Taking Virtual Assistance to the Next Level

Let me know. What city are you hosting this business. I have a few friends that may need this services if you are in their area. Good Luck. I think it's a wonderful idea.

Carla

Hehe, Jackie, I'm excited! As for confidentiality - I totally understand. I've personally witnessed the lack of it several times (actually one too many times) and seen how it hurt or embarrass people. Confidentiality is important to me - I do not agree with sharing any sensitive informations or whatnot to anyone.

Carla, I live way up here in Canada (British Columbia)...which services (some is listed in previous posts) are your friends looking for? Perhaps I can do it via internet. (That's the cool thing about being a VA! YaY!) For instance - if they need food or reminders. I can order via phone or internet and have it delivered to their doors or email, fax or IM reminders for them...or arrange something for them?

The concept is great! I would limit the questions, and only offer tasks that are available via the internet (scheduling, etc.). I think this service would be invaluable for a lot of older folks who aren't especially computer literate. I would also include things like "organizing digital pictures into albums" which you could print and mail (at their expense, of course) to them.

i'll check tofind out if it's doable and will email you. Again, best of luck.

Hmm, that is one idea I will explore, Lily, thanks :0)

Okay, thanks, Carla!