Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 11-30-2007

In August of 2004, Erin Blaskie launched her virtual assistance business - Business Services, ETC - and began virtually servicing clients from around the world. She attracted clients almost instantly and within six months of the business’ debut, she left the corporate world and focused solely on her virtual assistance business.

Today, Erin assists some of the top internet entrepreneurs and business owners with their administrative and technical needs. She provides a wide variety of services and acts as a business partner to her clients instead of just a task-based provider. Erin has also written a variety of e-books, produced numerous exciting new ventures and has been featured as a guest expert. She took a moment to answer a few of our questions about her multi-VA practice and her thoughts on VA training courses. If you'd like to comment or ask Erin a question, feel free to reply directly to this thread!

How long have you been a professional VA and how many hours a week do you currently devote to your practice?

I have been a professional VA for a little over three years now. I personally devote at least 10 hours per day or 50-60 hours per week to my practice. I also have other team members who are active in my practice. We have approximately 30 clients in our practice at any given time that we are providing weekly services to.

What do you most love about being a Virtual Assistant?

I love the flexibility of being able to work from home and set my own schedule. I also love the fact that with the power of the internet, anything is possible and it's just a matter of applying yourself to do it.

Is there anything about being a VA you don't like?

Hmm...Great question! I think it would be the lack of hours in a day! I feel bad leaving things in my inbox when I go to sleep at night!

What are your biggest strengths as a VA? Weaknesses?

My biggest strengths are my confidence, professionalism, skill level and organizational ability. My greatest weakness is not being able to get my inbox empty each day.

What does it take to keep a team of VAs organized?

The way my company is structured is that all of the clients interact directly with me. I then delegate certain parts out to my team members where/when it makes sense to do so. This helps us to be able to conquer more in less time. So essentially I make the decisions as to who will do what. I also manage invoicing my clients and I pay my sub-contractors for the time they spent on projects as well.

What are your thoughts on VA training programs?

I think that in certain situations it is great! If the person wishing to become a virtual assistant has little confidence in marketing themselves and little knowledge of running an internet business, it may be beneficial to go through a coaching program or a training program. I never went through any of the VA training programs so I can't speak directly to how beneficial they are but I do run a group coaching program which is less theory and more hands-on.

How do you define the IDEAL Virtual Assistant?

The ideal virtual assistant would be someone who is talented, confident, savvy, professional and courteous. Someone who understands what it's like to service clients and keep a good, focused schedule.

How do you ensure potential new clients are a good fit for your practice?

This can sometimes be a tricky thing. Generally speaking, I have a 30-60 minute introductory call to learn more about them, what their needs are, etc. I also tell them how our business operates which helps to get any misconceptions out of the way from the very beginning. I've had a few occasions where the client didn't end up being a good fit and when that happens, I communicate with them the issues I see happening and if need be, I help them find a better suited VA. Luckily, that doesn't happen often.

What do you do to set yourself apart as an expert within the industry?

I try to provide really good services at an affordable rate while being a one-stop shop for my clients. I also use my knowledge and past teaching experience to coach and train other people wishing to do what I do.

How much time per week do you devote to marketing?

Very little. I receive 95% of all new business from referrals and my affiliate program.
In the beginning it is harder to survive without marketing your business because you do need to work to get your name out there. But, once your name is out there and you have happy clients, marketing and generating new business becomes easier.

What are your top five technology MUST-HAVE's?

At an absolute minimum, [Microsoft] Office software, the Internet and E-mail. What I use daily is Dreamweaver (for web updates), Wordpress blogging software, PhotoShop and my FTP client.

How often do you take a vacation (not just a weekend!) and how do you handle clients effectively during the time away?

I don't take much time off simply because if I do travel, I tend to be able to work at the same time. When I do take time off to go to a location that has no internet (ie: the Caribbean) my team handles / manages the business while I am away. We have great systems in place which make that easier to do.

Which song describesbest your attitude, your business philosophy, and your practice, and why?

Taking Care of Business

Because that's what we do - we take care of your business...

What People are saying about Erin Blaskie and Business Services, ETC:

“I just want to say how thrilled I am with how things have been going. I LOVE the new web-based project management system you are using. It’s really simple and it’s so nice to know exactly what has and hasn’t been done. I have to admit, initially I was a little concerned that your hourly rate would prove too much, but now I couldn’t imagine going back to having an in-house assistant. You’re very affordable and worth every penny!”
Stacy Karacostas, SuccessStream Sales & Marketing Solutions

“Dear Erin and Trina: Thanks so much for all your help and support in getting www.GhostwriteSuccess.com launched. With your capable help, I went from being completely overwhelmed to totally up and running in just a few days! You went above and beyond my expectations by anticipating my needs and staying ahead of the curve throughout the project. Thanks for being so responsive and reliable. I look forward to working with you on our many upcoming projects… Thanks again!”
Lou Bortone

“You have NO IDEA how glad I am that I have you. You have made my life MUCH easier both with work product and psychologically! Thanks ever so much! With you I feel I truly have someone I can count on! I’m so relieved.”
LouAnn Savage, Savage Copy & Marketing

#2 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007

Great interview! Thank you for sharing your info about making sure the client is a good fit for you!

#3 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007

Thank you Tess for sharing this

#4 (**permalink**) 12-02-2007

Thanks Erin for taking the time out of your busy schedule teaching and being a truly professional VA (running a team no less!) to chat with us about your business.

I have the same 'affliction' you do - major guilt if I don't answer every email before the end of the day...it affects me more during the weekends actually when I have to *force* myself not to answer