2/2010 Interview with Robin Holstein of Robin's Desktop, LLC - Page 2 - Virtual Assistant Forums

#11 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010

Great interview....as a new VA I am really motivated when I read stories from those who are making it work!

#12 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010

Thank you!

Our profession is very unique. It is possible to be the owner of your own business, or an employee of a VA business. You may have a specialty or you may provide very broad services. You may be working from home or from a formal office.

Each of us create our own path to success, but we can still learn from the trials and successes of others! I love reading posts from members outside the United States. It is fascinating to me to realize that someone in Ireland, England, or Australia faces the same struggles I do here in West Virginia, USA.

#13 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010

Great interview Robin! I've been wondering about the camera for computers. Do you feel that is important? Maybe that could take the troublesome time aspect out of having to set many face-to-face meetings.

#14 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010

Not sure how to add to my last reply but when do you use the cam? Do you have clients who are also using a cam?

#15 (**permalink**) 02-11-2010

Great question Julie!

I believe all VAs should have a web camera. It does not need to be a high-end, mega awesome camera, but produce a respectable image. Being able to offer the client the option of actually seeing you, the person they are contracting with, the person they are trusting to complete important company work, might be the difference between landing the new client or not.

Is it a requirement? Certainly not.

Staples carries several options starting at $29. Tiger Direct has some starting at $10. I am sure there are many others out there if you take the time to look.

One of my clients said he "wants" to do video conferencing with me, but he ends up just calling.

#16 (**permalink**) 02-11-2010

At this time I do not recruit. I do have my daughter-in-law coming in a few hours per week, but I do not have her working on any client tasks. I am teaching her how to work in a business setting and helping her build her resume.

Thanks for reading the interview and posing a question! Keep them coming!

#17 (**permalink**) 02-11-2010

Robin,

I really enjoyed reading about your experiences, and appreciate you be willing to share them with us. Thank you for sharing your experience as you decided to go into business, and your honesty about what was hard for you along the way. I am new this forum and just starting my business and I have learned so many things here. If it were not for people like you with experience and the willingness to share your insight and knowledge it would much harder for me people like to get started. Thanks again for sharing.

Rhonda

#18 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010

Oh, you are very welcome. I have always enjoyed reading the interviews. I was humbled to be asked to participate in one.

It can be very difficult and intimidating to start a business. If anything I say can help someone I am glad to offer.

#19 (**permalink**) 02-16-2010

Thank you! It is amazing your satellite office is provided as part of an agreement with a client. Wow. Fantastic interview!

#20 (**permalink**) 02-18-2010

Thank you Jolene!

While a majority of va's on this forum work from home, it isn't a requirement. The nature of our work is the ability to work from anywhere. This client approached me with the offer because of the need for some on-site assistance.