Brianna Young was once a traveling corporate girl, cleaning up the administrative messes of assisted living and retirement homes. She left that position to return to a slower life and pursue her dreams of owning a business. She started a small bath and body product business and has also owned and operated an online magazine and radio show. Brianna currently devotes her days to her family, her VA practice Virtual Solutions and her fledgling design firm. Brianna is committed to seeing the Virtual Assistant Industry grow, and is always willing to lend a helping hand to new VAs!
Brianna has also just launched a campaign in the quest for research on her condition: Intracranial Hypertension. She will host local events to raise funds for the IH Research Foundation and will also donate a percentage of the profits from her design business to the Foundation. You can learn more about Brianna's new non-profit here.
Brianna took a few moments out of her busy schedule to give us the scoop on being a successful Virtual Assistant (and how she got there). Feel free to 'reply to thread' and comment on Brianna's interview or ask her any questions you might have!
How long have you worked as a professional Virtual Assistant and how many hours a week do you currently devote to your practice?
I have been a VA for a little over a year now. I currently devote about 10 hours per week to my practice. I recently cut this number from 30 to 10 so I can maintain a solid level of sanity!
What was it like for you those first few months, getting started?
The first months were difficult. I put about 300 hours of research into my business, and it wasn't paying off right away. The only clients I could find wanted to work for trade, and I was getting frustrated. Then six months into my practice, I got a call from someone I had networked with, and everything snowballed from there!
Can you tell us how long after you established your practice you felt as if you'd created something viable? (ie - no more 9-5!)
Definitely the six-month mark. That first paying client motivated me to continue building relationships and things have been smooth ever since. At that point, I called myself a success!
What have you learned about yourself since starting up your practice?
I've learned that I am more capable of working under pressure than I ever thought! I also found that I am interested in more industries than I originally thought, and decided to market myself in that way. I learned not to be afraid of an industry just because I've never worked in it before.
What do you consider your specialty or niche to be?
My VA niche is definitely research. I've become very proficient at organizing data. This was something I discovered well after I got my first client. I also do some design work, but I've now started a separate business for that.
How has identifying your niche helped you be more successful?
Marketing myself as a Master Researcher has helped me land a client or two. Plus, I like doing research. When you enjoy what you do, it naturally makes you more successful.
Is there anything about being a virtual assistant you *don't* like?
I absolutely hate "selling myself" but I'm getting more comfortable with it everyday. I can market myself online all day long, but I'm not the best in person. I get tongue-tied and nervous and start tripping over my words! I'm in therapy for it, though. (Not really!)
How do you define the IDEAL Virtual Assistant?
The IDEAL VA to me is someone who isn't afraid to become intimate with their client's business. Becoming comfortable with this helps a VA discover new ways to assist clients. This makes the client AND the VA happy by creating a successful and trusting relationship.
What do you do to set yourself apart as an expert/professional within the industry?
I use humor. (In case you haven't noticed.) So many people take life (and business) too seriously. When I present myself as a laid-back person with a good sense of humor, I attract the kind of clients I like to work with!
What do you do for your clients to add a touch of luxury to the experience of working with you?
My clients always know where their project stands. I will never let a day go by without updating them on the status of whatever is going on. It gives them a sense of control and that warm and fuzzy "she's on top of it!" feeling.
How much time per week do you devote to marketing your practice?
Ummm...24 hours a day! I even dream about marketing ideas! Ok, maybe not that much, but I'm constantly talking to someone, posting on a forum, doing a podcast, blogging, etc. I don't think I could count the hours if I tried!
Of all your marketing activities, which one do you feel is the most beneficial and why?
Networking. Networking. Did I say networking? Networking is the single most important marketing activity I do because that is how I get ALL of my clients. No direct mail, no calling...it's all who I've met that knows someone who needs my services.
What is your single favorite item in your home office?
My iPhone, hands down!
How do you maintain balance with a home based business and a growing family?
I've kept my working hours to a minimum, and I've tried not to take on more than I can handle. I also don't really believe in balance, but more so juggling. I just keep all my oranges in the air and keep myself steady (working out, yoga, stupid movies) so I don't drop anything!
What top qualities do you believe any professional VA should exhibit without fail?
I think every VA should be trustworthy and hardworking. It isn't an easy job. I don't sit around my house all day! I think being on top of things is the best way to keep clients (and get more!). I also strongly believe in being proactive. If I notice a client talking about a task, I'll automatically ask how I can be of help.
Favorite success-oriented inspirational quote?
"The greatest way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."
-Walt Disney
This quote is what I live by. Action is key. Clients won't just drop in your lap!
Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions
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