Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions
 

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!

Re: 11/2007 : Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions
 

Great interview Brianna! I'm encouraged by your attitude in spite of your circumstances. I wish you the very best in health and life.

:)

Re: 11/2007 : Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions
 

I loved reading your interview! It was Fabulous!!!

Re: 11/2007 : Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions
 

Brianna,
I've got a quick question for you regarding the iPhone...I love the concept and of course I want one (even though I don't really *want* a cel at all...) but would you mind sharing info about how billing for the iPhone works - is it hugely expensive or relative to any other cel phone plan/setup?

Loved your interview, very inspirational - I especially loved the part about marketing 24 hours a day..and isn't that true, if you're not actively marketing you're dreaming up new angles and avenues to get your business name out there! :)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

Re: Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions 11/2007
 

I loved your interview too!
I also agree with the marketing 24 hours a day. So true.

Re: Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions 11/2007
 

That was a great interview. Very inspiring and I love that motivational quote. It is helping me get my butt in gear :)

Re: Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions 11/2007
 

What networking events do you attend? Are you a member of any business associations you find particularly lucrative?

Re: Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions 11/2007
 

I really appreciated the interview as well. Not only did I pick up a few points here and there, but I especially loved how you put "you" in the interview. Your personality. I thought that really enhanced the reading enjoyment of your interview. Very nice! :)

Re: Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions 11/2007
 

Thank you very much, Brianna, for that very insightful interview. I learned so much just reading a little about you. You touched on what I have had a bit of a struggle with--how to get clients to know about me and my practice! A potential client had expressed an interest in my being her Virtual Assistant and it all look like it was a "go". And then she changed her mind over the weekend stating that she didn't know where to use me. And this is after she had expressed how busy she was and needed to get some stuff off her plate and onto a VA. I was a bit disappointed to say the least.
I like the concept of networking--after all this is a "who knows you or who knows your work" world. Great interview! Thanks! :)

Andrea
Virtually Exceptional Assistance
virtuallyexceptional.com

Re: Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions 11/2007
 

Andrea,
I've had the same thing happen more than once; we're all set to go and the client realizes she has not idea how to delegate to me or how to get me involved in her work and business. BUT, I've never ever just let the potential client go if it's someone I really want to work with or an industry that intrigues me...

It's hard for some to even know where to start. But you *can* turn that around - this is what I'd suggest (and in my experience it works every time but is best presented at the initial 'I don't know how to use you' conversation) :

Find out as much as you can about your potential client's business and then get back in touch with her; let her know you're ready, willing, and able to help her work through the initial getting started phase, that you're experienced at guiding new clients into working virtually (if you are).
Then, using the knowledge you have of her business, list some things you could be doing daily, weekly, and monthly for her along with approximately how long each task might take. Check this PDF "Projects your VA can accomplish in an hour or less" for ideas.

Show her that you can not only make her business life easier, but it's easy to work with you. I think initially, it can feel like more work for the client who sees it as 'training' a VA but by showing the client that she won't have to work harder to get started with you and that you're already aware of her needs you'll turn this one around.

Does your potential client have a blog, a website, a shopping cart? Does she have a newsletter, an office? Etc. Start brainstorming ideas and get back to her with a solid list - likely she'll be impressed and give it the chance it deseves.

Good luck!

Re: Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions 11/2007
 

Great interview! I know the feeling about selling yourself! I hated sales and swore I would never go in to it! Never say never! I have spent almost nine years in a sales and marketing environment, not with direct selling, but in mix of it all!

Re: Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions 11/2007
 

Where *is* Brianna these days? I haven't heard from her for a while now...
I hope all is well in her corner of the world.

Re: Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions 11/2007
 

Tess,
Thank you so much! These are great suggestions! I was just about to throw in the towel, but I will give this a try! Thank you!

Andrea

Re: Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions 11/2007
 

Sure thing :)
Don't give up so easily! And keep me posted on how it goes - at the very least, you'll be prepared for next time this happens (and it will happen!)

Re: Interview with Brianna Young of Virtual Solutions 11/2007
 

Hi everyone!!

Thank you so much for the comments and feedback on my interview!

I'm really sorry I haven't been around! I'm still battling this condition, having tests run, and I just had a lumbar puncture yesterday. I feel awful that I missed out on such great conversation!! I will definitely make more of an effort to show my virtual face around here!!

Tess, in answer to your iPhone question - The lowest iPhone plan is around $60 a month. Here's a link to the info on Apple's website. It's very similar to other phone plans. The major difference is that you have to have a data plan. Not a big deal at all! Setting it up is as easy as syncing it with iTunes. I even did it without my husband's help!

Thanks again for the kind words. I'm really glad I could be inspiring!

Oh, and my design firm has changed names and locations! It's now the Mad Hatter Design Company, located at www.madhatterdesigncompany.com.

Thanks!!

Bri