Interview with Tess, Founder of Virtual Assistant Forums

Inspiring story, I am just starting and have seen ads for VA personal coaching. It doesn't sound like you needed it. Any suggestions? How did you figure out the rates to charge and how to market yourself?

Jamey

I loved reading about how you got started, it is very inspiring. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and giving spirit!

Marjorie
AYS Consulting

I can't believe I never saw this thread! I agree with everyone else, Tess, you are awesome, inspirational, but yet still so grateful for your life You are a hard act to follow, that's for sure. This has to be my favorite post on the forum, even though they all are great. I loved hearing like everyone else, how you got started, your first client, your travels. I hope I can use a little of that for my own business. This forum is terrific and really in a class of its own. I hope it will be around forever. Thanks so much for all you do for the VA world. Did you ever think of including VA coaching in your services? I think you would be very successful in it. I better stop here, I don't want to appear like I am gushing or anything
Jo-Carole

Wow Tess, very inspirational and uplifting to read your story. Thank-you so much for sharing.

Thanks everyone for your sweet and inspirational comments! I am truly fortunate to be in such great company here at VAF!

Loved your interview! My husband and I are the same way!
I hope to be able to achieve the things that you have one day...

I can't believe I never saw this thread! I agree with everyone else, Tess, you are awesome, inspirational, but yet still so grateful for your life You are a hard act to follow, that's for sure. This has to be my favorite post on the forum, even though they all are great. I loved hearing like everyone else, how you got started, your first client, your travels. I hope I can use a little of that for my own business. This forum is terrific and really in a class of its own. I hope it will be around forever. Thanks so much for all you do for the VA world. Did you ever think of including VA coaching in your services? I think you would be very successful in it. I better stop here, I don't want to appear like I am gushing or anything
Jo-Carole

I'll tell you a secret... it's finding gratitude for even the smallest things and really focusing on that, that has helped nurture my success. [Law of Attraction, anyone? ] I just sent you a PM re: personal cheerleading/mentoring

Wow, reading this interview has given me more reason to strive for success.

Having to hear everything from the founder herself has made it even much easier to fully have a grasp on how to make VA as a business to gain success in the future. With this, I thank you.

Tess, that's a great story. It almost seems like a dream! Very romantic in more ways than one. Are you still passionate about the software you discuss? Did you ever get that laptop yet, and if so which one did you decide on? There's a recent forum posting on suggesting laptops. Thanks!!

Lisa.

Wow!! What a great interview!! I loved the insight you gave on getting started. Some days I just feel lost. Still haven't landed that first client but only been marketing my business for 2 months. I am working with a business coach who says I am doing the right things - just keep going!! Thanks for this interview and the wonderful advice it contains!!

What an inspirational story! I have felt like quitting more than a couple of times. I like the part about reinventing yourself. People are using the internet more and more now, it's sometimes hard to be unique or offer something unique-but this interview helped

I'll tell you a secret... it's finding gratitude for even the smallest things and really focusing on that, that has helped nurture my success. [Law of Attraction, anyone? ] I just sent you a PM re: personal cheerleading/mentoring

Hi Tess, just saw this. I am a BIG believer in the Law of Attraction and you could always find me with my "affirmation cards" in the morning, first thing. I am grateful for everything in my life, especially the 'smallest things', as you say. I feel they are more important than the bigger things! But the big ones do arrive and when they do I make them feel welcome

Thanks
Jo-Carole

I really appreciate how open and forthcoming you are about your own experiences, Tess! I find your story particularly motivating because I'm planning to run my new VA business from abroad, too. I'd love to talk to you more about that, at some point, if you ever have a few minutes to spare!

thanks
Liz

I hate to sound like a broken record, but "I can't believe this is the first time I've came across this thread!!". I love your story Tess and applaud you for your determination! It is very inspirational.