I got an email from a client yesterday that an article I ghostwrote/edited for her is being published in a local business publication. That’s always good to hear!
Busy week, indeed. I’ve started with a new client for 10 hours a week and it’s always an adjustment to get used to someone’s procedures. I’m providing ghosting/ editing/ proofing for a client on an ongoing basis and it’s really a dream gig. I could tell you who this person is, but I’d have to kill you…just kidding. I did sign a confidentiality agreement though as this person is at the top of their field.
I got a call from a local (Central PA) business women’s magazine yesterday asking if I was still a virtual assistant and if it would be okay to interview me for an article they’ll be running in May. Of course! I don’t know what the angle of the story is, but I hope it materializes, because you can’t beat the exposure.
My initial podcast is launched and has been added to the directory of itunes. I’m having a problem though that it’s being listed as Hidden Helper instead of Virtually Hidden, my husband promised to look into it. He thinks it’s because my feed is coming to this site. I definitely want the “virtual” to be the first word listed, as someone who is looking for information about virtual assistants is likely to look under “virtual.”
That’s about all for now…have a great Thanksgiving!
I think I’ve picked my new job title. I’ve really debated about calling myself a virtual assistant, which, to me, conjures up an image of someone who can do any administrative-type task on their computer. That’s not me. I’m not “just” a ghostwriter or “just” an editor, but more of a combination of all three. So, I’m going to try Editorial Virtual Assistant on for size and see if it fits…hmm…would that make me an EVA? I’ll have to give that one some thought!
Happy Monday!
Stay tuned to my website this week. I have mostly all the content re-written and posted, but soon I’ll have new photos to add some visual interest. If you need any stock photography, I highly recommend istock. Many thanks to Ed Hidden for taking my ideas, words and images and turning them into a good website.
My book with Jeannine Clontz is coming along nicely. We surveyed some successful VAs, most are members of IVAA. and I just got to read some of their quotes on their business practice which will be sprinkled throughout our book. Wow, they definitely gave me some food for thought! Just when you think you know everything…poof! you’re proven wrong! haha.
I’m also closer to a big announcement of a new free product that will benefit entrepreneurs considering hiring a VA. Stay tuned!
Most of the interviews I have with potential clients are brief and informal–lasting no more than a half hour on the phone. I list my qualifications and experience on my website, and I think more often than not, it’s to find out pricing, contract terms, and make sure I pass the “drool test.” I had a prospect email me last week and wanted to talk to me about working together. We scheduled an appointment to talk. I called him and exchanged pleasantries, then he proceeded to his interview questions of me. I have to admit I was taken aback. I did not have any pre-rehearsed answers in my head and answered everything candidly and off-the-cuff.
This interview lasted an hour and included everything from what my educational and work experience was to my weakest skill area, to what my computer security was, to how I handle family emergencies as they relate to my business, to “if there was a natural disaster and your office was destroyed, would you still be able to keep your business open?”
Even though this interview caught me by surprise, I really appreciated it. Why? Because this guy was serious. He knew what he was looking for in a VA-someone that could not only deliver the work, but treats her business like such. I was able to give him my philosophies at the same time, what type of clients I like to work with, what is my biggest pet peeve when it comes to dealing with clients, and I really feel like it levelled our playing field. I told him that I don’t like a “boss-secretary” type relationship with my clients, I like to feel comfortable bringing up ideas that may help them in their business and work together to make my client’s business stronger.
I don’t think I answered every question perfectly. He pointed out to me that I should be doing an additional practice to protect my business and I certainly appreciated it. I’ve already taken steps to take care of that.
So, for you fellow VAs that are out there, reading this blog…be prepared! For the potential clients out there reading this, you may not need to interview a potential VA for an hour, but you should create a list of questions you’d like answered. When you’re done, don’t forget to let the VA ask some questions of you.
So, you’re having trouble getting a potential client to commit. This is not a hopeless endeavor; the potential client has expressed interest in working with you and vice versa. Whether it’s minimal communication or a vague answer, how do you get the person to realize the value of working with you and take the next step?
I’ve experienced this recently. I’ve been in business long enough to know that sometimes this happens. It’s part of the game. But what’s the best way to handle it? Someone I respect suggested contacting the prospect every few days until he or she gave you a yay or nay. To me, this is reminiscent of the telemarketers that used to call you during dinner. So, what’s a better way to handle it?
Recently I experienced this and I emailed, called (couldn’t get past the gatekeepers and I left a message), and sent a handwritten card. It took 4 contacts from me to get a response…when I was emailed and asked some more questions. I answered immediately and tried to schedule a time to talk. No response. Sent another email. I sent another email this morning and tried to use a little humor about the quietness on that person’s end. That is more my “style” than relentless contact and formality. But when does it become not worth your time or energy to pursue a prospect?
What have you experienced success with? Your comments are appreciated!
If you’re interested in starting or improving a viral blog, I recommend reading Seth Godin’s free ebook, “Who’s There?” He makes some very good points that a blog should be less about the author and more about spreading ideas. So I’m going to take his advice and his recommendations to improve readership. I’ll keep you posted.
“Pick a lane” is a great line from Joe Calloway’s NSA speech in Phoenix last year. It’s great advice…pick a lane with your career, develop a niche, and in today’s case, a single train of thought, which I’m failing at! There are many things I’d like to blog about today.
Happy belated Halloween. Click here if you’d like to see a picture of my two sons being dual Mr. Incredibles. They would not stand still for a picture, which is unusual. They really thought they were Mr. Incredible, doing all sorts of superhero poses. Hope you get a chuckle from the pictures.
Where do I put my i-pod??
I quickly found out with my hand-me-down ipod that there is nowhere to attach it to your body–no belt clip, no armband, nada. But ever-clever Ed showed me something cool I’d like to pass on to you…a purse that accomodates your ipod safely. Sorry guys, they don’t have a “man-purse” available (yet anyway). View these here.
It seems like lately my head is almost exploding with new ideas of how to improve my business…new technologies, new services and new customer conveniences. The big challenge is prioritizing my list and allocating the time and capital to accomplish each. Stay tuned for some big announcements!