VMA – The Blog
When I first opened my Virtual Assistance Business, called Virtual Managing Associates, I realized from the start that my life was about to change. Gone were the meetings at the water cooler, lunch with the girls, and juicy gossips. That what it. I was now working from my home office, and “Master of my Own Domain”. The 9 to 5 routine was out the window, and I was on my way to living the day to day “Virtual Life”.
Almost three years have passed and what have I learn? Everything I needed and more! Do I miss the corporate life? Not for a second. Do I enjoy working as a Virtual Assistant? Let’s put it this way; each morning as I sit at my desk, it’s a new adventure that I would not trade for anything in the world!
Visit our websites to learn about the Benefits of working with a Virtual Assistant.
So what is this Blog about? The Good, the Bad and the Funny! Lessons learned, challenges taken and firmly believing in your own future!
Is your Virtual Assistant really working?
The other day, sitting with some friends discussing our jobs, somebody told me quite bluntly:
Chris, you work from home. So who knows what you are doing? You could be watching TV all day!
This one took me a few moments to figure out. What? Are you saying that I sit at home all day doing my nails and eating junk food? To be honest, I felt like answering worst than this, but being in polite company, I moved on.
Regardless of the above, the statement in itself does ask that maybe a clarification of ‘What Do I Do All Day” be put forth. In other words, as a Virtual Assistant, working with no supervision from a “Boss” what do I really do?
Well, to put it simple, when 6 pm rolls around and I realize that I am still working, I also wonder. In other words: Where did the day go?
Working as a Virtual Assistant does not mean that it’s free game here. On the contrary, you are your own Boss. So what do you think happens? You work and you work hard because your company represents who you are! It’s your dream, the reason for the 10 second commute in the morning. It’s your life, and your pride.
If you have taken on the challenge to become the best VA there is and by the same token offer exceptional services, you do not need supervision. Why?
Because it means that you are responsible for your own actions. You set deadlines and you respect them. You are proactive, organized and most of all have a deep sense of duty.
So, with this being said, I ask you, do you think your Virtual Assistant is really working?
Is Customer Service a Lost Art?
I have this thing about ‘Customer Service’. Maybe it has to do with my age. Maybe its the way I was raised. I don’t know. But I will tell you one thing: Customer Service is not what it used to be!
Why do I say that? Well…Let’s just put it this way. In this past week, I’ve had a few issues that needed to be addressed, which meant dealing in “real time” with Customer Service representatives. I’m not taking emails here. No. What I am saying is picking up a real phone. Yes, moving away from my pc and talking to a ‘live’ human being. Oh…the pain of it all!
I know, I’m ranting. But then, let me ask you one thing…Is Customer Service a lost art? Is the virtual so prevalent that it has changed what used to be called common sense and a certain degree of savoir faire?
The way I look at it, in this age of faceless websites and lost emails, would it not be natural as a business owner, to offer your customers a personalized service that makes them feel really appreciated?
What happen to the Mom and Pop business approach? The village corner store attitude where they knew their customers by name? Yes, this is 2010…So?
Is offering your clients excellence in service an experience from the past? Is respect for your clients and honesty in what you offer a bad word?
Times have changed… And as I sit here, still muttering to myself about the uselessness of the phone calls I made in this past week, I know one thing. I, as a Virtual Assistant and Business Owner still believe that offering quality and a personalized service to my customers is not a" Read More
Choosing a company name, what’s in it?
How do we find a name for our company? Do we search the Web for inspiration? Ask our friends for ideas. Post on an online forum, and ask a stranger for their opinion?
Regardless of the route we take, finding the right name can make our company the talk of the town, or spell disaster in the future.
Now, I am positive that some of you reading this post are right in the middle of this dilemma. You have more than a few names on hand, all as good as the last one, and you simply can’t make up your mind.
Well, let me tell one thing. Been there, done that. And how long did it take me to make a decision? To be honest, it took me close to a month to find the proper name for my Virtual Assistance Company! Why? For one thing, how do you describe in a few words the Virtual Assistance concept? Remember, it’s always easier if your company name spells out well the type of services you offer!
So, with this being said, here are a few guidelines:
Create a winning business name. One that is easy to spell.
So what name did I choose? Virtual Managing Associates. Easy to spell? Well yes, as far as I am concerned. But then that’s me, and I write this name at least 10 times a day! But is it easy for my present and future customers? That another point! Either they remember the name because of its length and somehow it hits them, or it’s a no go!
Your company name needs a visual element. It should explain what you do.
What pops into you head when you read" Read More
