The 5 Mistakes Most New VAs Make

THE 5 MISTAKES MOST NEW VAS

MAKE...September 16, 2009

Erin Blaskie, www.theVAcoach.com

ABOUT YOUR PRESENTER Launched virtual assistance

firm, BSETC (www.bsetc.ca) in 2004.

Launched a coaching practice for virtual assistants (www.thevacoach.com) in 2006.

Currently have a team of fifteen virtual assistants that has serviced over 300 entrepreneurs around the globe.

ABOUT THIS TELESEMINAR Approximately 1 hour in length.

Ask questions via Twitter using hashtag #vacoach.

Send questions via email (to be answered after the call) to [email protected].

Recording will be sent out to all of those who registered.

WHY THE 5 MISTAKES IDEA? Many new virtual assistants aren’t sure where

or how to start.

There is so much information out there, it’s hard to know what’s accurate and what isn’t.

I’ve built my business with little overhead and stayed in the black every year I’ve been in business.

With people out there that have been doing this for as long as they have, there is no need for others to struggle.

ON BEING A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT The Dream: Freedom, flexibility, no

boss looking over your shoulder, pick and choose your own work, etc...

The Reality: Frustration, having to find clients, spending too much money, not sure where to focus, feeling isolated, etc...

You need an easy-to-follow roadmap and you need to know the five mistakes most people make to avoid doing them yourself.

MISTAKE #1: POOR PLANNING Speed of Implementation

Get your business out there

Perfectionism = StallingPerfectionism will kill your progress and

your businessYou can always get something solid up now

and edit it later where you feel it necessary

Focusing on the Wrong ThingsCertification over skill buildingSocial media over a web presence (website)

MISTAKE #1: POOR PLANNING Building an Offline Business for the

Online WorldGoing to the business centers are good but

keep in mind that the online world is very different

A lot of the local business centers may have outdated information

Look for mentors that are savvy, experienced and into the latest trends

Setting Up a Perfect Office It’s great to have a beautiful space but keep

in mind, only you see it – focus on the online space

MISTAKE #1: POOR PLANNING Forgetting That You Have to Market

The “if you build it, they will come” idea does not work in an online business.

You must plan out a marketing strategy whether you like to market or not.

Using an easy, simple to follow plan is the best strategy.

Follow someone who has been there, done that.

MISTAKE #2: SKILL BUILDING Focusing on Skills that are Outdated

People hiring virtual assistants right now are looking for: Blogging / website experience Social media / networking experience Info-product creation or management E-Commerce experience (1ShoppingCart) Sales page / opt-in page / thank you page

creation List building (Aweber, Constant Contact) Membership Sites

MISTAKE #2: SKILL BUILDING Thinking the Offline World Skills Will Be

the Same as OnlineMost entrepreneurs are not hiring solely

administrative staffA lot of the work you did in the corporate or

“real” world does not apply onlineYou can build a good business with less

expensive rates doing only admin but the real money and clients are in the online business world

MISTAKE #2: SKILL BUILDING Buying Expensive Training or ALL

Training On the Planet and Doing Zero ImplementationMy rule: learn something, master it,

implement it in my business. Learn something, master it, implement it in my business.

Just because you take a hundred courses doesn’t mean you know how to use it. Study and perfect and offer it as a service to hone your skills.

MISTAKE #3: TARGET MARKETS A Lot of New VAs are Told They MUST

Have a Target Market It’s not necessary.Stay focused on the big picture until you

gain experience working with different types of entrepreneurs.

See where your passions lie when you get that experience and hone in on what you are good at over time.

Don’t stress about a target market, niching or choosing something NOW.

MISTAKE #3: TARGET MARKETS Are You Actually Playing Where Your

Market Hangs Out?Make sure your sandbox is the same as the

person that you want to meet.Find out where your ideal client spends their

time, where they chat and get involved in those places.

MISTAKE #4: CERTIFICATION You Don’t Need to Be Certified

0 of the 300 entrepreneurs we have worked with over the last five years have asked about it.

Most certifications that are out there are expensive, unnecessary and focus on the wrong things.

Everything I have learned has been through mentors or by using a hands-on approach.

Initials after your name may look interesting but will cost you a lot and are often not looked at.

MISTAKE #4: CERTIFICATION Many VAs Take Certifications to Meet

New VAs – Then, Spend More Time Socializing Than Building a BusinessRemember, it’s great to have VA friends and

partners and people to rely on but they are NOT your future clients (necessarily).

Focus on building relationships with your target market instead of spending more time socializing.

Choose where to focus your time and energy and it will pay off.

MISTAKE #5: SPENDING $$ Keep Overhead Low and You’ll Have a

Successful Business Just because a software or tool exists,

doesn’t mean you need it.Use the essentials and add on as your

business grows.Buying into everything simply causes

spending chaos and you’ll find yourself overwhelmed and with no clients.

MISTAKE #5: SPENDING $$ Thinking You Have to Attend the Big

Ticket Events I’ve never attended a large conference that

I paid for myself. I rarely attend expensive networking events. I go to events if I am speaking at them.

You can build a strong business by building a solid online presence which will cost you less and keep you home with your family.

There are low-cost (or zero cost) local events that you can attend as well.

STEPS TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS Build a Web Presence Build Out Presences on Social Media Learn the Skills That Are Most Relevant Determine the Most Attractive Ways to

Set Up Your Business for Your Clients Learn How to Market Effectively Network With the Right People Add Value, Be Current, Be Relevant Build a Name for Yourself

HOW TO DO THIS? Research Find a Mentor Ask Other VAs Attend a Training Program

Starting next Monday, we are doing our popular “Build Your VA Business” program where we take you through everything you need to know. www.thevacoach.com

For participants of this teleseminar, you can save 50% off the cost of the training until Friday. Just use LETSGO at checkout!

QUESTIONS? *7 to unmute your telephone to come

live to the call.

*6 to mute your line after questions.

Use hashtag #vacoach if you are on Twitter.

Email questions to [email protected].