SmartBusinessDiva.com » va skills

Do you have the skills needed to be a VA?

SmartBizDiva — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:37:07 +0000

As a Virtual Assistant, you will need some general skills that will apply across all niches. Once you have the basics covered, specialization becomes much easier.

Here are the top 5 skills you will need as a VA.

(1) Computer savvy – You must be comfortable using a computer as your computer is your life line to your clients and potential clients. I have actually been told by more than one potential client that a VA they interviewed was afraid of technology – and that is a no-no for a VA.

Most modern administrative professional programs are run via computer, so this will be a very natural thing for new administration grads. If you are a mature administrative professional who is not comfortable with computers, check out your local continuing education programs for programs that cover basic computer skills.

(2) The ability to network online – As a VIRTUAL assistant, you will ultimately need to find the majority of your clients online. And the easiest way to do this is via online networking. Many professional associations offer message board access as part of their membership fees, and you should take full advantage. Create a profile with your website URL, phone number and email address. Join in discussions if they relate to your field of experience. Ask questions, lots of questions. Engage with the other members so they can get to know you, your business and your skills.

(3) Communication skills – Since the nature of the virtual relationship is what it is, you must learn to be an effective communicator either via email or via telephone. Pay particular attention to the tone you take in emails. Clarify points that you don’t fully understand. Seek to understand and be understood. Ensure that you maintain a professional tone in all correspondence with your target market, whether it be via email, blogging or engaging in social media.

(4) The ability to prioritize – When taking on client projects, get or set firm deadlines. Don’t “go with the flow” as ultimately either you or your client will be frustrated by the process. Create project outlines for both the client and yourself, detailing deadlines for all the components of any given project.

(5) Attention to detail - An in-office and virtual necessity, attention to detail is a must have skill for a VA. Your clients will depend on your ability to spot mistakes such as incorrect URL’s in an ezine or misspelled words in graphics. You must be meticulous in proof reading for both spelling and grammar, as your clients will be relying on you to help them project a professional and capable image to their target market and prospects.

Press Release Distribution Sites – Part 1

SmartBizDiva — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:13:48 +0000

After doing some leg work for a client re: free press release distribution sites, I’ve come across a few lists that are great, but somewhat out of date.

So to help out other Virtual Assistant’s and Solopreneurs, I’ve made some additions and changes to the lists and compiled my own list of truly free Press Release sites.

Free-Press-Release-Center.info

FreePressIndex.com

FreePressRelease.co.cc

FreePressReleases.co.uk

IndiaPRWire.com

Dot Your "I"s and Cross Your "T"s

SmartBizDiva — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:42:42 +0000

I unsubscribed from an ezine the other day because the ezine publisher spelled Merriam-Webster as Miriam-Webster. Ultimately, the info in the ezine itself was just not worth the time it took to read, but the glaring error (to me) was the proverbial last straw.

I’m the type of person who reads the paper with a pen in hand to circle all the typos and underline questionable grammar.

But what has struck me most lately is the way mainstream journalists are using “web slang” in their articles.

A couple of months ago, I read the phrase “policy wonk” in a mainstream newspaper used to refer to a political activist. Seriously, is that the only phrase you could think of?

I realize that as a culture we have become much more laid back and casual – gone are the days of men in suits parading off to work and women in pearls and high heels vacuuming the house. And that is a very good thing. But are we really at the point where we want to overlook poor grammar and terrible spelling? Are we ready to just say “oh well, that’s ok, a few mistakes are to be expected” when we are confronted with the problem?

How do you think your clients would feel if you had spelling and grammar errors in their ebooks, marketing promotions or website copy?

I highly doubt they’d say “oh that’s ok – 1 or 2 errors are to be expected!”

I think we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard, and not let bad grammar and poor spelling take over!

How to Create a Powerful Teleclass Description

SmartBizDiva — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:52:34 +0000

If you are a Virtual Assistant who uses teleclasses to promote your courses, products or coaching services, you know that getting people interested in your class is essential. And the first exposure your potential clients have to your message is in your teleclass description. By putting some thought, along with tested and true marketing principles, into your description, you are more likely to attract your ideal client. Here are 5 easy steps to follow.

(1) Target Practice

Have you defined your target market clearly? Of course, the biggest audience is best, but what you need for your teleclass to succeed is a message that speaks to your particular niche market.

Define your niche in very specific terms. Rather than

Are you Referring to Me?

SmartBizDiva — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:08:25 +0000

There is an on-going debate in the Virtual Assistant community about potential clients asking for references. Some are offended; some don