Last August we held a workshop in Vancouver British Columbia where we met attendee, Kathy Andrews. Kathy had found our workshop online and registered since she wanted to start her virtual assistant business. We've kept in touch over the past year by email and calls. Today we received this email from Kathy:

Hi Sue & Joel,

Just wanted to let you know how appreciative I am for the encouragement you gave me last year when you were in Vancouver and the few months after when I was so unsure.

I have just landed my first "big" contract.  It is for a business coaching firm in San Jose.  We got together because of a LinkedIn VA discussion.  They were asking if it was possible for their meetings to be transcribed live.  All of the VAs that answered said, no, you had to record it first.  They said their meetings could not be recorded.  Then I came on and said it could be transcribed live.  I did a test run for them to show how it could work and we are now working together several times a week.

I never would have had the courage to go to these forums let alone say I could do it if it was not for the encouragement you had given to me.

Again, thanks, and enjoy your nomad life.

Kathy Andrews

Kathy told us the company was looking for 80% accuracy and she got 90% so they were very impressed! And as Joel told her, "Real-time transcription has to be nearly unique. In cases where there's a need, you probably have NO competition!"

We're glad to have been a part of helping Kathy succeed as a transcriptionist. Visit Kathy's website at http://andrewsvirtualtranscripts.com/

Lily and I met online at the Find Virtual website for virtual assistants. Lily recently attended a Skype call for virtual assistants and took advantage of a free coaching follow up call. I'm glad I got to know Lily better and learn more about how she is helping the virtual industry. This interview is a bit different as it focuses specifically on Lily's TVE Magazine for virtual entrepreneurs. Enjoy!

When did you start your magazine? Tell us the story of how you got it and challenges you faced and overcame in continuing the magazine.

TVE Magazine was the brainchild of Andrea Jackson, of Action Jackson VA as an ezine dedicated to assisting virtual entrepreneurs.  The first issue of TVE Magazine was published on September 15, 2009 as a monthly publication under the name of The Virtual Entrepreneur.  I came on board as the assistant editor of TVE Magazine starting with the November, 2009 issue.

During March, 2010, Ms. Jackson had a series of complicated dental surgeries and, due to the lengthy healing process, decided to stop publishing the magazine.  I took over ownership of TVE Magazine 1 week prior to the release of the April, 2010 issue.  I temporarily made TVE Magazine a bi-monthly publication starting with the April/May issue and I began to change its focus toward all entrepreneurs, not just VAs.

Shortly after obtaining ownership of TVE Magazine, I received a ‘cease and desist’ letter from Entrepreneur Media, Inc (owners of Entrepreneur Magazine) claiming that EMI owned the name “Entrepreneur” and it could no longer be part of TVE’s name.  In response, I held a ‘name-change’ contest with my readers and subsequently renamed TVE to The Virtual Evolution Magazine beginning with the June/July issue of TVE Magazine.  TVE Magazine resumed being a monthly publication effective with the October, 2010 issue.

What is the purpose of the magazine?

TVE is focused on helping entrepreneurs of every type (virtual as well as brick and mortar) get the information they need to help them strengthen and grow their business, with as few growing pains as possible!  There is a ton of information available out there so we try to not only add new information (at least 30% of each issue is devoted to new, unpublished material) but also to ‘corral’ as much of the valuable information as possible into one place – TVE Magazine.

How does your magazine help new and aspiring VAs?

We publish information to help decide whether or not being a VA/entrepreneur is the right path and we also publish articles directly related to setting up and running a business properly as well as covering questions related to marketing, client relations, social media, software that makes life easier, and anything else ‘entrepreneur related.’

How can someone contribute articles to the magazine?

Contributions to TVE Magazine are always welcome.  Either visit http://tvemagazine.com/article-submission/ or send an email directly to articles@tvemagazine.com.  We are always seeking articles that are of interest to entrepreneurs, whether it is personal experience, tips and tricks, or anything of an ‘entrepreneurial nature.’   We also accept press releases at http://tvemagazine.com/pr-submission/

How can someone subscribe to the magazine?

Subscription to TVE Magazine is always free.  Once you have ‘signed up’, you will also receive the password to the archives located at tvemagazine.com.  To subscribe, simply go to http://tvemagazine.com/subscribe/ and fill out the online form.  We promise we will never share your information to anyone outside of TVE.

Additional comments you’d like to share. Perhaps explain about the advertising rates as well.

If you are interested in advertising with TVE Magazine, there are a few options available.

A listing in the Virtual Professional Directory is only $6.00 per year, which includes 1 directory listing – additional listings are only $1/each. (both print and online)

We also offer individual ads for your business at the following rates:

1/4 page (3.5″w x 5″h) OR (7.5″w x 2.5″h) – $15.00 per issue

1/2 page (7.5″w x 5″h) – $25.00 per issue

Full page (7.5″w x 10″h) – $45.00 per issue

Or, you can be listed in the Resource Directory (1.3″ square box or 4.88″w.x.63″h banner – both print and online) as follows:

12 month listing – $90

9 month listing – $78

6 month listing – $54

3 month listing – $28

Contact Lily Chambers, The Virtual Evolution Magazine
Website – www.tvemagazine.com
Twitter - @tvemagazine

When did you start your business? 2006

Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant? I choose to become a VA due to not being able to find the right job in the "commuting corporate world".  So I started out being a subcontractor for an Assistant Boy Scout leader and he encouraged me to do research to see it there were others out there like me.  And I did just that and found VAnetworking.com and everything just fell into place from there!  I have over 20 years experience in Real Estate and Administrative Assistant experience so it just seemed the more research that I did the more I knew that I was choosing the right thing for me to become a VA!  And I haven't looked back yet!

What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs? To do your research and decide a "niche" so that you won't be too broad when you first start out since all of this can become quite overwhelming at first.  Maybe start out part-time and test the waters to see if it is right for you being your Own boss.  And know that if you are wanting your business to become a six-figure making business that it is going to take a good bit of hard work and that you can't make it happen over night!

What resources have helped you in your business? I have gotten loads of resources and to list a few are:  VBSS VAnetworkings.com Virtual Business System was one of my first things that I acquired and it was well worth the money!  I have received several certifications from VAclassroom.com like Social Media Marketing Specialists, Facebook Fan page, and am currently taking Internet Marketing 2010.  I highly recommend all of their courses.  I am REPA Real Estate Professional Assistant certified along with REW Webographer certified and these courses I took through National Association of Realtors.

Share something about yourself such as a hobby. I love to do Cross-stitching, reading mysteries, and especially spending time with my family!!!

Additional comments you’d like to share. I thrive on subcontracting for other VAs.  I enjoy learning their knowledge by handling tasks for them and being able to increase their business as well as increasing mine at the same time.  They are great teachers and I have been able to broaden my support to them from what I learn in handling their tasks.  To those who may be apprehensive about becoming a virtual assistant start out slow, maybe doing it part-time for awhile and get your feet wet with some small jobs.  And as you market yourself and work for other VA's which you will find networking at VAnetworking.com and findvirtual.com you will know that it is some of the most rewarding work that you will ever do!

Sandra's Contact Info:
Sandra Sims, Owner, Virtual Assistant, Lighthouse Virtual Solutions
Website www.lighthousevirtual.com
Twitter twitter.com/lvsolutions
Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/sandra.sims2
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/sandrasimsva

When did you start your business?
I started virtual assisting a few years ago after I was laid off from an office management job. I'd been working in offices for fifteen years so moving to the virtual world to offer my services made sense to me. It started off with small projects and gradually grew from there. After doing virtual assisting off and on for several few years, I decided to formalize my efforts with a business name. In addition, I wanted to provide a resource for new and existing business owners to have help creating and maintaining their websites. So often I see websites that are a discombobulated jumble of themes, broken links, and poor copy. Eagle Eye Web Services was born as a blend of virtual assistant, business consultant, and website consultant in an effort to address some of the issues new and existing business owners face.

When did you choose to become a virtual assistant?
I can't say there was a definiing moment for me - it just grew from a combination of being sick to death of the corporate world and a need to put my skills to better use. I was sick of butting up against the income ceiling in the corporate world and after 15 years, I realized the only route for me to go was self-employment. I simply wasn't getting anywhere in the traditional way.

What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
Read everything you can, join a solid network of VAs, and make sure you take a hard look at your rates. I spent far too much time not making money in my business because I wasn't charging enough. Have confidence that your skills are needed and charge for them. But don't go crazy with it either. Make sure you have a legitimate basis for your fees.

What resources have helped you in your business?
Linked in, VirtualAssistants.com, and surprisingly enough, fellow virtual assistants. I have a colleague of mine who suggested resources to me when I was first starting out, even though we were both virtual assistants. That is practically unheard of in the cut-throat corporate world. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to not have that pressure of competition. Also, I cannot emphasize the value of networking and building a name in your local community. Those referrals are some of the best opportunities for your business.

Share something about yourself.
I'm a single mother to a beautiful daughter named Liberty. She is the reason behind so much of what I do and has given me the courage, motivation, and strength to become self-employed.

Charity's Contact Information:

Charity Van Vleet,  Eagle Eye Web Services

Website: http://www.eagleeyewebservices.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/cmvanvleet

Rosalind and I have been connected online through virtual assistant forums for some time. Thank you Rosalind for your interview here!

When did you start your business? January, 2007

Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant? I love being an Executive Assistant and helping busy professionals manage and organize their day.  Being a virtual assistant allows flexibility in choosing the type of work performed and selectively choosing the businesses and people I work with.

What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs? Do lots of research, ask questions, have a plan, look into programs that provide assistance and training for individuals who wish to start a business (i.e. chamber of commerce, Small Business Administration) network a lot, really think about where and how you spend money, be patient, stay true to your values, run an ethical business. Have confidence in the value that you provide clients.  It’s important when questioned about your rates. Avoid working on projects or with clients that are incompatible with your work style or business goals. The beauty of being in business for yourself is that you are no longer an employee and get to decide who your ideal client is. In the beginning, we all take on projects that we don’t like just to get our name out and hopefully generate additional business.  Once your business begins to grow, consider sub-contracting projects that you don’t enjoy or don’t know how to do.  Sub-contracting allows you to build relationships with other virtual assistants with various skill sets while expanding the types of services you can offer clients. A word of caution about sub-contracting.  Make sure the individual is reliable, trustworthy, and can perform the tasks needed.  Your reputation and that of your company depends on it. Make sure your clients know how much you appreciate them and their business.

Don’t get consumed with the idea of doing everything perfectly.  Mistakes are a part of learning how to run a successful business. Do what feels right for you. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider or implement ideas suggested by coaches or business contacts.  Just don’t get caught up in doing what everyone else thinks you should be doing, or gauging your success by comparing yourself to others. It’s counterproductive and will undermine your confidence.

Lastly, HAVE FUN! Don’t get so bogged down in the projects and details associated with running a business that you forget to enjoy the experience. Running a business is one of the hardest things you will ever do, but will also be one of the most rewarding. You will meet interesting people and have experiences that you could never have imagined.

What resources have helped you in your business? Forums, blogs, coaching, books? All of the resources mentioned have been helpful.  The most helpful was taking a four-month entrepreneurial training program offered by a local Chamber of Commerce, as well as graduating from an online Virtual Assistant training program.  Many of the clients I have today are a result of direct referrals from connections made through the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program, by joining a Chamber of Commerce & networking with other virtual assistants.

Share something about yourself. Have been married to my high school sweetheart for over 25 years. Love reading, smooth jazz, crime shows, the Food Network, HGTV & a good glass of wine & trips to Maine. Hate snakes and bees, (don’t tell “Fear Factor”!)

Additional comments you'd like to share. Be willing to help and mentor other virtual assistants. If you belong to a VA forum and have the time, volunteer to serve on a committee, provide training, or write articles on a subject you know a great deal about. Don’t become a VA for the money.  That will come, but it will take time and much relationship building. Get involved in your community without the expectation of getting anything in return. By giving to others, you are helping yourself although it may not be immediately apparent.

Testimonial

I had the pleasure of attending one of the teleseminars offered by Sue and Joel.  The topic was the “Client/VA Relationship.”  At the end of the seminar, I had an idea for my next e-newsletter and learned some helpful client appreciation tips, one of the most valuable having to do with how to conduct client satisfaction surveys and the benefits of having the survey completed by a third party. Sue and Joel cover topics on issues that all VAs struggle with at some point. If you haven’t attended one of their teleseminars, I encourage you to do so.

Rosalind's Contact Information: