I believe Laura and I first connected on Find Virtual – where you can find, hire and network with a Virtual Assistant. Laura continually looks for ways to improve her business and I’m glad to have found such a staunch supporter of the virtual assistant industry.

1. When did you start your business?
November 2009 was when I received my EIN, however, my website was just launched and published 4 weeks ago.

2. Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
I selected a virtual assistance business because I am super at what I do, and this is a way to focus on my strengths and the industry I choose to work with.

3. What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
Two suggestions.  First, do not go it alone.  Chief Virtual Officer has been instrumental in my business development and guidance.  Second, be a consummate professional, remember that just because you are virtual and using electronic communication does not change the way you should represent yourself.

4. What resources have helped you in your business?
Resources that I have used to guide me as a business owner: Chief Virtual Officer business coaching calls, books such as Duct Tape Marketing – John Jantsch, Power of Intention, Wayne Dyer, and a membership of International Association of Administrative Professionals.

5. Share a success story or something about yourself.
My success story: I am a very successful volunteer Project Leader for the Hands On, United Way volunteer group.  I have been involved for over three years.  This has been a pivotal force in my life.  First, because I meet a lot of great people.  Second, because I’ve grown as a person from being involved in projects where I am helping someone who needs it.  I feel as though volunteerism is character building, gives you internal strength and takes you outside of yourself.  I would strongly suggest that everyone give of themselves, it changes your life.

6. Additional comments you’d like to share.
Going from being an employee to a business owner takes strength, fortitude, support and encouragement.  Be strong, open, flexible and eager to learn, your motivation and willingness will make the difference between being a successful business owner and or having a business that may not make it.

When Joel and I first met Paula online we knew she was our kind of people. She’s smart, fun and easy to talk to. I hope you enjoy her interview.

1. When did you start your business?
January 2008

2. Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
In 2007 I realized I had hit a “brick wall” in my corporate career. I began looking for a new job but wasn’t excited about getting another j-o-b. Then one day I watched a TV news interview of a successful VA out in Montana and realized I could do that! I purchased a couple of books on how to be a VA and with a little prior planning I quit my corporate job and established my new business.

3. What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
I have two:
Polish your networking skills and force yourself to get out of the house and meet people.
Do not buy anything at the office supply store until you absolutely have to!

4. What resources have helped you in your business?
I recently read The Commonsense Virtual Assistant and recommend it to new VAs. My local business assistance center and my local chamber of commerce have been a huge help in getting me clients.

5. Share something about yourself.
Being self-employed I tend to work too much. I am not comfortable “just sitting around”. Realizing I need to relax more I recently took a knitting class. It’s the perfect hobby for fidgety people and it gives me the mental break I need.

6. Additional comments you’d like to share.
If you are considering a career change I highly recommend becoming a Virtual Assistant. There is plenty of work for all of us!

Paula’s Contact Information:
Paula Hill – Virtual Assistant
Website: http://paulahill.com
Blog: http://paulahill.com/paulas-blog/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/paula_hill
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/panther.city.paula
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/paulahill

Jo first contacted me after being referred by a fellow member of Find Virtual. Joel and I immediately knew she was the type of person we would enjoy working with. It’s been a pleasure to coach Jo as she’s growing her business in the UK.

1. When did you start your business?
I started the business in October 2008.

2. Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
I have a family and wanted to continue working whilst being there for my children.

3. What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
Have faith that you can do it and have faith in your abilities. Its hard work but the benefits for my family have been immense!

4. What resources have helped you in your business?
I have had experience of all of these but have found a real gem in 2 VA business coaches that helped me focus when I had lost my way and their advice has been invaluable. I didn’t read many books but did subscribe to other VA blogs and forums.

5. Share a success story or something about yourself.
I have changed my focus to being a Virtual HR Officer and am now on the verge of signing a contract with a company for over £10k a year… I still get to work from home and be with my children!

Here’s to your continued success Jo!

Joanne Jinks,  HRVA
Website – hrva.co.uk
Blog - hrva.co.uk
Twitter - Do You Need My Help
Facebook - Joanne Jinks
LinkedIn – http://uk.linkedin.com/in/jojinks

Jennifer Bourn of Bourn Creative was the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Northern California Virtual Assistants Meetup group today.

Jen made the point that each page on our website should have a goal. We need to take time to decide what the goal is for that particular page and then be sure that everything on that page is working toward that goal.

That was just one little tidbit I took away from today’s presentation. Bourn Creative provides a ton on information on their blog and I highly recommend you visit their blog today.

At the Chief Virtual Officer blog you will find lots of information and resources for your virtual assistant business. We blog about what’s happening in the industry, how to communicate with clients, what it takes to run a successful business, marketing tips and much more.

In addition, we offer coaching to help virtual assistants succeed in business. Whether you are just researching what it takes, have just started your business or are an experienced virtual assistant, we have coaching programs tailored to your needs.

Visit our Coaching page to learn more about our individualized and group coaching programs.

We’ve also published a book for virtual assistants, The Commonsense Virtual Assistant – Becoming an Entrepreneur, Not an Employee, and an action guide, Building Blocks: Succeed as a Chief Virtual Officer. You can read more about them on our Books page.

So take some time to peruse our site and let us know how we can help you succeed in your virtual assistant business.