Leslie and I connected on LinkedIn while I was searching for virtual assistants in the British Columbia area. We were house sitting in BC in August. Though I didn’t get the chance to meet Leslie in person, I hope that changes in the future as we  hope to get back to BC, perhaps next August again.

When did you start your business?
I have been working freelance on various projects since 2000, on a part-time basis.  I officially registered my business and began seriously providing Virtual Assistant services in 2006.

Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
I have over 20 years of corporate experience in positions such as Executive Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Purchasing (Junior Buyer), Accounting, and Customer Service. Tired of the ‘rat race’, working long hours and nothing to show for it, I decided to use my existing skills to ‘work for myself’, and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience! It is SO gratifying.

What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
I believe researching the industry and planning are key elements for new and aspiring VAs to consider. I found a business plan extremely helpful in giving my new business direction, as well as knowing where my business would fit in in the current and future markets. I always recommend a book to new and aspiring VAs that was extremely useful to me in starting my own business, ‘The 2-Second Commute’. As well, knowing one’s personality traits is important – I consider dedication, commitment and self-discipline to be valuable qualities to portray.

What resources have helped you in your business?
Numerous resources have helped me in starting, maintaining and growing my business. Firstly, VA associations and networking forums have been extremely supportive. Many forums (like CVAN) offer teleseminars and webinars of varying topics associated with running a VA business, as well as knowledge databases. Secondly, through these forums and my own research, I have come across many free and lower cost business applications that I use in my work. This may be very cost effective for someone who is just starting out and has a limited budget and working capital.

Share something about yourself.
I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, Vancouver Island. Connecting with nature is relaxing and inspiring. So, I love walking/hiking trails, swimming and biking. On the intellectual front, I enjoy reading, both fiction and non-fiction. I also thrive on constant learning and education, so I upgrade my skills with information from both books and the internet.

Leslie’s Contact Information:
Leslie Adams, Adams Virtual Assistance
Website: www.adamsvirtualassistance.com
Blog: www.adamsvirtualassistance.blogspot.com (as of Sept.1, 2010)
Facebook: Facebook profile page
LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile Page

I first met Collette online at the Find Virtual website for Virtual Assistants. Collette and I have had many discussions about the industry and in particular subcontracting. If you are interested in doing work as a sub or are looking for a sub contracting virtual assistant, Collette can help you out. She has a monthly free call for those interested.

When did you start your business?
March 2007 while working fulltime and raising my two children.

Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
This has been a dream.  I wanted to stay home with my children yet continue with a career that I would expand my knowledge and skills.  It also is an achievement of learning something different or outside my regular experience.

What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
Had I known I could have subcontracted for other VAs and learn as much as I have I wouldn’t have purchased so many unnessary learning tools. Learn from others.  Read VAs’ success stories.   Don’t get over booked when it comes to social networks.  Just a few and be an active member in the group by adding value.

What resources have helped you in your business?
eading success stories of others.  Corporate Mom Drop Outs is a book I can’t put down.  I also thrive on assisting other VAs by subcontracting.  They teach their knowledge by physically doing their tasks.  http://findvirtual.com has been one of my main resources along with Mom Masterminds. I’m also an audio learner there are a huge amount of podcasts that have taught me so much.  http://wahmtalkradio.com http://nicoleonthenet.com and Denise Griffitts series.

Share a success story or something about yourself.
No matter what type of goal I set I seem to accomplish it sooner or later.  The thing I want people to realize is how appreciative I am that I’m able to do so.  There are a lot of people who drop the ball if they’re not getting to the goal as quickly as they thought.  The key is to stick with it.  Maybe I’m not working from home full-time yet but I am learning more than I ever imagined and from the right people.  I’m from the midwest and technology isn’t many people’s forteit, however that’s what keeps me going.  So I chose to use it to my advantage and become a virtual assistant.

Additional comments you’d like to share.
If you’re a little nervous about getting started start slow.  Do it part-time for awhile.  Most of all I suggest working for someone else so they can somewhat take you under their wing.  It’s ok to ask for help.

Collette’s Contact Information:
Collette Schultz, Software Savvy Sub
Virtual Dream Office Services
Website:  http://softwaresavvysub.info
Blog: http://virtualdreamofficeservices.blogspot.com/
Twitter: virtualdream
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/virtualdream

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

Using Facebook to promote your business is great – when done appropriately. Many of us have gotten so eager to share with others what we do or so desperate for work, that we post on our friend’s wall about our business hoping to get their friend’s business. This recently happened to me. I know this person wasn’t trying to offend me and even when to the extent of praising me as a leader in my field. I believe they thought that would make it okay to then post and solicit business for themselves.

However, I really don’t know this person that well yet for one thing. I do appreciate that times are tough and we’re all looking for ways to get more business. However, proper social media etiquette means we don’t just post on other people’s wall’s for business. I’ll admit I’ve inadvertently posted something on a friend’s wall promoting my business. When it was brought to my attention, I immediately apologized and removed the post.

Here’s what I suggest. Send this type of message directly to your contacts and ask them if they’d mind sharing it with their friends. Then allow your contact to decide if it’s something they feel comfortable promoting on your behalf or not.

I’d love to hear your comments!