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

I first met Julie on the VANetworking Forums. I replied to a request she made for feedback on her website and it wasn't long before we were talking by Skype. Julie is a real go-getter and her enthusiasm is contagious! She is the first representative in Canada for Chief Virtual Officer.

Sue: When did you start your business?
Julie: February 2010

Sue: Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
Julie: I have wanted to work from home for about three years now, I enjoy doing computer and administrative related work and when I discovered that other people were making a living doing it from home I decided to try it too.

Sue: What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
Julie: Get as much information as you can about the business. Read forums and blogs and talk to the people who are already doing it. And most of all network both online and in person.

Sue: What resources have helped you in your business?
Julie: I read a lot online before I started. I spent at least three weeks reading everything I could find about being a VA.  I joined several online communities and met some fantastic people who gave me some great advice.

Sue: Would you mind telling us a little something about yourself?
Julie: I love music, animals and gardening. I also love anything to do with computers. I am very much a homebody and I’m glad to have found a career that will allow me to enjoy all these things.
Thank you Julie for sharing with us today. Julie's contact information follows:

Julie Dillman, Executive Digital Assistant
http://executivedigitalassistant.com
Twitter @ExecDigAssist
Facebook Executive Digital Assistant
LinkedIn ExecDigAssist

Now that you've started blogging, how do you promote it? What are some ways you can make other people aware of it? Here are 5 ways you can promote your blog:

1. Email all your friends, family, colleagues and announce the launch of your blog. If you've already started blogging, send out an announcement at 6 months, 1 year, or at your 50th blog post.

2. Trade guest articles with a similar blogger.

3. Include a blog article in your newsletter and make sure to include a link back to your blog.

4. Use your online business networking sites, such as Digg, Facebook, and LinkedIn, to let everyone know of your blog.

5. At the end of your article, ask a question and ask for comments. Put it in bold.

So, how do you promote your blog? I'd love your comments and ideas.

We're all tired of being bombarded by sales pitches on our social networks. Your efforts at social networking to market your business can be successful. Remember, it is what you make it.

That means that instead of constantly sending out advertising, you need to provide value to your network. Posts tips and advice that your network can use in their business. This will earn you credibility and the respect of your network.