Many virtual assistants are starting the new year with questions about their business. I've decided to start a new blog series here for those virtual assistants who want answers to their questions. This Questions and Answers series is your opportunity to ask any questions about your virtual assistant business. I'll then compose a reply via my blog so that all can benefit.

Use the contact form to send me your questions. I'll post one each Friday and send you the link. Your feedback is very much appreciated.

Read the first in the series about how to raise an existing client's rate here.

Joel and I want to reconnect with all the great virtual assistants who have shown interest in what we are doing with Chief Virtual Officer - training, coaching and mentoring new and aspiring virtual assistants.

We are now traveling virtual workers and are teaching others how to be successful virtual workers as well. You can read more about our travels at our Canfield of Dreams website.

As we've traveled, we've realized that connecting with virtual assistants in person is most effective in building trusting relationships. When we're in your area, we hope we can meet you in person. We also realize that cost is always an issue. Therefore, we've made it possible for you to donate any amount you can afford.

Details

Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Time: 1:30 pm EST / 10:30 am PST

Call #: Via Skype: connect with 'joeldcanfield' on Skype. You can set up a Skype account for free.

Purpose of call: Bring your greatest business challenge and brainstorm. We will give specific ideas to help you overcome your challenge. We'll also tell you what's new with Chief Virtual Officer.

Joel and I are very excited to talk with you all and hear what's going on in your business. Please feel free to invite any other virtual assistants you think would be interested in chatting for a bit.

Thank you all!

Register Here: http://cvomentoringcall20101026.eventbrite.com/

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

The Client Communication Clinic in Vancouver Canada on August 6, 2010 includes some special bonus items. In addition to a Grand Prize to be announced shortly, there are two additional bonus items.

Shout outs to Vickie Turley and Christine Giri for donation these bonus items. Thank you both!

Read all the details here.

Grand Prize! To be announced shortly. We will have one Grand Prize Winner!

Bonus #3: Drawing for copies of the book What's Love Got To Do With It? How to Have the Perfect VA Client Relationship by Vickie Turley. There will be 7 copies to give away! ($19.95 Value)

Bonus #4: Drawing for copies of the ebook on CD Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn - A Quick-Start Guide for Virtual Assistants by Christine Giri. There will be 5 copies to give away! ($49.95 Value)

In September we hope to host Client Communication Clinics in Southern California - one in the Irvine area and another in San Diego. We need to know if you'd be interested in attending. Check out the event as it will be held in Vancouver, Canada in August here: http://vancouvervaworkshop.eventbrite.com/.

Then please let us know if you'd be interested in attending the same type of event in Irvine, San Diego, or anywhere else for that matter. Then we can start planning the details. Thank you!

You can either post a comment on the blog or use the Contact Form to send us your responses.