From Executive Assistant to Virtual Assistant
I receive a lot of messages on LinkedIn from people thinking of taking the leap from Executive Assistant to Virtual Assistant, and asking how I did it and whether I have any tips. So, I thought it might be useful to write a blog on the subject!
Included:
- Research
- Networking
- Helpful groups and support
- Where to go for advice
- Finances
Background
I had worked for almost ten years as a Senior Executive Assistant and throughout my PA/EA career had only ever worked for Managing Directors, CEOs and Boards of Directors. I wanted a change and at first thought that a change of job might be the answer – but I tried that and it wasn’t, what I really needed was to start my own company. So there I started several months of researching!
Research, research, research!
My starting point was the book ‘30 Days to Setting Up as a Virtual Assistant’ by Helen Stoddart. Other resources that I found invaluable were the VA Handbook by Jo Munro and advice from VA Trainer Amanda Johnson of the Virtual Assistant Training & Coaching Company (VACT) as well as the Society of Virtual Assistants (SVA). In fact I went on to do two years of 1:1 coaching with Amanda and am now part of her Membership Group.
It’s really important to have a look at all the resources you can and find a style that works for you.
I also looked at business support that was not Virtual Assistant related, to help me become a better business owner. The Techie Mentor is also great and has tonnes of really valuable webinars on You Tube that are worth checking out.
“There’s lots of support out there, so use it!”
I’d also recommend joining Virtual Assistant Facebook Groups. There are tonnes out there, but I’d recommend The Virtual Assistant Training Academy and VA Handbookers which have really been my go-to resources so far. These groups are invaluable for sharing experiences and asking for advice, whether you are new to being a VA or more experienced. They are a good place to find work as an Associate VA too, if that’s the way you’d prefer to develop your business.
Networking is ke
y
Networking is very important, and it is through face to face networking (rather than online) and referrals that I have secured most of my clients, I have also got clients through my online business clubs, LinkedIn, referrals from friends, family and online business pages such as yell.com. In regards to networking, check out my first experience of this here. My advice would be:
- Search for as many business networks as you can in your area;
- Visit them all before making your decision on which to join;
- Check out free events on Eventbrite.
I must have attended about eight different groups before making my decision on which ones to join. If you need to keep costs down, check out events in your area on Eventbrite and attend anything that is free – you might not think some events are relevant, but you never know what you’ll learn and who you might meet there. I would attend the opening of an envelope in the early days, but these days I only attend networks where I might bump into my ideal clients.
Know Your Numbers
It’s also very important to know your numbers. Know how much you want to be earning and what you need to charge and how many hours you need to fill to achieve this. The websites I mention above have some great resources to help you calculate what to charge – charge what you are worth! The VA trainers are great for helping you decide what to charge if you are unsure.
Be prepared to go several months with no income (and only expenditures) and have a plan for this – whether it’s a partner who can cover the household costs, a part time job or savings, don’t start your business unless you have a plan in place – just in case it takes you longer than you thought to get your first client!
Attend free business courses in your area (I attended business planning, business finance and marketing courses run by Business Information Point). And get a separate business bank account so you don’t get to the end of the year and get a tax bill you can’t pay as you spent it on new shoes!
Identify your niche
My last bit of advice would be regarding identifying your niche – the skills that you have that stand you apart from everyone else. Identifying a niche helps you target your marketing, decide which networking groups to join etc. And don’t get too hung up on this, I identified my target market early on but only ended up working with one client in that field – my niche has changed several times.
Make a Decision!
Starting my business has certainly come with a lot of ups and downs, more outgoings than income to start with, and worries over whether I have had done the right thing, but now the bills are being paid, I am working the hours I want to work and am enjoying life far more than I was as a stressed out PA!
Whatever you decide to do, it’s a very personal choice and all of our situations are different. So do your research thoroughly, use all the free advice out there to start with and make a decision!
Good luck!
Thank you Joanne, the info is helpful indeed. All the best to your business as well.
Thank you Beauty, I wish you every success