Hosted PBX Phone System Can Be Beneficial
Today we’re going to look at what a hosted PBX Phone System is and why every Small- to Medium-Sized Business (SMB) should have one. Continue reading “Hosted PBX Phone System Can Be Beneficial”
Category: Virtual Assistants
Do Virtual Assistants Make Money by Freelancing
You’ve just been laid off from your company, and you need to make some money. Your friend mentioned in passing the other day that she had heard that a virtual assistant can make money with freelancing. But, can you REALLY make any money using these sites? Let’s take a look at one of the best quality freelance marketplaces where a virtual assistant can make money doing freelancing.
Recap on the Benefits of Becoming a Virtual Assistant
Becoming a Virtual Assistant
So, you’ve taken the bit in your teeth; and you’ve decided to take the leap and start your own virtual assistant business. Have you really thought this through? Do you have the equipment you need for your office? Have you decided on what services you will provide to your clients in your specialized niche? While I have seen it written in reports that most small businesses won’t even begin to turn a profit and start to become successful for two years, don’t let that dissuade you.
Well, I made it past the two-years and am well on my way to being a professional virtual and…writer! Below are the benefits I enjoyed when I first started out as a VA (and still do enjoy).
New and Exciting Scenery
There are many reasons to start a new virtual assistance business, even in this down-turned economy. Well, as I sit here and think about it, here are a few of my personal favorites. Number one benefit is that you get to see new and sometimes exciting scenery. As I sit here reflecting on the benefits of working out of your home, I gaze out the window and see the birds twittering and singing in the trees. Look! There is a grackle at the birdbath dipping his food in the water to soften it, even in the softly falling rain that is falling on this wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Usually, it’s a piece of dog food that he has stolen from some unsuspecting dog that’s catching forty winks. It’s such a hard job, you know, being a watchdog.
My faithful cat, Yoda, sleeps next to me keeping me company. She’s not too interested in the birds now; she appointed herself as guardian of the birds and has been watching them all morning. She’s tired now. Sshhh, don’t disturb her; it’s time for her catnap.
Climate Control
The second benefit is that you have climate control. Brrr, it’s cold in the house. Hey, Sis. Would you mind turning the air conditioner down? Can you beat that? You can adjust your own thermostat to the temperature YOU like. You don’t have to wait for maintenance where you’re working to say – Well, everyone else is just fine. You’ll just have to put a sweater on or quit your gosh-darned complaining. Put some clothes on!
Chose Your Own Hours
Now I know you will all like this benefit. You get to take your break when you want to. You can decide what hours you want to work. Got to take your child to the doctor? No problem. It’s up to you what you want to work, as long as you get out what you commit to your client. Speaking of my sis, she’s sitting next to me playing solitaire. She says “This is my breakfast break.” Shame on her — she should be working! She says “My job is done! You’re the cog in the wheel now.”
Lessen the Need for a Babysitter or Pet Sitter
Oh, I forgot to tell you. When you work virtual, your faithful canine companion gets to lay by your side helping you work. The benefit? Your dog or cat does not have to be alone all day. If you have children, you are home when your children need you.
Stress Relief
Oh, did I mention that the stress level is nearly, totally gone? You don’t have someone breathing down your neck. You don’t have scheduled annual or semi-annual reviews. Your supervisor doesn’t constantly harp that you must be a team member, you must do this job this way, etc. You can even have the radio on or the TV on low.
Working virtual is rewarding. I warn you, however, when you start your business, you will undoubtedly work more hours than if you were working full-time at a company. You know what though? You will enjoy it much more because you will be doing it for yourself. Many of you know my best friend, Dolly, that went to be with the Lord. We would work such long hours that we would fall asleep in our chairs at our desks.
Added Benefits
Your expenses will be lowered. Now, wait until you hear this. You won’t have to buy gas, commute, travel long distances, or get stuck in traffic. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?
What about the clothes you wear for work? You won’t have to buy an expensive wardrobe. You can work in your pajamas if you want or dress as casually as you want when you work at home. Don’t feel like putting on makeup or slaving over your hair, Ladies? You got it. You can work from your home (as long as you don’t have clients coming to your home) being just the way you want to be. Shed those jackets and ties, Men. Relax and wear your grungiest t-shirt if you want.
Here is the main benefit – it is just wonderful and self-satisfying.
So if you are considering delving into the world of creating your own virtual assistance business, let me reassure you that you can do it. With perseverance and drive, you can do anything you set out to do. Why not take the leap and do it now?
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***Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make purchases using them. Please see our affiliate disclosure.***
Pam Lokker is a master writer and a virtual assistant professional. While we are not currently taking on new clients, Borlok Virtual Assistants has been the place to get global expert VA services with quality and on-time delivery for many years.
If you are brand new and would like some training, why not look into the Virtual Assistant Career on VAnetworking.com. (Affiliate link)
Updated 10/14/2022
Virtual Assistants Help SMBs Be a Success
Today I’m going to discuss the top ways virtual assistants help SMBs be a success.
***Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make purchases using them. Please see our affiliate disclosure.***
Are you overwhelmed with tasks on your plate and have decided that you need a virtual assistant stat so you can have the success you were meant to have? It is possible you know. A successful SMB (Small to Medium-sized Business) can be achieved through hard-work, perseverance – and with a top-notch virtual assistant to help you out. (affiliate link).
Virtual Assistant
Let’s do a little review first as to what a virtual assistant is.
According to VAnetworking.com, “a Virtual Assistant, or VA, is an executive level, administrative professional who works from his/her own office to support clients using some of the latest available technology.”
A virtual assistant is a useful person to have around because of their versatility, knowledge, and expertise. While each individual freelancer (also known as independent contractor) might have different skill sets, their potential can fall into one of the following categories:
Front Office
Front office staff deal with your customers in such roles as marketing, sales and service. It wasn’t too long ago that when you said customer service, it was in a face-to-face environment. Now with technology, it is much easier to provide comprehensive customer service with the VA using email, phone, chat, tickets and even forums.
Back Office
Freelancers can take your SMB to a whole new level of success by handling all those back-office tasks that keep your small to medium-sized business running smoothly. Some examples include accounting, Information Technology (IT) and other technology, or compliance.
Middle Office
Middle Office roles typically are related to the financial services industry. Analysts, project management, risk management and legal/compliance would fall into this category.
You are not just limited to what I have mentioned above for office support, and there actually might be overlap between the different areas. On one website I saw, there were 101 different roles and responsibilities that a freelancer might be able to help you out. To really see just how much a virtual assistant can help your small to medium-sized business be a success, just take a look at this list at VAnetworking.com.
So what do you need a virtual assistant to do? Do you need help with marketing campaigns, transcription, setting up/managing webinars or seminars or events? Sit down and make a list of those things that you want to do (or need to do) and delegate the rest of your office and administrative duties to your virtual assistant. You won’t be sorry you did.
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Pam Lokker is a skillful writer and virtual assistant professional. Borlok Virtual Assistants is the place to get global expert Virtual Assistant services with quality and on-time delivery.
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You Can Find Good Paying Jobs on Freelance Marketplaces
Jobs are a dime a dozen on freelance marketplaces, but you can find good paying jobs. What can you do to increase your chances for ensuring that the job invitation you receive is legitimate?
Believe it or not, when my partner and I started freelancing in 2006, even though we were new, we did get buyers (or clients) inviting us for an interview. For just starting out, I would say we didn’t do too bad. Our specialty at that time was transcription. Through our persistence, we were actually able to find good paying jobs. That’s not to say the road was not a little bumpy, but the clients posting the jobs at that time had a good grasp of what someone should be paid.
Find Good Paying Jobs
Over the years we’ve slowly seen job offerings from a wide selection of countries globally. Your highest concentration of jobs being offered are from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, U.S., Canada, and the UK. Along with that concentration came the gradual disintegration of fair pay for an honest day’s work. For people in the U.S. and Canada, it’s common to see buyers posting jobs and demanding that independent contractors bid low, and I mean, VERY LOW.
Don’t misunderstand me. There are still jobs in the freelance marketplaces that will pay you a decent pay — but you’ve got to be on your toes, do your homework, and protect yourself from unscrupulous employers. Here are some lessons we have learned over the years that have increased our chances for bringing in good pay.
• If the job posting sounds just too good, it probably IS too good. This is where you really need to do your homework. Do they list their company name or any name at all, or can you glean any information from the search engines and/or places like the Better Business Bureau? Do they have any history in the freelance marketplace
• Depending on the freelance marketplace site you use, fixed rate jobs can spell trouble with a capital T — unless you have the option to request escrow.
• If you see a job posting and you declined it for one reason or another and it keeps getting posted, if you didn’t like it the first time, the chances are you won’t like it the third time around. 🙂
• Your gut instinct is the best judge of what you should or shouldn’t bid for. Pay attention!
Finding good-paying jobs on freelance marketplaces is difficult but possible. Have patience and perseverance — and above all, have a positive attitude. Good Luck!
Virtual Assistants Need To Get Smart With Article Distribution
Do you realize that first quarter is gone? Did you achieve your goals for article writing? If not, it’s time to get smart with article distribution. How do we do that, though? Let’s take a look.
First of all, it’s a good idea to implement an overall action plan for your writing. Write down your goals for 2nd quarter, if you haven’t already done so. You don’t want to lose any more time than you already have. Then get busy writing.
Once a virtual assistant has the articles written, what is the best way to distribute them far and wide on the Internet. My recommendation would be to use a proven model for your article distribution. This model should be comprehensive, as well as being easy to use.
DYA has developed a model that incorporates all the finer points of ensuring that virtual assistants get smart with article distribution. Below I’m going to break it down for you.
To Spin or Not To Spin
Now before you bring up that I said before that spinning was not a good thing to do, I’ve since found out that spinning can actually have its uses — if you do it the right way.
Preparation Tools
There are many things we should do to make sure we not only get smart with article distribution, but also stay smart. One way we can do that is by careful preparation.
Distribution and Reporting
What wouldn’t we all give to have our articles show up as a feature article on well-known sites. Don’t think it’s possible? I can attest that it is possible. This happens with continuity in bite-size morsels – a little bit at a time.
Good article distribution can drive traffic to your website or blog site. Now more than ever, virtual assistants need to get smart with article distribution and implement a well-thought-out plan of action to get the best results. This process within this article is just one way. Whatever method you use, you need to start now. What are you waiting for?
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Pam Lokker is a skillful writer and proficient virtual assistant. She is co-owner of Borlok Virtual Assistants, the place to get global expert VA services with quality and on-time delivery.
Updated 6/16/2023
3 Things a Virtual Assistant Can Do to Post Quality Content to the Web
Virtual Assistants can find themselves in a bind and not be able to find the time for writing articles due to their clients’ demand on the VA’s time. Do you know any other ways to post quality content to the Web? I do. Let’s check it out.
I’m sure you have all heard me lament that I just don’t have the time to write articles anymore. You see, as a virtual assistant, my clients are my priority. With working from dawn to late in the evenings, there just aren’t extra minutes in the day for personal writing. I had to find 3 things I can do to post quality content to the Web and do it fast!
Post Quality Content
Share
Did you just read an article on the Web and really, really like it and you think your clients or colleagues might enjoy it? Share it through one of the popular bookmarking and sharing services that you can find on the Internet. There are some that you can get a share button to add to your popular Web browsers like Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome or Safari. Reading an article pertaining to your niche? Share it!
Talk it up in social media
Okay, so maybe you don’t have a lot of time to write an article. But, if you can take five minutes out of your day, you can post to LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or some of your other favorite social networking sites. Here are a couple of benefits for doing that:
1. Increase your brand image:
It stands to reason that the more you post, the more chances you will have of having your logo, photo, business, etc. visible in the eyes of the public. Seeing can lead to their talking YOU up (watch out; it can work in reverse also) and spreading their feedback.
2. Become more widely known as an expert in your field
If you continuously offer valuable input on Facebook Pages or to your social media in response to questions pertaining to your niche, the chances are very strong that they will look to you to solve their needs in the future. You will gradually be recognized as a go to person for help in solving issues.
Offer input in forums
In my opinion virtual assistants or anyone that has a niche that they write about should have at least one forum that they are a member of. Why? Here are just three benefits of becoming part of a niche forum:
• Sharing opportunities
After all, if you like horseback riding (yup, that’s me), then you want to be able to talk with other people that have the same interests and get new content for writing blog posts or articles when you get more time.
• Brainstorming opportunities
If you have an idea, you can bounce that idea of another member or even all members of the forum and ask for advice on what the members think. It’s a great way to receive, give, exchange, recommend (I’m sure there are more words I could think of to describe this if I thought about it, but let’s go on.)
• Networking opportunities – The more people you know and like you and hear of your virtual assistant services, the more they will spread the word to their business associates. Who knows? You could gain some new clients yourself in the process as their business associates come to you for services you offer.
A virtual assistant has to be alert to new opportunities to take advantage of managing their time. There are several ways you can post quality content to the Web, even though you may not be actively writing articles or blog posting. Some of those methods can take as little as five minutes. Good luck!
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Pam Lokker is a skillful writer and proficient virtual assistant. She is co-owner of Borlok Virtual Assistants, the place to get global expert VA services with quality and on-time delivery.
Should Virtual Assistants Be Concerned with Google’s New Algorithm
Everyone has been talking about it. Since Google changed their algorithm, there’s been a lot of concern whether or not article writers and virtual assistants should stay away from writing good wholesome articles altogether.
So what is Google’s purpose?
Google is intent on improving ranking for article writers. What will happen is that quality should take a big step up. I’m sure you’ve noticed trying to search in your favorite search engine for a term and getting very low-quality articles. Some of them don’t even pertain to the search keyword(s) you typed in. Google believes that this is just the start and readily admit that new updates will be coming down the pipeline that should improve quality even more.
What Is a Content Farm?
According to Wikipedia, a content farm as it relates to the World Wide Web “is used to describe a company that employs large numbers of often freelance writers to generate large amounts of textual content which is specifically designed to satisfy algorithms for maximal retrieval by automated search engines. Their main goal is to generate advertising revenue through attracting reader page views.” Unfortunately, many of these content farms can promote articles of low quality due to excessive spinning or poor writing abilities.
How will this affect article content distribution sites?
Places like Distribute Your Articles (DYA) believe that content farms are in trouble. DYA has always encouraged their members to always submit original content. Their coaches are put through an extensive training program so they are comfortable recognizing errors that can cause an article to be rejected by publishers and site owners. Included in the training is how to correctly apply Article Alchemy™ technology. The end result is that the article writer can rest assured that their articles have been intensively reviewed to make sure that high quality is maintained.
Other content distribution places are raising the bars in their review process to ensure that they are not penalized by Google with a low rating. This will include places like EzineArticles who has recently announced several changes they have implemented to improve their ranking. One of the biggest changes was to increase the minimum length of articles from 300 to 400.
So what is my strategy going to be for me, as well as my clients? I will follow the course of DYA and recommend to my clients that we only submit original content to multiple sites, depending on the client’s memberships. However, my advice to them will also be to blog, and post their articles on social media like Facebook and LinkedIn.
Do I believe that Virtual Assistants (VAs) should be concerned with Google’s new algorithm? I would more say that VAs should become aware but not necessarily concerned. So, for me, that means business as usual. What do you think?
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Pam Lokker is a skillful writer and proficient virtual assistant. Borlok Virtual Assistants is the place to get global expert VA services with quality and on-time delivery.
How a Virtual Assistant Should Prepare For A Phone Interview
If you have received an inquiry from a prospective new client, that client may wish to have an interview with you. How should you present yourself to ensure that you shine and gain their confidence?
Learn New Information Daily to Stay Sharp!
A virtual assistant does (or should) learn something new everyday, but do we take the time to have that information register? Here are some steps to incorporate learning into your daily routine.
