Revolutionary Spotlight - Dawn Riley: VA In Paradise
Owner: Dawn Riley
1. How long have you been in business?
My virtual doors have been open for 7 months; however, I have been offering administrative support virtually for 3 years now.
2. Why did you start your business?
I wanted to have the flexibility to be home for my family and still generate an income.
3. What types of businesses do your service?
Currently I am supporting a few businesses within the Construction Industry and also a few Mid-level Executives.
4. What is your niche?
Small Businesses/Busy Executives
5. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since opening your virtual doors?
You have to set good boundaries with your clients.
6. What resources can you not live without?
My laptop, cell phone, Microsoft Office and my air card. With these I can work virtually anywhere!
7. What’s the best part about being a VA?
To me the best part of being a VA is the flexibility that I have to be here for my family when they need me.
8. What’s the greatest thing you’ve done for your business?
Without a doubt hiring a designer for my website.
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself with just the right amount of clients so that I have financial freedom in 5 years.
10. What the biggest obstacle you face in your business?
My biggest obstacle in the beginning was marketing. I was not satisfied with the website I had initially created. How did you overcome it? I hired a designer to create a website for me and now I feel more confident directing potential clients to my site.
11. In your opinion, what’s the best feature of the Revolution?
I love the fact that the Virtual Assistant Revolution is a small community full of experienced and successful VA’s who are willing to share and coach you along to meet your goals.
Lynn Cox - April Revolutionary Business of the Month
The Revolution would like to publicly congratulate Lynn Cox of Cox Virtual PA Solutions for winning Revolutionary Business of the Month for April!
Lynn has been a member of the Rev since June 2006. Lynn is always there with a virtual smile for each and every member of the Revolution.
Congratulations Lynn!!
Here is what our membership had to say about Lynn:
Lynn’s business has shown tremendous growth in the past year. She has pushed past many obstacles in order to establish a thriving, successful business. She’s a shining example of the amazing things that can happen when a person refuses to give up.
I’ve always been impressed with Lynn’s love for technology. She’s always first to try out the latest and greatest programs and computer systems that most of us are too nervous to try.
Lynn is continually finding ways to broaden her knowledge base and skill set, with her newest endeavors being desktop support and bookkeeping. She is a well-rounded virtual assistant with much to offer her clients and colleagues.
Lynn has shown that you can overcome anything and make lemonade out of lemons with her business. She’s faced some tough times both personally and within her business, but she’s never given up. She identified the problem areas, sought advice, and implemented plans. And now, she’s laying the ground work to be a household name in the UK with her new venture. Her persistence truly makes her revolutionary!
Lynn is always ready to come up to the plate to give advice and share openly and honestly what has worked for her and what has not.
Lynn’s love for technology is infectious. Not many would be willing to give new systems and new ways a try but Lynn takes on the challenge with a fervor and her efforts do not go unnoticed.
Lynn is one of those who always see’s the glass as half full vs. half empty. Her strength and persistence and her ability to rise above any challenge is inspiring to the Rev membership. Continue on in greatness Lynn!!
Set the UK on fire Lynn!
Becki and Heather
Karen McGreevey - March Revolutionary Business of the Month
The Revolution would like to publicly congratulate Karen McGreevey of Konceptuality for winning Revolutionary Business of the Month for March!
Karen has been a member of the Rev since its beginning back in April 2006. She is an awesome support base for many members and is one of the biggest cheerleaders of virtual assistance that we know.
Congratulations Karen!!
Here is what our membership had to say about Karen:
Diamond in the rough… that’s how I would describe Karen. From the moment I first met her, she stood out and all over when and how we opened the Rev. Had she not been vocal at that point, I never would’ve gotten to know her as I have, and that would’ve been my loss. Karen has not only taken her business from nothing and made it work for her, but she stretches outside of her comfort zone to tackle new opportunities. She never lets not knowing how to do something stop her as with her most recent venture. While it’s taken a little longer than we first anticipated, she’s still working on completing her goal of an eBook. Not once has she given up and she’s been given every opportunity to do so. In addition to working on her own business, Karen has continually cheered all the rest of us on and has become the cheerleader of the group, complete with avatar to boot. She is more than deserving of this award based simply on her attitude in life as it is truly revolutionary, however, when you couple it with her thirst for learning, her ability in doing, she exceeds everything revolutionary means. I am truly grateful to have her in my corner.
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Karen is an astute business owner and all around go getter. She is the biggest cheerleader in the Rev and has a heart of gold. Karen is getting ready to release her first ebook, so soon it will be our turn to cheer her on. If there is one person who deserves the honor during the month of March, it’s Karen.
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Karen always has a positive attitude and is always there to cheer us on. It’s so nice when you post something in the Rev and you go back to find a post from Karen cheering you on. You know she is always there listening and routing for you.
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Karen is so positive and helpful all the time. She offers a lot of valuable information and is always there to help others. She’s a big asset to the VA community.
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It’s great to have a “cheerleader” like Karen on our side!
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Karen is encouraging and motivating to her fellow Rev members, and her high level of professionalism shines through in all her posts.
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She’s a creative force to be reckoned with, and we’re lucky to have her in our midst.
Revolutionary Spotlight — Rosalind Harris
Owner: Rosalind Harris
1. How long have you been in business?
13 months
2. Why did you start your business?
To take advantage of over 25 years experience as an administrative professional and to have more control and flexibility over the type of work I do and companies I would like to work with.
3. What types of businesses do your service?
Not-for-profits, pet trainers and behavioral therapists, associations and professional membership organizations, concierge services, web designers, financial advisors
4. What is your niche?
Not-for-profits and professional membership organizations
5. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since opening your virtual doors?
That it is possible to be responsive and still say no to clients without compromising the relationship
6. What resources can you not live without?
Up-to-date equipment and technology, VA forums
7. What’s the best part about being a VA?
Freedom to make business choices, being able to handpick clients and projects
8. What’s the greatest thing you’ve done for your business?
Recently upgraded my computer and printer and purchased new accounting software. Joined two VA Forums.
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Achieving VA certification, becoming a certified woman-owned minority business, having a significant online presence, utilizing what I’ve learned to help others enter the industry and grow successful businesses
10. What the biggest obstacle you face in your business? How did you overcome it?
Biggest obstacle is educating the business community about the virtual assistant concept and industry. Haven’t overcome yet. It’s an ongoing process.
11. In your opinion, what’s the best feature of the Revolution?
The size of the Revolution is the best feature. For a time, I participated in VANA and felt overwhelmed by the sheer size of the group. With the Revolution, you have an opportunity to develop closer relationships and friendships. I’ve become quite friendly with Angela Smith of Accu-Assist. She was very welcoming when I joined the REV and we continue to correspond outside the forum on a regular basis. The second best feature is that everyone openly shares their expertise and tries to help one another.
Revolutionary Spotlight — Angela Smith
Owner: Angela Smith
1. How long have you been in business?
I officially launched my business in August 2006, but I landed my first client several months before that.
2. Why did you start your business?
I established my virtual assistance practice in order to combine my diverse interests and experience into a single tailor-made career. You can’t do that in the corporate world!
3. What types of businesses do you service?
I work with a lot of other virtual assistants on a subcontracting basis, and in working with their clients, I get to work with just about every type of business under the sun. The variety certainly keeps things interesting.
4. What is your niche?
My niche is proofreading and editing, but I offer a variety of administrative services as well. I really enjoy learning new skills and polishing the ones I haven’t used in a while.
5. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since opening your virtual doors?
Here’s the most important lesson I’ve learned so far: It’s great to get advice from others, but ultimately, you have to go with your gut instinct when making decisions. Only you know what is truly best for your business and your life. Even if you don’t get it right the first time, you’ll continue to learn from your mistakes.
6. What resources can you not live without?
I couldn’t live without my two favorite VA forums: the VA Revolution and VANA. Both groups have provided me with the camaraderie and support that many solo entrepreneurs yearn for.
7. What’s the best part about being a VA?
The best part about being a VA is having the ability to work from home, of course! I enjoy running my own business and having the opportunity to mold my own future. Plus, I love being involved with a huge network of virtual assistants from all over the world!
8. What’s the greatest thing you’ve done for your business?
Joining the Revolution was one of the best things I’ve done for my business–and no, Becki and Heather didn’t pay me to say that! I know I wouldn’t think nearly as BIG if I hadn’t joined the Revolution.
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I look forward to developing a business that isn’t totally dependent on the number of billable hours I have available. We all have only 24 hours in a day, but I’m always looking for innovative ways to serve higher numbers of clients with less time.
10. What is the biggest obstacle you face in your business? How did you overcome it?
Client work always takes top priority, which makes it difficult to find the time to develop all of my new business ideas! I’m not sure there is a way to completely overcome the time restraints that each of us deals with. It’s just a matter of finding the time to work on my business.
11. In your opinion, what’s the best feature of the Revolution?
Revolution members are very serious about their businesses, and the motivation really rubs off. When we put our heads together, we can be downright dangerous!
Angela Smith is the owner of Accu-Assist and author of Online Networking for the Newbie. Angela specializes in proofreading and editing e-books, newsletters, articles, and Web content. She also provides a variety of general administrative services to small business owners and self-employed professionals.
Revolutionary Spotlight — Cynthia Clark
Owner: Cynthia Clark
1. How long have you been in business?
My official launch was January 2008
2. Why did you start your business?
Basically I was laid off in the corporate world and decided that I didn’t want to go through the hassle of looking for a job at my age.
3. What types of businesses do your service?
Small businesses as well as speakers, entertainers, coaches and evangelists.
4. What is your niche? (Your specialty?)
My niche is ‘phone support’ and ‘calendar management’
5. What is the most important lesson you have learned since opening your virtual doors?
When you are trying to get a potential client, just because you have a few conversations with them does not mean ‘you’ve got the job’. I had to learn how to take rejection and move on.
6. What resources can you not live without?
The Internet, I have to have it. My DSL was down for a day, and oh my God, I was lost
7. What’s the best part about being a VA?
I only have to answer to me, and I appreciate ‘me’ so therefore, there is no doubt that I have given 100% to each and every task with much appreciation.
8. What is the greatest thing you have done for your business? (Hiring a web designer, coach, etc)
Follow the lead of veteran virtual assistants, hire a coach.
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself making a comfortable living doing exactly what I love doing. Maintaining my business and not taking on more than I care to.
10. What the biggest obstacle you face in your business? How did you overcome it?
The biggest obstacle to me at this point is getting my name out there to more people. I think I am headed in the right direction.
11. In your opinion, what is the best feature of the Revolution?
Without question 1) the forum, I love the close knit group of men and women on ‘The Rev’ - 2) The conference room, here you can get together and hear some of the voices of the people you network with on a regular basis.
For more information, visit Cynthia on the web at http://www.cynthiasvirtualsolutions.com
Revolutionary Spotlight - Sally Khulman
http://www.VirtualSimplicity.net
Owner: Sally Khulman
1. How long have you been in business?
5 years
2. Why did you start your business?
Being an entrepreneur is in my genes, my grandparents and my parents were.
3. What types of businesses do your service?
Non-profits, health care (chiropractors, dentists, acupuncturists), other entrepreneurs
4. What is your niche?
Marketing support, coaching and helping clients get their to do lists done!
5. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since opening your virtual doors?
Don’t be a doormat, set boundaries.
6. What resources can you not live without?
The Virtual Assistant Revolution
7. What’s the best part about being a VA?
The people – my clients and other VAs that I’ve gotten to know. Oh and the look on people’s faces when I tell them what I do for a living.
8. What’s the greatest thing you’ve done for your business?
Besides joining the VA Revolution I think the best thing I did for my business was to let clients go that weren’t the right fit for me.
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I will be running a full multi-VA business, coaching and mentoring new business owners and selling lots of books.
10. What the biggest obstacle you face in your business? How did you overcome it?
Setting boundaries with clients and family were my biggest obstacle. I overcame this by coaching with Dale and taking some time to reflect to really figure out what I wanted. I realized you have to know what you want and let others know. I knew I didn’t want to be taking client calls at 9PM or working on the weekends but my clients didn’t know that until I told them. It’s important to be very clear in what you want and what your boundaries are. I’ve found people respect me more the more I state my boundaries.
11. In your opinion, what’s the best feature of the Revolution?
The kick in the butt. I love that the Revolution is not a place to make excuses; it’s a place to get things done. Fellow Rev members hold you accountable and tell you to get over yourself if you are making up a bunch of excuses for why you can’t do something. I love the push; there is always someone there to challenge you to get you to step out of your comfort zone, to be revolutionary.
The important role of follow up
For my contribution for the Revolutionary blog, I would like to include an excerpt from my book, The Art of Follow Up.
I honestly don’t believe I would have a full roster of clients if it weren’t for diligent follow up with all of my leads.
It’s not as intimidating as it may seem, trust me. If I can do it, you can do it.
You own a Virtual Assistant business. You are the Commander in Chief, CEO, Director of Sales and Marketing, Receptionist and most likely Maintenance crew, among other things. If you don’t follow up with your potential clients, who will? Your competitors will!
After you’ve sent a targeted mailing, do you sit back and wait for the phone to ring? I sincerely hope not. You must be proactive. You might be lucky and receive a couple of phone calls, but don’t hold your breath. Whether you are targeting successful coaches or top producing real estate agents, chances are you selected your target market because they are busy people. Busy people tend to let their mail sit for a long time, especially if they don’t know who it came from. Perhaps your letter was opened and well received by the reader, but then got stuck in the glove box or tossed into the recycling bin.
You must make another contact with each and every recipient of that letter. A dozen of those letters could be sitting on desks or thumb tacked on bulletin boards while their readers wait for a free moment to contact you. What if that moment never comes and your potential client keeps getting busier and busier? They could really use your services and are likely to hire you, if you follow up with them.
You have probably found yourself in a similar situation. Think about it. The most recent example in my own life was a couple of months ago. I received a letter in the mail from a company offering credit card merchant accounts to new businesses. I thought it was interesting and set it aside. I had been too busy to call him. If he had called me back or sent me more information, I might have obtained his services or at the very least spread the word to my business contacts.
Rule # 1:
Never leave it up to your potential client to contact you.
Say it aloud, memorize it and repeat it. If you leave it up to a potential client to call you, you are taking quite a risk. All it takes is another letter, a postcard or a simple phone call. You must understand how important it is to stay in touch with potential clients.
Revolutionary Spotlight — Patty Dost
Welcome to our latest bi-weekly feature where we introduce you to are Revolutionary Members. This week, we have Patty Dost from Time is of the Es-Cents.
http://www.timeisoftheescents.com
Owner: Patty Dost
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1. How long have you been in business?
Honestly, with an actual client, 13 months.
2. Why did you start your business?
I wanted to be at home for my family.
3. What types of businesses do your service?
Virtual Assistants mainly, but small business and coaches also.
4. What is your niche? (Your specialty?)
Newsletters, submitting press releases, proofreading/editing
5. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since opening your virtual doors?
You have to keep pushing yourself to learn more and keep trying.
6. What resources can you not live without?
My computer, Virtual Assistant Revolution (VAR), Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA), and Skype (to “talk” to my friends in the box).
7. What’s the best part about being a VA?
Being home for my family, learning new things, and “meeting” wonderful new friends all over the world.
8. What’s the greatest thing you’ve done for your business? (Hiring a web designer, coach, etc)
Met some wonderful VAs to assist me in gaining knowledge and giving me the opportunity to show others what I can do.
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself making $50-$60K per year in my business.
10. What the biggest obstacle you face in your business? How did you overcome it?
My biggest obstacle is getting clients. I’m still trying to overcome it 
11. In your opinion, what’s the best feature of the Revolution?
The people.
Please take a minute to stop by Patty’s website or blog!
Writer and Marketer Help Infopreneurs Generate Cash
ROANOKE, VA – “Everybody’s doing it!” says Heather Jacobson, successful Internet marketer and virtual business owner. “It’s just a matter of time before you’ll be doing it too.” “That’s right, I’ve done it multiple times and I can’t wait to do it again!” says Laurie Dart, successful author and virtual business owner. What is IT? Writing e-Books, that’s what. Jacobson and Dart have put together an e-Book to help infopreneurs generate passive income. The Everyday Guide to Writing and Marketing Your e-Book Wisely combines their years of experience and education into an easy to use, easy to follow guide to help you write, publish and sell your own e-Book. Read more
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