Early in 2017, I decided to ‘properly’ invest in my business. I wanted to up my game and to do that I knew I needed to learn from people who were better than me. So I bought a 2-day ticket to the Expert Empires event in London. I wanted to see Gary Vee and Ryan Deiss and didn’t spend that much time researching the other speakers… big mistake.
Don’t confuse your skills with your personality
Recently I spent the day watching remarkable people give remarkable presentations at TEDx Brighton. I always make time for events like this because I love exposing myself to new ideas, they make a huge difference to my life and business, and I always come away from them enlightened and full of inspiration. And this one was no different.
6 common business card mistakes and how to avoid them
Like a handshake, a business card can say a lot about you as well as the type of business you operate. Because it’s often the first point of contact for potential clients and therefore needs to create the right impression, I’ve put together a list of the most common mistakes I’ve seen when collating cards so you don’t unwittingly make them.
What every VA needs to know about data protection
Unless you live on the moon, I’m sure you’ve heard of the General Data Protection Regulation, commonly known as the GDPR. These changes came into force on 25th May 2018 and affect every business whether it’s in the EU or not – so that means you AND your clients. Here’s what you need to know about global data protection and how to stay compliant.
FAQs about my DIY VA course and why I’m the right person to help you become a VA
If you’re looking to set up your own VA business then you may be thinking about buying my DIY VA course. The course not only shows you how to become a Virtual Assistant but also provides lifetime support and advice once you are one. Here are some FAQs about the course and why I think I’m the right person to help you.
How to answer every naysayer you’ll ever meet – including yourself
Although I’ve written about how to say no to those negative saboteurs called naysayers, what I haven’t done is give you examples of the things they might say to you so you know what to say no to. Whether you’re on the receiving end of a negative comment or the one thinking them yourself, it definitely helps to have a good response ready.
Why you should become a Virtual Assistant
Picture the scene. I’m 17 years old, it’s around 8.45 in the morning and I’m on a bus on my way to work. It’s one of my very first jobs out of school, I work from 9 to 5.30 every day in a huge airless room at a faceless call centre in a massive building with hundreds of other people. As I look out of the window, the bus passes a tree in the park… and it suddenly hits me.
The type of tasks I give my own Virtual Assistant
Although I had often outsourced the occasional one-off task, I was actually doing everything myself and only started regularly working with a VA after I broke down in tears after spending most of the week dealing with a host of support emails instead of getting any real work done. That was the moment I knew it was time to get some help.
15 harsh truths about what it means to be a Virtual Assistant
As you don’t need any formal qualifications to become a Virtual Assistant, there’s often confusion and misunderstanding in the VA Handbookers Facebook group around what being one entails. Because I sometimes see it described as an “easy side hustle”, I want to explain what it actually means to be a Virtual Assistant.
Associate work: your questions answered
Because Associate work is a great way to take on more work both when starting out and as you become more successful, I asked my VA Handbookers Facebook group to post up any questions they had on the subject and then I asked members who had experience of both sides of the fence to answer them. This is what they said: