business resources for vas

Podcast: Communicate Well to Stand Out from the VA Crowd

Today’s Quote: It’s simple … go the extra mile and you will stand out from the crowd. – Robin Crow Welcome to another episode of the podcast that teaches you how to be a ridiculously good virtual assistant. Today we are going to talk about communicating well to stand out from the crowd. Click the play button above to tune in, or choose your favourite podcast player below:   Connect with Tracey D’Aviero, VA Coach and Trainer         Episode Notes: A lot of people don’t understand the importance of good communication – especially in the Virtual Assistant industry. With most of our clients, we work virtually – so written communication is something that must be exceptional, in… Read More »Podcast: Communicate Well to Stand Out from the VA Crowd

Podcast: Create a Simple Business Plan For Your VA Business

Today’s Quote: Failing to plan is planning to fail – Benjamin Franklin Welcome to another episode of the podcast that teaches you how to be a ridiculously good virtual assistant. In this episode, we will talk about creating a simple business plan. It may sound daunting but it really helps you get organized with what you want your VA business to be. Click the play button above to tune in, or choose your favourite podcast player below:   Connect with Tracey D’Aviero, VA Coach and Trainer         Episode Notes: Do you really need a business plan for your Virtual Assistant business?Short answer, yes. To succeed in your business, you have to have a plan.And it starts with… Read More »Podcast: Create a Simple Business Plan For Your VA Business

Podcast: Brilliant Business Communication for Virtual Assistants

Today’s Quote: The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. – George Bernard Shaw I love this quote because communication is two way between two people who probably both think that they are being clear. But it’s not always the case. Welcome to the second episode of the podcast that teaches you to become a ridiculously good virtual assistant. Today we are going to talk about communication. When you work virtually, being brilliant at business communication is absolutely essential. In this episode we will talk about Brilliant Business Communication for Virtual Assistants. Click the play button above to tune in, or choose your favourite podcast player below:   Connect with Tracey D’Aviero, VA Coach… Read More »Podcast: Brilliant Business Communication for Virtual Assistants

3 Challenges to Being a Virtual Assistant (and how to fix them!)

Running a business is challenging, and a VA business is no different. If you are struggling, it’s normal. There are a lot of challenges that a VA can face, without realizing that they are even struggling. Here are three big ones (and how to fix them!) 1. Loneliness Working by yourself is so appealing when you first start out. No distractions, no interruptions, no one else making decisions except you. It’s pure bliss! But soon enough, the solitude can really weigh on you. It doesn’t happen for everyone, but it’s very common, and if you are experiencing loneliness, know that it’s perfectly normal. But you do have to get out of it! How to fix it: Find a trusted small… Read More »3 Challenges to Being a Virtual Assistant (and how to fix them!)

Favourite Tools for VAs: Google Calendar

Google Calendar is one of my most-used tools in my business. I have shareable calendars that I can share with clients (marketing calendars, payment calendars). And I also have ones that I can use just for myself (personal, family, and my own business info). I use them for everything. For my clients, we have a payments calendar set up so we know when to expect recurring payments. It’s so handy to keep track of what is coming in. We have marketing calendars, so we can plan strategy for promotions and JV events. Google Calendar is free, and you can setup unlimited calendars. So there’s no reason not to use it for one thing or another in your business! Check it out… Read More »Favourite Tools for VAs: Google Calendar

Favourite Tools for VAs: Slack

Slack is a new way to collaborate with your colleagues or your clients. It’s a simple, hashtag based communication system that helps keep your conversations organized, and your to do lists too. I have started using it recently with one client, and we really find it easier to keep things organized that using email, which was our only previous solution for collaboration since there are only two of us working together. I like the simplicity of setting up a hashtag (called a channel) and keep all of the relevant information about that topic together in the same thread. I like it better than checking email – I’ve set it up on my phone so I can log in and check… Read More »Favourite Tools for VAs: Slack

Favorite Tools for VAs: Infusionsoft

Infusionsoft is an all-in-one CRM, email marketing and ecommerce service. It has a robust CRM so your clients can use it alone or easily with an admin or a sales team. It has wonderful email marketing capabilities which help you to segment your audience’s activities and automate follow up with them based on their interests and activities. And it combines simple ecommerce so that your clients can pay and receive customized follow up easily. I have been using Infusionsoft with my clients since 2010 and I love it. But in the next few weeks I’ll be getting my own Infusionsoft app, which I am over the moon about! I’ll let you know when that happens, as I’ll have to move my list… Read More »Favorite Tools for VAs: Infusionsoft

Favourite Tools for VAs: Bluehost

Bluehost is my webhost that I have used since I started my own website. I find it easy to use and their support has always been very helpful for me. In the 10ish years that I have used them, I have only had two incidents where my website was down for an extended period of time. I think that’s pretty good! They are currently having a special for first-timers – you can get your website up and running for just $2.95/month for 12 months. That’s awesome! Here’s my affiliate link so you can check it out: http://www.yourvamentor.com/bluehost (and if you sign up for their service, be sure to sign up for their affiliate program as well, they pay great commission… Read More »Favourite Tools for VAs: Bluehost