Hello Yvonne,

Sometimes last is best! Today’s visit is the last stop of our 45-day VA industry promotion campaign and what better place to end than with Yvonne Weld, an Able VA. I’ve traveled from continent to continent visiting podcasts and bloggers who support the upcoming Online International Virtual Assistants Convention (OIVAC) and the virtual assisting industry. It’s really been a blast and after today, I’m taking a short hiatus. Before I say bye, I’ll answer a few more questions as I look forward to seeing you at the convention.

1. I have a potential client that does not own nor utilize a computer at present. Can you give some tips as to how someone that is not technologically savvy could communicate with a Virtual Assistant?

Frankly, if the individual doesn’t own or utilize a computer, I strongly recommend she enroll in a basic computer course at a local community college. Since 90% of your communication is traditionally conducted via computer, I’d say it would be very difficult for the potential client to succinctly communicate with a virtual assistant without one.

If the individual insists they want to work with a VA, the clients can still communicate via telephone, fax, palm pilot and sending and receiving work via overnight carrier service, etc. But, I see this situation becoming very frustrating for the VA, as well as limiting as she will not be able to use all the communicative tools in her administrative arsenal such as VoIP, instant messaging, whiteboard, online meeting rooms, shared sites, etc.

Working with a VA is not for everyone, and I believe the clients should at least know how to turn on the computer (literally) to create and sustain a win-win relationship. I don’t see this occurring in the above situation, unless the client is willing to come into the 21st century technology-wise.

2. If someone were thinking of becoming a Virtual Assistant do you feel there is a minimum amount of experience, education or skillset that they should have?

Absolutely, positively, emphatically, yes! I believe an individual interested in becoming a VA should have a minimum of 3 years experience in an administrative-type role: administrative assistant, office manager, executive assistant, etc. The individual should have held a responsible and decision-making position.

Relative to education, I don’t believe the individual must have attended a higher education institution, but I support them participating in training or continuing education courses. VAs are natural life long learners, and with the variety of programs, courses, seminars and conferences available (intra- and non-intra industry), a VA should identify and pursue an educational path so she can stay abreast of the latest and greatest business operations processes and technologies.

3. If someone wanted to hire a Virtual Assistant, could you provide us some tips they should look for when they are interviewing potential Virtual Assistants to ensure that the relationship will have the best chance to work?

As detailed in A Virtual Solution for Business Growth, Stability and Profitability individuals considering partnering with a virtual assistant should first perform the following:

• Conduct a self-assessment by identifying tasks you dislike, are time consuming or you lack the necessary skills or knowledge to perform.
• Rank or group the list in order of responsibilities you would like to eliminate from your routine first. This ranking may be based on urgency, mundaneness or any system you choose to create.
• Complete a brief personal profile, including your work style and traits you would like in an ideal workmate.

The white paper goes also reports that Molly Gordon, a Master Certified Business Coach, recommends that a VA should possess:

• Values that match your own
• Strong computer skills and Internet access
• Abilities that complement your own
• Multi-tasking and organizational capabilities
• Commitment to learning about your business and industry
• Positive attitude and willingness
• Ability to teach in a way you understand

Ask the VA how they can help you.

Remember! A VA is not an employee but an entrepreneur, an independent contractor, a fellow business owner. Instead of the “traditional resume / interview” process, approach your quest as if you are looking for someone to build a lasting relationship with; an individual who can help grow your business and is equipped with the skills you need to accomplish your ultimate goals. It is very important to clearly communicate with the candidates. They must have a clear understanding of your needs and expectations before entering the relationship. The more aware the VA is of your needs, the greater the likelihood she will properly perform the tasks.

A VA is there as a “partner” to proactively help you grow your business. A VA can be of best value when she gets to know you and your business.

4. There are only so many hours in a day so could you provide me with some ideas of how a Virtual Assistant can allow their business to grow financially without having to infringe on their personal life?

If the Virtual Assistant develops a niche-focused practice, and is recognized as an expert in the chosen niche, she should be able to increase her rates accordingly. Another option is to create info-products for a targeted audience as a source of residual income. A third possibility is to develop teaming relationships with other Virtual Assistants and share the work, resources and income. By doing so, you will increase your ability to service more clients, outsource responsibilities to other VAs, increase her income and free time to have a personal life.

5. What requirements does one need on their computer to attend this year’s OIVAC?

All attendees need is a keyboard, mouse, internet connection and headset/mic. That’s it!

I’m done, finished, stick a fork in me – and move on to the convention. Okay everyone, you can find yesterday’s clue at the OIVAC blog. Of course, I won’t be stopping anywhere tomorrow, but today’s clue is: ygiinrte.

I hope everyone has enjoyed this adventure and I look forward to seeing during the next!

Special Note: The entire Podcast & Blog Hopping VA Tour will be available soon in e-book format.

Don’t forget! Submit your scrambled puzzle phrase answer to info@oivac.com by Wednesday, May 16, 2007 8:00 p.m. EDT (New York). The correct entries will be eligible to participate in prize drawings. Winners will be announced at the International Virtual Assistants Day celebration, scheduled Friday, May 18, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. Attendees may access the ceremony directly from the OIVAC website.

About Sharon Williams
Sharon is the Chairperson of the Alliance for Virtual Businesses and OIVAC, and president of The 24 Hour Secretary an administrative, secretarial and internet-based marketing support services company. She is the 2006 recipient of the Thomas Leonard International Virtual Assistant of Distinction Award and co-founder of Virtual BusinessU, an interactive, online training environment for Virtual Assistants and entrepreneurs doing business on the Web and ready to step toward their greatness.