Web URL: http://www.thevirtualinch.ca
In Business Since: 2006
Type of Business: Specializing in WordPress, eCommerce and Marketing
Works: 100% virtually
Facebook Page
Twitter ID: @CarrieAnderson
Ruth: Welcome to the blog, Carrie. It’s great to share more about you with the readers. Tell us about yourself and The Virtual Inch.
Carrie: As a service-based entrepreneur, I offer creative, technical, and administrative solutions to online business entrepreneurs and professional organizations. I offer customized premium theme WordPress blog sites, ecommerce facilitation mainly focusing on 1ShoppingCart systems (setup, site integration, and management), plus various virtual assistant services focusing on online marketing facilitation for my clients.
Ruth: What led you to consider a virtual profession? How did you get started?
Carrie: In 2004, for health reasons, I was forced to retire from my professional career as a Geographic Information Systems Analyst. After realizing I didn’t have to live in the city anymore, I started to dream about the possibilities of creating a new lifestyle. During this time, I found out about ‘virtual assistance’ from a woman with whom I was having a casual conversation with one day – she asked me what I used to do, etc. and I just happened to mention it’d be great if I could find some sort of telecommuting or online work because I had such an extensive background in computer software environments and applications. The next thing I knew, she was mentioning Red Deer College’s Virtual Assistance Certification and I was looking it up online – it seems like the perfect fit!
I was going to become an entrepreneur and start my own online business! I enrolled in the program and during one of our last classes, our teacher had Cindy Greenway and Tina Forsyth present to us their Virtual Hot Skills course (1ShoppingCart and ecommerce training) – I immediately signed up. At the same time, I was looking into creating my own website and discovered WordPress blog sites. I wanted to know more so I took a workshop held by Erin Blaskie, built my site and was hooked. I realized this was a service I could immerse myself in and offer to my own clients.
Ruth: What an incredible start, Carrie. Everything happens for a reason and it’s so cool to see how one thing connected you to a bigger and bigger picture of what you created for your business. Along the way have you had a mentor to encourage and open doors for you?
Carrie: Shortly after I had completed the Hot Skills course, I was approached by Cindy [Greenway] whose client was looking for another virtual assistant – I became Cindy’s “mini-me” for a law firm marketing company. At the same time, Tina and her partner, Andrea J. Lee, asked if I was interested in coming onboard their company as a virtual assistant. Needless to say, I said “yes” to both and quickly learned about what it takes to be a VA for coaches and marketing for lawyers. Cindy and Tina clearly supported, guided, and encouraged me – they enabled me to learn on the job.
Ruth: What a great example of business networking in action. What advice do you have for someone considering a virtual career such as yours?
Carrie: If you are passionate about this career and are willing to put in the time learning, you will succeed! These five things made a difference for me:
- I participated in the classes I took (later I was told this was what made me stand out from the rest and why both Cindy and Tina approached me to come work with them.)
- I went to the Forum on Virtual Assistance (FOVA) in Toronto shortly before I completed the program at Red Deer College and networked with many other virtual professionals.
- I joined VAnetworking and networked.
- I signed up for Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts and spent a lot of time surfing, chatting, learning and meeting other folks online. No matter what anyone says, you are NOT wasting your time playing on Facebook all day talking to people, learning and looking for business building opportunities.
- Keep educating yourself – I took a few courses from VAclassroom and keep taking a course here and there from time to time. But, I never cease learning on my own, sharing information with my colleagues (I have my own clients but I’m also on a team “at” a Seattle-based design firm) and networking with other virtual professionals I’ve met along the way.
Ruth: I’m so glad you mentioned these five difference-makers because you’ve summed up the importance of being active in your business with tangible examples others can follow. Choosing even one will make an impact in someone’s business success. It’s been amazing talking with you, Carrie. Thank you.
If you’re searching for creative, technical and administrative online support, do not delay in connecting with Carrie at her website.