Web URL: www.timeontaskva.com
In Business Since: 2008
Type of Business: Marketing Consultant and Virtual Assistant Support
Works: 100% virtually
LinkedIn
Twitter @timeonaskva
Ruth: Welcome to the blog, Kathy. It’s great to have you here and be able to share more about you with the readers. How would you describe Time on Task VA Services?
Kathy: When I look at my business and the services I offer I like to share that it is a mix of strategy and support for service based business owners. Many clients come to me unsure of what and how to use online tools to help market and build their business that is where I come in to help. Working for several private sessions we figure out what they have to offer, what they need and their desired results. From there we create a plan on how to set everything up and put it in place to move ahead. At this point some clients go on their merry way – many however look to me and my team of 8 virtual associates to implement what we create in their marketing plan.
The results the clients see provide less stress because their website, blog, email marketing and social media systems are in place and then they experience an increased presence online and resulting in more traffic to their website, more consults, more people on their email list and ultimately more sales. They end up saving time and money by working with us and looking after the business tasks that don’t require their expertise in it. This gives them back time to get out and reach more clients and make more money.
Ruth: How did you get your start in this career choice?
Kathy: In 2007 after we were preparing to move the family again – a friend told me I should read an article in the PEI newspaper about a virtual assistant. She thought I would be great at it and so I spent the next few months researching the industry and viability of opening own business. What appealed to me was being my own boss and choosing who I work with and when I work.
Ruth: I always enjoy hearing how one pivotal moment starts the motion. It’s exciting to reflect back and see how everything built along the way. Have you had a mentor to guide, encourage, and open doors for you? Describe those who have influenced you along this journey.
Kathy: I immediately joined VAnetworking when I started my research process and began getting known there in the forum and building up some ‘virtual friends.’ In this process I got to know the owner, Tawnya Sutherland, very well and she took me under her wing. Her initial support and guidance as well as the support from the people connected to VAnetworking are a big part of my success. As I grew my business I also joined IVAA and the same type of virtual support continued there. I love this support and my virtual friends – they ‘get me’ in ways my local and non-VA friends don’t. Their support is invaluable, I may never meet some of them in person but that does not make the friendship and connection any less valuable, I can’t tell you how much the volunteering and online friendships played a part in my choices and decisions as I grew my business. Without that support I would not be where I am today. It is true you receive when you give – I have seen it firsthand. I am not saying give away all your time and services, but don’t be afraid to join in and give some of yourself.
Ruth: It’s awesome how much volunteering you pack into your schedule. We got to know each other better when you volunteered on a program I overseen at VAnetworking. What advice would you give to someone thinking about a virtual career like yours?
Kathy: Be prepared to work hard and also be prepared to change your mindset to that of a business owner. The people I see having more success are those who have embraced entrepreneurship and know that they are directly responsible for their own success and where their business takes them. Those who struggle more appear to have a hard time letting go of the “employee mentality” and having work handed to them to be done. You will have to work hard to find that work that will build your business. Get ready to be inventive, creative and persistent to build your business.
Ruth: If you could share a nugget of advice for someone considering a virtual career such as yours what would that be?
Kathy: Do your homework – both parties too. As a VA it is also our role to check out any potential clients the same as it is for a client searching for a VA. Ask for referrals, testimonials and do your due diligence in researching the person. – whatever you can to help you get background information on the VA. Then talk with them and listen to the voice in your head. Try doing a trial project to test the waters. Most importantly – make certain you have a contract. A contract solidifies each party’s seriousness toward this relationship. It is business not just a walk in the park and should be treated as such. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to – as clients you are entrusting a portion of your business to the VA, it is your right to ask how they work, their history and what they can do to help you.
The best way to find a VA is to look to people you know and ask for referrals as well as looking in several of the online directories like IVAA, VAnetworking, CVAC, BemyVA and others. These all offer ways for you it search and also some have an RFP system where you can post your VA needs for Vas to respond directly to you.
Ruth: Excellent points, Kathy. Any last thoughts to share with our readers?
Kathy: The most successful VAs and business owners are the ones who are willing continue to learn. Learning new ways, tools, techniques, methods and skills… you cannot grow your business if you do not learn new systems and ideas to bring into business. Also always be on the lookout for your clients and ways to help them grow –even if they have not specifically asked for anything. Everyone appreciates advice on improving efficiency and their bottom line results. And advice like this offered as a bonus will tend to build up your client’s faith and trust in you.
Ruth: Thanks so much for being available for an interview, Kathy. It’s been great.
Kathy has a Home study program on how to Write and Format a Blog post to bring in more Clients. Click here to access her class. The class shares her tricks on how she write blogs that continue to bring in hundreds of website visits even years after they were written. Kathy shares it’s all in how you format it and add the SEO pieces to each post.