Web URL: http://www.provirtualsolutions.com
In Business Since: 2002
Type of Business: Web Services, WordPress, Consulting
Works: 100% virtually
LinkedIn
Twitter @provirtual
Ruth: It’s great to have Mary Motz of ProVirtual Solutions here today. Welcome Mary, what do you do at your company?
Mary: I offer clients WordPress websites, website maintenance and virtual office consulting.
Ruth: What led you to become a business owner? Tell us about your start.
Mary: Many years ago, I was an admin manager at a design firm. The post 9/11 recession hit, and I was laid off. I knew I didn’t want to go back to a normal “job.” At the time “virtual” work was new to most people, but I knew that it was the future! I started off doing general admin support, but within only a few months, found myself doing websites and other technical work for clients all over the USA.
Ruth: I know you’ve mentored and guided virtual assistants over the years. Have you also experienced this?
Mary: I got started in the VA “early days”… if there was coaching around, I didn’t know about it at the time. I did get a lot from joining organizations such as IVAA. They have a great membership – and it was validating to know there were others trying to do the same thing!
Ruth: Like many others, when we first begin we seldom realize how many others are also virtual assistants and how global this industry is. It’s eye-opening and boundary-breaking when we discover one of the VA organizations. If you could share a nugget of advice for someone considering a virtual career such as yours what would that be?
Mary: I would say if coming from the corporate structure, do whatever you can to lose the employee mindset. As a VA or other support pro, you are a business owner and the point is to make a profit. Be vigilant about boundaries and time. Also – anything you can do to improve tech skills is always worthwhile!
Ruth: Excellent insights, Mary. What words would you share with a business owner seeking a virtual assistant?
Mary: I would tell any client that they are contracting with another business owner such as themselves, and you get what you pay for. I know there is a large market of low-priced services, but a solid professional will cost more – and be worth it. Don’t forget that you are entrusting a lot of information with this person, and they should be confident that the VA doesn’t disappear or flake-out on them.
Ruth: Anything else you’d like to pass along to the readers?
Mary: It’s SOOO much easier today to run a virtual business! There are so many wonderful tools that help save time and keep your business humming along! Don’t skimp on any tool that saves you time and energy – it’s your most valuable resource!
Ruth: It’s been a pleasure, Mary.
To learn more about Mary and ProVirtual Solutions, please visit www.provirtualsolutions.com.