Web URL: http://www.AdminAtYourService.com
In Business Since: 2005
Type of Business: 1ShoppingCart, WordPress, eCommerce working with speakers/coaches/consultants
Works: 100% virtually
LinkedIn
Twitter @SoCalVA
Ruth: Welcome to the blog, Paula. Tell us about your company.
Paula: Admin At Your Service, LLC caters to the administrative and technical needs of home-based small business owner. I mainly work with speakers, coaches and consultants. I specialize in 1ShoppingCart, email marketing, e-commerce, WordPress, and order fulfillment.
Ruth: How did you get your start in this career choice?
Paula: My husband got a job offer in California so we moved from Niagara Falls, NY to Orange County, CA. When I moved here I took a position as an executive assistant in a very large mortgage company. The pay wasn’t as good as what I had been making in New York and my rent had quadrupled. I was also very opposed to how the mortgage industry was run and quit that job to figure out what I really wanted to do. I knew that the skills I had to offer would be in demand and I was tired of doing all the work while watching others in the office that got the same pay rate not putting in much effort. The corporate structure is broken and in most cases everyone with the same title gets the same rate of pay and moves up a set scale. I wanted to get paid what I was worth – which isn’t the same as an average executive assistant. I discovered the concept of a virtual assistant while doing some Internet searches and knew that was exactly what I wanted to do.
Ruth: Describe those who have influenced you along this journey.
Paula: When I was starting my business I spent countless hours on Tanya Sutherland’s VAnetworking forum. I was able to read about pretty much anything I needed to know about this business and ask questions and bounce ideas off of those that had already started. I was so grateful to find that the VA community was so supportive and helpful. I also did some coaching with Erin Blaskie since I admired what she was doing online and her quick implementation when she had an idea for a new product or service as well as a two month coaching program with an Internet marketing firm. These days, I’m still learning and take new classes and courses as needed but don’t formally work with a coach. I also get support from the other VAs in the SoCal VA Group which is a local group that I founded in 2007 that meets monthly.
Ruth: What advice would you give to someone thinking about a virtual career like yours?
Paula: I think the biggest mistakes that I see new VAs making is working for a rate of pay that isn’t sustainable and taking on clients that aren’t a good fit just to land a client. You need to make sure you’ve done your homework in determining what you need to charge to cover all of your expenses and to make a profit and that varies for everyone. Also, if you take on clients that aren’t a good fit one or both of you are going to be unhappy. I tend to interview potential clients as much (and possibly more) than they interview me. I want to work with my clients long-term so they can reap the benefits of someone who really knows their business inside and out. As a result, I have enjoyed a full practice for many years while doing little marketing since I get my clients through referrals from current clients that are very happy with the level of service they are receiving.
Ruth: What suggestions do you have for those who would like to work with you?
Paula: I think the best clients are those that value the VA/client relationship as a partnership. When meeting with a potential VA, be ready to discuss what challenges you are facing in your business, what you feel you can delegate, what goals you have for the business and what a successful client/VA relationship looks like to you. It’s also important to make sure you understand the difference between an independent contractor and an employee and that your communication and working styles are compatible.
Ruth: Any last thoughts to share with our readers?
Paula: I’m so grateful that my business has allowed me to be rewarded for my efforts, work during the times that are most productive for me, have variety in the work that I do, and have the opportunity to work with some amazing business owners.
Ruth: Thank you, Paula.
For any virtual assistants in the Orange County, CA area – feel free to contact Paula if you are interested in joining the SoCal VA Group and participating in the monthly lunch meetings. I highly recommend getting together locally, face-to-face, to meet and share. You’ll enjoy a fine meal and come away fired up about your business.