Web URL: http://www.totherescue.ca
In Business Since: 2008
Type of Business: Virtual Assistant
Works: 100% virtually
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Twitter ID: @smactotherescue
Ruth: Welcome to the blog, Sarah. Tell us about SMac To The Rescue and the types of work you do for your clients.
Sarah: I work with entrepreneurs who need help with the technical side of their business, taking stuff off their plate so they have more time to do what they want. In particular, I love rescuing folks who are stuck with outdated and difficult to update websites by recreating them in WordPress. I also really enjoy creating systems and procedures so that my clients and I can be super efficient. As an added bonus I used to be a software developer so I can pick up any new program in a jiffy, and if need be, I can sneak in the back door and make whatever program you need do what you want.
Ruth: From someone who’s not techie I really like those types of super powers and rescue techniques. I think every business needs to have key technical people to go to. With your skills, Smac To The Rescue needs to be on speed dial. What led you to consider a virtual profession?
Sarah: I had quit my long time software developing job and went travelling for a while and when I came back I wanted a change so I tried out a few administration style jobs since I was so good at organizing. One of my lovely bosses told me about his wife who was taking a VA course at Red Deer College so I started my research. After a year of moving around and getting tired of always looking for a new job every time we moved I decided to start my company, SMac To The Rescue. After much careful planning and getting organized I “opened my doors” officially in 2007 and took off with a bang – I’ve been happily working full-time ever since.
Ruth: Have you had a mentor to guide you?
Sarah: In the very beginning I took advantage of the VA Intern program through VAnetworking and got the confirmation I needed that I did indeed know what I was doing. That eventually transferred over to working on a team with Mary-Lou Ashton who was wonderful and gave me lots of experience. Shortly thereafter my own practice was too busy to continue working with a team, and now I have a small team of my own to help me out.
Ruth: Interning is a fantastic way to get an up-close look at being a virtual assistant. For someone considering a virtual career such as yours what advice do you have for them?
Sarah: Do all the planning beforehand. Lurk around on VA forums if you’re too shy to ask questions. Take the time to register your business and make a business plan so that when you do start working for real all of your systems are already in place and you can have a smooth launch. Be yourself. If you stick with your personality in all your marketing then you’ll automatically attract the types of clients that you want to work with/that want to work with you.
Additionally, get involved with a couple of the VA organizations out there that are a match for you, and if they have a forum or mentoring program take advantage of it! Don’t waste your time reinventing the wheel. Use the resources that are out there – my Become a Super Virtual Assistant ebook is a great resource to start off with and it’s free.
Ruth: I really appreciate the truth and realism in your advice. Following each of these suggestions, even one or two, will make a measurable difference for an emerging virtual assistant. Thanks so much for chatting with me, Sarah.
The resource book Sarah mentioned for new virtual assistants, Become a Super Virtual Assistant, can be accessed here and her free series of efficiency ebooks, Super Efficiency E-Book Series, can be found here.
So, if you’re in need of a tech savvy virtual assistant who doesn’t let a bit of code intimidate her you’ve found your rescuer in SMac To The Rescue’s services. Connect with Sarah on her website here.