Web URL: http://www.SimOneVirtualSolutions.com
In Business Since: 2007
Type of Business: Virtual Business Support
Works: 100% virtually
LinkedIn
Twitter ID: @ SimOneVS
Ruth: It’s my pleasure to introduce Simone Christoph of SimOne Virtual Solutions. Simone, tell us about your business and what you do.
Simone: SimOne Virtual Solutions provides a complete set of business support solutions. We advise and assist our clients with their virtual office set-up, including online and desktop applications, as well as research, administrative, bookkeeping, and marketing services.
Ruth: How did you get your start as a virtual profession?
Simone: Working as an employee limited my ability to produce quality work and the constant distractions made me feel unproductive. I knew I was very good at managing my time, creating and completing tasks, and taking a project from start to finish; therefore, after many years of researching the virtual assistant world, I decided to get started in 2006 and haven’t looked back.
Ruth: Tell me about your support circle and encouragers as you’ve made your way in the virtual assistant world.
Simone: Other virtual assistants have been a huge support throughout the research and getting started phase and continue to be my go-to resource. Joining the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) was the best decision I made – it gave me many resources and is an amazingly giving support group. Nina Feldman Connections was a great starting platform for me. Her service sent me some highly qualified leads which are still treasured clients to this day.
Ruth: If you could share a nugget of insight for someone considering a virtual career such as yours what would that be?
Simone: Join a few virtual career oriented associations. I did most of my research through IVAA.org or VAnetworking.com but there are many more these days. Browse the forums with a vengeance and for as many hours a day as you can, then take a self-assessment and see if you can honestly qualify yourself as an entrepreneur in the virtual profession.
Ruth: Oooo, very insight suggestion to take a self-assessment. Knowing ones strengths and weaknesses beforehand empowers the VA to create a business plan and develop a business structure that’s sure to be an advantage. Do you have any advice for clients seeking someone, like you, to meet their service needs?
Simone: Determine what you are looking for: do you want a highly professional business support person that cares about where your business is going and can produce quality work or are you looking to hand someone a detailed step-by-step list to get a task done. If you are looking for the latter, then hiring a lower paying foreign virtual assistant from a high-volume service might work for you. However, if you need someone that not only completes tasks on time and in a professional manner but learns about your business then expand your search to these types of businesses instead. These businesses are able to help you develop an efficient virtual system, grow your business, and add other professionals to your team.
Ruth: Nice way to distinct and identify which type of business professional to work with, Simone. Do you have any last thoughts you’d like to share with the readers?
Simone: I am very proud to call myself a virtual professional! The growth of this industry is so incredibly beneficial to both the virtual professional and the business owner looking for support. It can sometimes be a little bit confusing because the industry is still young and we all call ourselves by different names (that are changing all the time)–virtual assistant, virtual professional, virtual administrative assistant, virtual support professional, etc.–but the bottom line is that we are professionals who want to be profitable and grow our businesses. My clients and I have different skills and talents and this combination is a powerful tool to success.
Ruth: I really like your last sentence, “My clients and I have different skills and talents and this combination is a powerful tool to success.” Wow. That sums up the virtual assistant work relationship so absolutely. The combination has immeasurable energy and possibilities. It’s been a treat talking with you, Simone. Thanks for joining me here today.
If you’re searching for a one-stop solution to support your business than look no further than Simone and her team. Click here to connect with her website.