Learn about the 5 Mistakes Most New VAs Make when setting up their business.

1. The 5 Mistakes Most New VAs Make... September 16, 2009Erin Blaskie, www.theVAcoach.com

2. About Your Presenter Launched virtual assistance firm, BSETC (www.bsetc.ca) in 2004. Launched a coaching practice for virtual assistants (www.thevacoach.com) in 2006. Currently have a team of fifteen virtual assistants that has serviced over 300 entrepreneurs around the globe.

3. About This TEleseminar Approximately 1 hour in length. Ask questions via Twitter using hashtag #vacoach. Send questions via email (to be answered after the call) to erin@thevacoach.com. Recording will be sent out to all of those who registered.

4. Why The 5 Mistakes idea? Many new virtual assistants aren’t sure where or how to start. There is so much information out there, it’s hard to know what’s accurate and what isn’t. I’ve built my business with little overhead and stayed in the black every year I’ve been in business. With people out there that have been doing this for as long as they have, there is no need for others to struggle.

5. On Being a Virtual Assistant The Dream: Freedom, flexibility, no boss looking over your shoulder, pick and choose your own work, etc... The Reality: Frustration, having to find clients, spending too much money, not sure where to focus, feeling isolated, etc... You need an easy-to-follow roadmap and you need to know the five mistakes most people make to avoid doing them yourself.

6. Mistake #1: Poor Planning Speed of Implementation Get your business out there Perfectionism = Stalling Perfectionism will kill your progress and your business You can always get something solid up now and edit it later where you feel it necessary Focusing on the Wrong Things Certification over skill building Social media over a web presence (website)

7. Mistake #1: Poor Planning Building an Offline Business for the Online World Going to the business centers are good but keep in mind that the online world is very different A lot of the local business centers may have outdated information Look for mentors that are savvy, experienced and into the latest trends Setting Up a Perfect Office It’s great to have a beautiful space but keep in mind, only you see it – focus on the online space

8. Mistake #1: Poor Planning Forgetting That You Have to Market The “if you build it, they will come” idea does not work in an online business. You must plan out a marketing strategy whether you like to market or not. Using an easy, simple to follow plan is the best strategy. Follow someone who has been there, done that.

9. Mistake #2: Skill Building Focusing on Skills that are Outdated People hiring virtual assistants right now are looking for: Blogging / website experience Social media / networking experience Info-product creation or management E-Commerce experience (1ShoppingCart) Sales page / opt-in page / thank you page creation List building (Aweber, Constant Contact) Membership Sites

10. Mistake #2: Skill Building Thinking the Offline World Skills Will Be the Same as Online Most entrepreneurs are not hiring solely administrative staff A lot of the work you did in the corporate or “real” world does not apply online You can build a good business with less expensive rates doing only admin but the real money and clients are in the online business world

11. Mistake #2: Skill Building Buying Expensive Training or ALL Training On the Planet and Doing Zero Implementation My rule: learn something, master it, implement it in my business. Learn something, master it, implement it in my business. Just because you take a hundred courses doesn’t mean you know how to use it. Study and perfect and offer it as a service to hone your skills.

12. Mistake #3: Target Markets A Lot of New VAs are Told They MUST Have a Target Market It’s not necessary. Stay focused on the big picture until you gain experience working with different types of entrepreneurs. See where your passions lie when you get that experience and hone in on what you are good at over time. Don’t stress about a target market, niching or choosing something NOW.

13. Mistake #3: Target Markets Are You Actually Playing Where Your Market Hangs Out? Make sure your sandbox is the same as the person that you want to meet. Find out where your ideal client spends their time, where they chat and get involved in those places.

14. Mistake #4: Certification You Don’t Need to Be Certified 0 of the 300 entrepreneurs we have worked with over the last five years have asked about it. Most certifications that are out there are expensive, unnecessary and focus on the wrong things. Everything I have learned has been through mentors or by using a hands-on approach. Initials after your name may look interesting but will cost you a lot and are often not looked at.

15. Mistake #4: Certification Many VAs Take Certifications to Meet New VAs – Then, Spend More Time Socializing Than Building a Business Remember, it’s great to have VA friends and partners and people to rely on but they are NOT your future clients (necessarily). Focus on building relationships with your target market instead of spending more time socializing. Choose where to focus your time and energy and it will pay off.

16. Mistake #5: Spending $$ Keep Overhead Low and You’ll Have a Successful Business Just because a software or tool exists, doesn’t mean you need it. Use the essentials and add on as your business grows. Buying into everything simply causes spending chaos and you’ll find yourself overwhelmed and with no clients.

17. Mistake #5: Spending $$ Thinking You Have to Attend the Big Ticket Events I’ve never attended a large conference that I paid for myself. I rarely attend expensive networking events. I go to events if I am speaking at them. You can build a strong business by building a solid online presence which will cost you less and keep you home with your family. There are low-cost (or zero cost) local events that you can attend as well.

18. Steps to Build Your Business Build a Web Presence Build Out Presences on Social Media Learn the Skills That Are Most Relevant Determine the Most Attractive Ways to Set Up Your Business for Your Clients Learn How to Market Effectively Network With the Right People Add Value, Be Current, Be Relevant Build a Name for Yourself

19. How to do this? Research Find a Mentor Ask Other VAs Attend a Training Program Starting next Monday, we are doing our popular “Build Your VA Business” program where we take you through everything you need to know. www.thevacoach.com For participants of this teleseminar, you can save 50% off the cost of the training until Friday. Just use LETSGO at checkout!

20. Questions? *7 to unmute your telephone to come live to the call. *6 to mute your line after questions. Use hashtag #vacoach if you are on Twitter. Email questions to erin@thevacoach.com.