Virtual Assistant - Doing Business the Right Way
Once again today I was reminded of the importance of setting up your business practices and sticking to them. When you start your virtual assistant business, or any small business, you need a solid plan of action and a solid business plan for how you will run your business. This is important, not only in the beginning stages of business, but each and every year as your business grows it is just as important, if not more important-you have more at stake.
 Here are some tips:
1) Set your policies and stick to them. For example, I always ALWAYS get my retainer paid in advance. Well, except for earlier this year when a client seemed so so good and I wanted them so so bad and well, the check was definitely in the mail, it just never arrived. I’ve been in business almost 24 years. I coach VAs regularly and tell them NOT to do this, but guess what. I did it, and learned the hard way. The only good thing about it, great material for my new book. (Now that’s looking on the bright side!).
 2) Set your prices and stick to them. I always ALWAYS do this. Except for earlier this year when I decided to lower my prices just this once. Just this one exception. Needlesstosay, I’ve regretted it since I did it. What I find is it’s not necessarily the money, but more the confidence. Now when I quote I find myself second guessing myself, whereas before that didn’t happen.Â
3) Set your hours and stick to it. Yes, I could easily work 24/7, weekends, etc. I love to work. I thrive on it. But I need to learn to turn it off. Especially this week when the kids are home for Spring Break. It’s tough when you see the family going out to the movies, shopping, having all this fun and there you are at your computer, working!! Now, with a few adjustments I find that I too can join them. I just need to work my plan. You truly can do it all. You just need to schedule it better. Thank goodness for my timer and my Daytimer and to do list. Hopefully I’m getting everything I need done and still having a blast. That’s what it’s all about.
I hope you find these beneficial. Do you have any tips on working your business the right way. I’ve love to hear them.
 Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing
May 5th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
You are so right on the money. I did things backward. I got clients and then realized I needed processes and a plan for making sure I was efficient and thorough. I also didn’t stick to my prices and now I regret it! Definitely put your processes and procedures in place first and then put out your Open for Business sign.