Monthly Archives: September 2010

SVA Newsletter: September 2010

Hello, I can’t believe it’s the end of September already! Many VAs have been saying to me that they’ve noticed a real uplift in the economy, with new enquiries and fresh projects being briefed every day – long may it … Continue reading

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Calling all freelancers!

Friday 24th September is International Freelancers Day!  There’s a big celebration going on over at http://www.internationalfreelancersday.com on Friday and Saturday and this could be THE kick you need to make a break from the cubicle farm to self-employment. Here’s what … Continue reading

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SVA Guide: 101 Ways To Market Your VA Business

SVA was started by a core group of perhaps 7 virtual assistants – we all wanted to raise the profile of VAs in the UK, educate people about what we do and, of course, to get more clients! Over those … Continue reading

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OS Magazine

Just a quickie: Remember to get your copy of OS Magazine this month – not only have they done a really nice feature on virtual assistants including top tips for getting started, but it’s packed with clever tips for secretaries … Continue reading

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Telesales Dos & Don’ts

Newsflash: Following up your marketing letters or postcards with a phone call can double their effectiveness. So you wrote a fantastic and compelling letter, researched your target market to find likely targets, mailed it out – now what?  I always … Continue reading

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Testimonials – have you ever seen a bad one?

This came up during the judging of the Outstanding VA of the Year awards, and I wanted to throw it out there and get a response from other VAs: Have you ever seen a bad testimonial? Now the reason I … Continue reading

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Is being a virtual assistant a real job?

Back when I started up I’d never actually met anyone who was a real virtual assistant.  I had a vague idea that they existed, mostly in the USA, but I’d never actually seen someone earning a living from it.  Emma … Continue reading

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Recommended Reading from the world’s leading virtual assistants: Mary Lou Ashton

A little while ago, I asked some of the world’s best known VAs for their recommended reading lists for virtual assistants.  The responses were phenomenal with some old favourites being cited again and again, but an interesting number of books … Continue reading

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How To: Catch the copycats!

Plagiarism – how to catch the copycats! Sadly, a couple of SVA members had problems with virtual assistants copying their sites (see forum topic http://www.societyofvirtualassistants.co.uk/svaforum/viewtopic.php?t=2099). You automatically have copyright over any original material you create, so you are well within … Continue reading

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Unusual Niches: Scott Valdez, Virtual Dating Assistants

The last in our series of unusual niches – this one comes from across the pond and it struck me as being a really big growth area!  If you would like to feature your own specialist niche, please get in … Continue reading

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