Networking

This week I had my first opportunity to network as a Virtual Assistant. A two-day family wedding, a large and busy family wedding. Having not seen some of the guests in over a year (Facebook updates don’t quite count), I was quite excited to see them and to swap stories.

I wasn’t too sure what to expect when I spoke about the business, surprisingly, no one I spoke to had heard of a Virtual Assistant. I thought “Great! Now is my chance to use my unprepared elevator pitch”. I know the importance of a good elevator pitch and am aware of what it should include… What I found as the wedding event went on and the more people I spoke to my elevator pitch lengthened, with more detail and relevance but not too much to bore people. Working the room, my confidence grew, feedback was positive with many questions on the possible success of such a role. Were people really that busy that they needed help with their accounts? Can people not find a few minutes to post a Tweet? Explaining what I worked on with clients and why to a new audience was empowering. It reaffirmed my career choice.

Unfortunately I didn’t have any business cards at hand but I will definitely be following up interest via Facebook and LinkedIn.

I’m looking forward to my next opportunity to network. I’m a member of a few relevant groups via Meetup.com and Ladies who Latté, August is going to be busy but fun.

I’ve found a role where I can show off my organisation skills

Yesterday marked the start of my second week as a Virtual Assistant. The first seven days flew by, but what an exciting seven days they were!!

It began with figuring out a business name, yes I know it’s not the most important aspect of setting up a business, but for me I needed to give it its own identity from the start. I floated around a name sounding ‘virtual’ and ‘timely’, it took a lot of umming and ahing until settling upon Hourglass Virtual Assistant.

Next task – What can I offer?? I drafted a list of skills after reading a number of VA blogs and forums. I soon remembered that I was capable of doing much more. I mean, how could I forget the skills used and challenges faced when organising big birthday parties for friends or hen do’s, I’ve done eight of these kinds of events over the past five years!

Setting up a domain and website was pretty straightforward. I used GoDaddy.com , I found them and their services easy, helpful and hassle free. The website builder gave me the opportunity to design the website quickly but thoughtfully. Initially I wasn’t too sure about including a blog but then thought why not?! This is the first time I have been self-employed, what better way to document my experience.

One thing I didn’t foresee is the amount of paperwork involved, the client documents, my own documents and then there was setting up of a variety of online accounts, Facebook, Twitter, Dropbox, Skype etcetera.  I gave HourglassVA the full online presence it requires.

I enjoy working from home, it gives me the freedom and flexibility to work wherever I wish. Being London based, the (average) one-hour commute can become tiresome, although a valuable time to catch up on a book I feel more at ease doing this in my local park in the East Village.

Over the week I’ve spoken to friends and family about this venture and I have bored Mr HVA with inane details of fonts numerous times but I have found all the feedback received to be invaluable. Ending the week with a weekend away in York, the trip gave me a chance to reflect on my achievements over the seven days, an opportunity to think of ways to make myself attractive to potential clients and to relax!

After a week of non-stop excitement, late nights and early mornings, the venture so far seems to be worth it. With two clients in sight, a website that I’m happy with, a new office chair (thanks Mr HVA!) and a plethora of ideas to start the new week, week two is going to be great!!

Coming soon!

Regular posts on my world as Virtual Assistant…