You can feel it in your bones! You want to create your own Virtual Assistant business.

 You want the freedom of owning your own business and the flexibility to create your own schedule. 

 You know this is right for you.

 But, you are having trouble moving forward. 

 What is holding you back?

First, I want you to know you are not alone. Many women who take the journey of entrepreneurship find themselves dragging their feet at some point. Whether it is starting your business or growing your business, some common fears can hold you back.

Let’s take a look at a few:

1. Fear of failure - As Arianna Huffington said, “Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s part of success.” Playing it safe won’t move you forward. You need to take the risk. You need to push outside of your comfort zone to create and grow a business. Success is on the other side of fear. When you make a choice not to take the risk, you will remain...

You have successfully signed a contract with a new client … now what?

The excitement of obtaining a new client wanes pretty quickly when you start to realize all the things you need to do to get their project up and running.

You need to figure out what you need from them and what they need from you. This is called client onboarding, and it is a significant component to working successfully with your client.

Client onboarding is one of the most important systems you should have for your Virtual Assistant business. Creating a smooth process of gathering the information you need from your client and setting expectations will reduce stress for both you and the client. 

You are setting the stage for their experience of working with you.

It is best to hold a separate meeting for onboarding. Emphasize the importance of this step with your client.

 What should you cover during that meeting?

Project details. Outline the scope of work for the project as you understand it....

 As a Virtual Assistant, you need to attract leads to your business to help you grow your client base.

 Email marketing is an easy format to nurture your clients and keep your name top of mind. After you have set up the email campaigns, you can concentrate on other areas of your business.

 How do you get people to sign up for your email list? A lead magnet is a great way to build your email list.

 If you have ever visited a website as a consumer, you have come across an offer to sign up and get a free report, free list, or free something. When you sign up for the offer, you are granting approval to be added to the business’s email list - Now they can stay in touch with you through email.

Do you have a freebie or lead magnet for your Virtual Assistant business?

Let’s take a look at what makes a good lead magnet:

 1. Solves a problem - think of a common problem your target market frequently discusses with you. Is there something you can offer...

You have finally stepped outside your comfort zone and attended a networking meeting only to find out you have less than one minute to introduce yourself and explain whom you serve and how you help them. 

This can cause anxiety for a lot of people. Preparing your “elevator pitch” and memorizing it will come in handy, not only for networking but in many other ways in your virtual assistant business.

Can you explain your Virtual Assistant business to someone in less than one minute?

In this video, let’s take a look at how to create an elevator pitch for your Virtual Assistant business that briefly explains what you do and whom you serve. 

Hi, I'm Kathy Goughenour, business coach and trainer exclusively for Virtual Experts®. I've helped hundreds of women just like you achieve their dreams of working from home as well-paid Virtual Experts®. 

It is called an “elevator pitch” because you should be able to convey your message in...

Life isn't easy. In fact, a lot of times it's downright tough. 

I know I go through times of feeling heavy, and you probably feel it, too. 

I know if I’m having a hard time sleeping, you’re probably having a hard time, too. 

The exhaustion, the overwhelm, the stress, it’s real for all of us on some level no matter how centered and happy we are in our businesses. 

In this video, I offer a few suggestions for helping you through tough times.

Take time for yourself and take care of yourself

If it’s going for walks or taking bubble baths or Zooming with a friend, take care of yourself. You cannot take care of anything else if you don’t first take care of yourself.   

Get plenty of sleep and take time to rest

Easier said than done, I know, but look for ways to get the amount of sleep you need to feel rested. When we are rested, we operate at a higher vibration and are more clear about what we’re doing. 

...

I’ve been training women to run successful virtual-based businesses from their homes for nearly 20 years.

This experience has not only made me a seasoned trainer but also has shown me a thing or two about human behavior and the driving emotions behind them. Not to mention how both (behavior and emotions) can impact business for better or worse.

The most prevalent thing I see is a lack of confidence or low self-worth. When women have those feelings, those feelings lend themselves to certain behaviors that just aren’t good for their businesses … or for their lives.

Here are five of those behaviors and why they block success in business.

(1) Not being able to accept criticism

It may seem that someone unable to accept criticism is confident in their work and that’s what is causing them to be so upset about the feedback they’ve received. On the contrary.

Those who are unable to accept any and all criticism are those who are secretly beating themselves up...

When I think about Virtual Assistants, wondering if they can actually get paid well, a part of me wants to roll my eyes because I’m thinking about all the dumb stuff we buy all the time that doesn’t actually bring us any value. 

Think of the last fitness DVD or treadmill you bought and how much you spent on it. Did you actually benefit from it? If you’re like me, probably not. But you bought it anyway.

People will definitely buy Virtual Assistant and Virtual Expert® services

So, yeah, people will definitely buy Virtual Assistant and Virtual Expert® services that are going to drastically change their lives and businesses. And they’ll pay GREAT money for them. (And not be hanging clothes on them within a month -- yes, I am guilty of doing that with my treadmill!)

Just because a service might seem like no big deal to you, doesn’t mean it’s not a HUGE deal to a client. 

Here’s a perfect example straight...

 You may be torn between wanting to be available for your children and contributing more financially to your family. You may find yourself working a J.O.B. and longing to be at home. Is there a way to have it both ways? I believe it is possible to earn income for your family and be available for them.

Many women have found the perfect balance by creating a Virtual Assistant or Virtual Expert® business.

I will share five reasons why Moms LOVE to become Virtual Assistants and Virtual Experts® and why this may be right for you too!

The number one reason becoming a Virtual Assistant is so appealing to moms is that you can be available for your children.

Childhood goes by so fast! I know it may not seem like it, but ask a parent with adult children!

Being available for your children is one thing you will never regret. Working as a Virtual Assistant allows you to create the perfect schedule not only for you but for your family too. You can set your work hours to...

 “Can I earn an income equivalent to my full-time position as a Virtual Assistant?” is a question I get asked a lot. 

If you are tired of the uncertainty, stress, and overwhelm that comes with working a traditional job, you might be surprised to know you can earn a comparable, if not better, income in your own Virtual Expert® business.

How can you replace the income you earn at your full-time position and create a Virtual Assistant Business from the comfort of your home?

 I train women, and a few men, how to create Virtual Expert® businesses that thrive!

I know leaving the reliability of a regular paycheck can be intimidating for sure. (That money fairy is enticing!) I also know you can create a Virtual Expert® business that may not only replace the income you were earning in your full-time J.O.B., but it can even surpass it. 

How do I know that? Because I did it myself!

When I left my job, the parting words from my boss were, “You...