I’ve watched the Virtual Assistant industry change considerably in that time, all for the better. Technology truly makes the VA life doable and successful. Keeping up is something else.

Social media has made biggest impact in marketing not only for VAs but for everyone who owns a business. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and now Pinterst are main marketing venues. Long gone are the Yellow Pages ads! Yes I used to spend about $150 a month for a 1-inch ad in the local Yellow Pages. The price for social media marketing is simply a time investment. Setup is the biggest time investment, but upkeep is relatively simple. And yes, any type of marketing is still an investment in you business!

As I’m helping clients setup, engage and monitor their social media I’ve realized that I’m learning a lot too. Pinterst has me interested, not sold yet for a business marketing avenue but could work. Here’s an interesting article that might further explain how to use Pinterest for business - http://www.inc.com/john-brandon/9-tips-boost-your-business-pinterest.html

This article caught my eye on the International Association of Coaching Voice. Suzi makes some great on marketing and what expectations you should have for your outcome. I particularly like her thoughts on Networking.

“Networking is about creating a genuine human connection—with no agenda beyond genuinely connecting. It’s about seeking ways to serve.”

To ready the full article click here.

Great idea, however I was too close to to my computer. As is my habit every morning on my way to the kitchen to get the coffee started I stopped by my office and turned on the computer. Even though my mind was saying “hey, don’t do that, technically you’re on vacation”. I rationalized that I would be far too busy anyway to check emails or do anything else. Wrong! I checked emails several times a day, read every Google Alert and Tweet that came my way and I even checked in several times a day with my team member who was “taking over” for me. She’d probably like to shoot me right now.

It wasn’t until my last Saturday of vacation that I finally entered into that zen vacation mode. I was relaxed, stress-free and carefree. My husband and I puttered around the yard and lo and behold I had that Aha! moment that makes all the separation anxiety of not working okay. In the car on my way to the grocery store I was able to create on my Blackberry a very detailed strategic plan that will allow me to attain the financial success and business growth goals I set for myself a few months ago. Boom! Done.

This one enlightened moment validated my whole anxious vacation. I can move forward with confidence because I have a well-thoughtout and detailed plan. Would I have thought of this plan anyway? I have to say probably not. My mind is always too busy racing from one client project or task to the next to slow down long enough and allow this type of problem-solving activity to take place. I need quiet and no distractions to focus my mind fully on anything so seemingly complex.

Because I was able to create this awesome plan out of “thin air” it gives me pause to think that taking time off is really a good thing. As a long time VA I’m very good at giving advice, listening and following my own advice is completly different. I see more days off and long weekends in my future. Who knows, I just might be able to design that million dollar Interent business that will allow my husband and I to finally buy that 48-foot RV and tour the US!

Some of the most popular social networking sites are:

1. MySpace

2. FaceBook

3. LinkedIn

4. Biznik

5. Twitter

6. Squidoo

7. Hubpages

. . . just to name a few.

All of these sites can be used to market your products or services and to make important connections with your customers. Through short posts or full length articles you can showcase your expertise as well.

Cheryl Callighan is a Master Virtual Assistant and professional Author’s Assistant (www.TheAuthorsAssistants.com). She has successfully operated her Virtual Assistant business, eOffice-Virtual Assistants, for 19 years. She developed the first multi-VA business model and serves a national client base providing a wide range of virtual professional services.

The good news is that by hiring more than one VA you can hire the best VA for the task at hand.

For example, hire a bookkeeper VA for your bookkeeping, hire a web designer for your website, use a VA for scheduling your appointments or a VA to make your travel arrangements. Maybe you could use an online marketing VA who is savvy in the new Social Networking technology and strategies.

When interviewing a VA for a specific project make sure they have the skills and proficiencies to perform the task accurately and efficiently the first time.

Still not sure if the VA can walk the walk? Try a one-time test project (and be willing to pay for their time).

Reminder: Get references and follow up!

Cheryl Callighan is a Master Virtual Assistant and professional Author’s Assistant (www.TheAuthorsAssistants.com). She has successfully operated her Virtual Assistant business, eOffice-Virtual Assistants, for 19 years. She developed the first multi-VA business model and serves a national client base providing a wide range of virtual professional services.

When you are looking to hire a VA you need to do at least these seven things to assure you hire the right VA for your business and especially for the tasks you will be delegating.

1. Decide exactly what task(s) you will be delegating. Write them out, in as much detail as possible, list the necessary steps to complete the task. Something similar to a job description. Why? Just to make sure you are clearly communicating your expectations to your potential VA. She/he may even be able to suggest some time-saving steps or short-cuts.
2. Know how long the task requires to complete.
3. Assess how much you can afford to pay for the tasks on a per hour and/or per task basis.
4. Ask clients and associates that use VAs regularly for recommendations on a good VA. These are the best referrals.
5. Interview more than one VA.
6. Get references and follow up!
7. Always have a contract, either one you supply (an independent contractor agreement) or one the VA has.

Cheryl Callighan is a Master Virtual Assistant and professional Author’s Assistant (www.TheAuthorsAssistants.com). She has successfully operated her Virtual Assistant business, eOffice-Virtual Assistants, for 19 years. She developed the first multi-VA business model and serves a national client base providing a wide range of virtual professional services.

There.

The short answer is yes, you probably can.

The bigger question is do you want to just make a few bucks on the side, are you looking to supplement your full-time job or are you looking to build a business with a steady income to support your family and your lifestyle?

If you are just looking to supplement your income or make a few bucks here and there then please look for jobs on Guru, eLance and even Craig’s List.

If you are looking to create a successful Virtual Assistant (VA) business then the answer becomes do you have an above average skill set and the experience necessary to start a successful Virtual Assistant business?

At the least you will need –

1. Experience – 2 to 5 years of experience working in an office environment.

2. Skill set – above average meaning you know more than the basics of Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Publisher and even have knowledge of website maintenance.

Many VAs today have exceptional skill sets that include online marketing, website design, podcasting, calendar synchronization, remote access, customer service, teleseminar and webinar experience, etc.

3. Knowledge of setting up and running a business – this information is readily available through books or classes at your local chamber of commence, perhaps even your local community college.

4. Motivation – you will have to be and stay motivated to actively engage new business and work with your clients.

5. And much more . . . for a comprehensive list of skills and core competencies please check out the Alliance for Virtual Businesses Core Competencies list.

This post should also serve as a warning to prospective clients looking to hire a VA as well. Not all VAs are created equal. If you are considering hiring a VA to support your business please take the time to decide just what tasks you will be outsourcing, what skills you needs and then interview accordingly. Always ask for and check references.

Cheryl Callighan is a Master Virtual Assistant and professional Author’s Assistant (The Authors Assistants). She has successfully operated her Virtual Assistant business, eOffice-Virtual Assistants, for 19 years. She developed the original multi-VA business model and serves a national client base providing a wide range of virtual professional services.