1. September 16, 2009 Erin Blaskie, www.theVAcoach.comwww.theVAcoach.com

2.  Launched virtual assistance firm, BSETC (www.bsetc.ca) in 2004.  Launched a coaching practice for virtual assistants (www.thevacoach.com) in 2006.  Currently have a team of fifteen virtual assistants that has serviced over 300 entrepreneurs around the globe.

3.  Approximately 1 hour in length.  Ask questions via Twitter using hashtag #vacoach.  Send questions via email (to be answered after the call) to erin@thevacoach.com.  Recording will be sent out to all of those who registered.

4.  Many new virtual assistants aren’t sure where or how to start.  There is so much information out there, it’s hard to know what’s accurate and what isn’t.  I’ve built my business with little overhead and stayed in the black every year I’ve been in business.  With people out there that have been doing this for as long as they have, there is no need for others to struggle.

5.  The Dream: Freedom, flexibility, no boss looking over your shoulder, pick and choose your own work, etc...  The Reality: Frustration, having to find clients, spending too much money, not sure where to focus, feeling isolated, etc...  You need an easy-to-follow roadmap and you need to know the five mistakes most people make to avoid doing them yourself.

6.  Speed of Implementation  Get your business out there  Perfectionism = Stalling  Perfectionism will kill your progress and your business  You can always get something solid up now and edit it later where you feel it necessary  Focusing on the Wrong Things  Certification over skill building  Social media over a web presence (website)

7.  Building an Offline Business for the Online World  Going to the business centers are good but keep in mind that the online world is very different  A lot of the local business centers may have outdated information  Look for mentors that are savvy, experienced and into the latest trends  Setting Up a Perfect Office  It’s great to have a beautiful space but keep in mind, only you see it – focus on the online space

8.  Forgetting That You Have to Market  The “if you build it, they will come” idea does not work in an online business.  You must plan out a marketing strategy whether you like to market or not.  Using an easy, simple to follow plan is the best strategy.  Follow someone who has been there, done that.

9.  Focusing on Skills that are Outdated  People hiring virtual assistants right now are looking for: Blogging / website experience Social media / networking experience Info-product creation or management E-Commerce experience (1ShoppingCart) Sales page / opt-in page / thank you page creation List building (Aweber, Constant Contact) Membership Sites

10.  Thinking the Offline World Skills Will Be the Same as Online  Most entrepreneurs are not hiring solely administrative staff  A lot of the work you did in the corporate or “real” world does not apply online  You can build a good business with less expensive rates doing only admin but the real money and clients are in the online business world

11.  Buying Expensive Training or ALL Training On the Planet and Doing Zero Implementation  My rule: learn something, master it, implement it in my business. Learn something, master it, implement it in my business.  Just because you take a hundred courses doesn’t mean you know how to use it. Study and perfect and offer it as a service to hone your skills.

12.  A Lot of New VAs are Told They MUST Have a Target Market  It’s not necessary.  Stay focused on the big picture until you gain experience working with different types of entrepreneurs.  See where your passions lie when you get that experience and hone in on what you are good at over time.  Don’t stress about a target market, niching or choosing something NOW.

13.  Are You Actually Playing Where Your Market Hangs Out?  Make sure your sandbox is the same as the person that you want to meet.  Find out where your ideal client spends their time, where they chat and get involved in those places.

14.  You Don’t Need to Be Certified  0 of the 300 entrepreneurs we have worked with over the last five years have asked about it.  Most certifications that are out there are expensive, unnecessary and focus on the wrong things.  Everything I have learned has been through mentors or by using a hands-on approach.  Initials after your name may look interesting but will cost you a lot and are often not looked at.

15.  Many VAs Take Certifications to Meet New VAs – Then, Spend More Time Socializing Than Building a Business  Remember, it’s great to have VA friends and partners and people to rely on but they are NOT your future clients (necessarily).  Focus on building relationships with your target market instead of spending more time socializing.  Choose where to focus your time and energy and it will pay off.

16.  Keep Overhead Low and You’ll Have a Successful Business  Just because a software or tool exists, doesn’t mean you need it.  Use the essentials and add on as your business grows.  Buying into everything simply causes spending chaos and you’ll find yourself overwhelmed and with no clients.

17.  Thinking You Have to Attend the Big Ticket Events  I’ve never attended a large conference that I paid for myself. I rarely attend expensive networking events. I go to events if I am speaking at them.  You can build a strong business by building a solid online presence which will cost you less and keep you home with your family.  There are low-cost (or zero cost) local events that you can attend as well.

18.  Build a Web Presence  Build Out Presences on Social Media  Learn the Skills That Are Most Relevant  Determine the Most Attractive Ways to Set Up Your Business for Your Clients  Learn How to Market Effectively  Network With the Right People  Add Value, Be Current, Be Relevant  Build a Name for Yourself

19.  Research  Find a Mentor  Ask Other VAs  Attend a Training Program  Starting next Monday, we are doing our popular “Build Your VA Business” program where we take you through everything you need to know. www.thevacoach.com  For participants of this teleseminar, you can save 50% off the cost of the training until Friday. Just use LETSGO at checkout!

20.  *7 to unmute your telephone to come live to the call.  *6 to mute your line after questions.  Use hashtag #vacoach if you are on Twitter.  Email questions to erin@thevacoach.com.