Virtual Assistants – When is it time to hire a coach?

You probably started your virtual assistant business with big hopes of success. You figured as soon as others knew you were in business they would be flocking to you.  Yes, you were ready.   Success was yours.

However, even though you put up your shingles, “Open for Business” a funny thing happened.  No one came. So you go back to the drawing board again and become a little more vocal this time.  “Hey, I’m opened, come and get it.” That should do it.  But unfortunately it doesn’t.

So many make this mistake.  They think with the right services the clients will be able to find you once you get started. Unfortunately instead of that lovely emails you receive of “you’ve got a payment” you can still hear a pin drop and no one is contacting you.  Now what do you do?

Believe it or not, this happens to a lot of virtual assistants and other business owners thinking that once you open you can just get down to doing the work. The clients will automatically come running.  But that’s not always the case.  In fact, that is rarely the case.  You need to get out there and promote your business and also you need to be set up for success, well before you send out that first marketing piece.

And that is why you might need a virtual assistant or business coach.  Someone who can take you step by step through the process and help you not only get those clients, but also be set up correctly so once you get them, the day-to-day operations of your business run smoothly. Let’s talk about what a coach can do for you.

What can a virtual assistant coach or business coach help with?  Here are just a few things:

• A coach will make sure you haven’t forgotten any of those vital business basic steps needed to start your business.  Bookkeeping, licenses, business plans are just some of the topics to be discussed and figured out.

• A coach will help you decide with your skills and experience who would be your ideal clients.  Then the  coach will help you put the steps into place to land those clients. Marketing your business will be a big part of what you will be doing together.

• Your coach will review your pricing and figure out the best way to set up your business, whether you would benefit with going with packages, blocks of time, retainer rates, etc.

• A coach can review all your media including your website, media, blogs, and make recommendations.  This alone is worth its weight in gold.  Once you get out there marketing, if your site and branding doesn’t convince clients you have what they need, then you can be not only wasting your time and money, but burning bridges down the road.  Those potential clients may never come back.

• A coach will be your best friend at times and your worst enemy at others.  Yes, they will be there for you when you do things right, but they should also be there for you and guide you gently when you don’t.  By helping you prevent many of the mistakes that they might have made themselves, you learn the best way to do things. This all sounds good, but how do you find a good coach?  The main thing you want to consider is to find one you feel confident in by reviewing their business.  Is it one that you would like to mimic?

Do they walk the walk and talk the talk?  You want someone who you respect and know they have your back as well as the skills needed to help you success.  Once you know what you’re looking for, go out there and connect.  Your business success is waiting!

Diana Ennen, President of Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com has been in business for over 25 years and is eager to help coach you to better success.  As the author of the highly successful, Virtual Assistant the Series: Become a Highly Sought After VA, she can guide to in all you need to do to be successful too.  Email for her free informational package moc.gnihsilbupdrowlautriv@anaid.  Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.

Do you have any recommendations? I’d love to hear them!  Thanks.