Assistant Match has an exciting opportunity for a U.S. based virtual assistant to act as the Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff for a group of businesses run by two busy CEOs. (Please read this description thoroughly prior to responding). This is an independent contractor position.

 The main client for this position is Chuck. He runs and is invested in multiple.  businesses, with his main one being an AI cyber-security company that works with large corporations. He needs an experienced executive assistant or project manager to assist with the following.

 Manage and streamline daily processes for client 

• Email Management - Proactively work his inboxes. Delete/unsubscribe from spam, respond to emails you can figure out, prioritize emails for him to respond to.   
• Manage personal and work schedule.  Coordinate meeting times, locations, etc. Understanding of general locations around his area and drive times between those...

Marketing your small business is important to raise your brand awareness and build a pipeline of qualified leads that can turn into customers.  

If you're struggling with a limited budget, time restraints, or even a lack of direction, a solid marketing plan can provide guidance as you scale your business. 

Here are 5 tips to consider when initially starting your marketing plan: 

1.  Know Who Needs Your Help 

Understanding your target market’s pains, problems, triggering events, and priorities is essential in effectively marketing to them. Spend time networking and talking to other small business owners. Find out what they struggle with in their business. Read industry blogs, join online entrepreneur groups or listen to small business podcasts. Targeting the right audience with your value proposition can make all the difference in having a successful marketing campaign and attracting clients.  

2.  Set Yourself Apart from Other...

One thing a virtual assistant (VA) will eventually hear from a potential client is: I can’t afford you right now.

When talking with a potential client, be clear on how you can increase their income. Provide them with a list of areas you can help them with. Is it bookkeeping, marketing, digital content, data management or something else?  Explain your expertise and how you have helped other business owners with your services. Be sure to discuss how you create systems and processes to keep organized and stay efficient.

By being prepared for this conversation, you can change the potential client’s internal dialogue from “I can’t afford you", to "I CAN’T afford to continue without you”.

As a VA, it’s important to be a great resource for your client. Are you implementing these basic technologies?

Working with clients as a virtual assistant can be rewarding and provide you with more flexibility in your schedule.  Set your client and yourself up for success by making feedback a priority!

Here are five ways to keep the lines of communications open with a new or existing client:

1.        Make sure you check-in with your client often

2.        Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are ever confused with your assignment.

3.        Find out if your client prefers phone calls, texting or email to communicate.

4.        Be 100% clear and honest in turnaround time expectations.

5.        Provide feedback to your client on how they can be a better client for you

What steps do you take to ensure a successful VA/client relationship? 

Need more tips on how to keep...

So, you are not a tech guru, is there still virtual work that you can do?  The simple answer is yes.

Many small business owners need help with tasks that will require someone with a background in web design or web maintenance, social media management, graphic design or even email marketing, however there are still plenty of outsourced tasks that require administrative experience.

To be successful as a virtual assistant, you don’t have to offer everything to a client, but you do need to offer what you do best.

Below are some administrative tasks that many small business owners outsource that won’t require strong technical abilities.

•         travel planning
•         database management
•         event planning
•         ghost writing
•         making phone calls
•         organizing lists
•         updating curriculum
•      ...

A virtual assistant is a very valuable resource to a busy entrepreneur.  Getting your working relationship off to a good start is important in securing a long term assignment with your new client.

Working with anyone – real or virtual – is a dynamic situation where adjustments need to be made as the working relationship evolves.

With hundreds of mobile applications and cloud-based technologies, working effectively with your client should include using various electronic technologies.  Having a virtual workspace for communicating with your client is essential for success.

Below are 3 basic technologies that should be implemented as you start to work with you new client:

1. Email – be sure to find out if your client will be setting up a specific email address for you that has their business extension, or if you will use your own email address to communicate with them.  Determine a response time that is acceptable to you and your client.
2. Live Chat–...

Being a stay at home Mom or Dad is not the only reason to consider becoming a professional virtual assistant. Caring for an elderly parent, grandparent or friend is a growing responsibility in many households. There is a large number of middle-aged professionals (referred to as the Sandwich Generation) who are simultaneously caring for children and parents — that have left their normal 9am-5pm job to become an at-home caregiver.
According to a Pew Research study, most caregivers are women, about 45% are men. AARP research says most caregivers have jobs, but 70% are obliged to “make workplace adjustments”—coming in late or leaving early, for instance. (Forbes 7/14). This can hamper your job performance and add stress to an already overloaded day. Many who are working and caring for an elderly parent or grandparent eventually end up having to take a leave of absence or will decide to quit their job as health situations change.
Working as a virtual assistant is a...

Starting out as a virtual assistant can be very exciting but also a little confusing.  Where do you to begin? How do you promote yourself? How do you know what to charge? How do you find clients? The list is endless!

Below are a few tips that will help make your first, or next virtual job more of a treat than a trick.

In order to become a successful VA, you need to know how to market yourself.

We suggest that if you are serious about this profession, you invest in  a professional website and become active on social media.  There are many templated web builder programs that are affordable and provide wonderful design elements.  Most social media sites are free, but do require a time investment.

Your website should include the following information:

• What virtual services you can offer a client
• Your billing process
• Your rates or fees
• Be sure to have an updated headshot and bio on your website
• Client testimonials (if you have any)

When you find a prospective...

Do you blog for your virtual assistant business?  Every time that you write a blog post, you are adding another “asset” to your inventory of marketing content on your website that will help your SEO.
If you have any doubts to the importance of blogging, here are 5 key points posted on ChicagoBusiness by Ann Dwyer last year about the benefits you can gain by blogging.

1. A blog can boost your reputation as an expert: Customers want to do business with people who are experts in their industry. So by projecting a knowledgeable image and sharing insights about the products and services you offer, your blog can have an impact far beyond your website. A blog is a terrific way to provide tips, answer questions and teach visitors about your industry.
2. A blog gives you more pages to talk about products and services: Having a blog can allow you the room to provide more information about the products and services you offer.
3. A blog helps customers find you with SEO: Each blog post...