One-Minute Interview with Laura Wertenberger

Website: http://www.terrifictranscription.com

Services provided: I provide a wide array or services that run the gamut of administrative support, including executive support, editing/proofreading, transcription, with a specialty in psychiatric transcription, customer service, travel planning, calendar management, mail merge, correspondence, data entry, etc, as well as voice-over for phone systems and promotional work.

Best way to contact: via email @ laura@terrifictranscription.com or via phone @ 616-862-8409

What you enjoy most about being a VA: The satisfaction of being able to produce a high quality product in a more flexible and relaxed setting.

About your experience: Terrific Transcription and Typing is founded on 14 years of experience in the administrative support field. After spending 8 ½ years in the insurance industry and 6 years in the mental health field, as well as 4 years in the entertainment industry, meeting a wide variety of administrative and technical needs, I decided to start my own business. The years I spent in the “corporate” world have provided me with a broad base of knowledge and a solid background on which to build, as well as an appreciation for working with a diverse clientele.

A moment on the soapbox: My advice to others that are contemplating this field is, first and foremost, have confidence in yourself. Take pride in what you do, and always, above all else, strive to provide your clients with the best service possible. Remember, your name is on it.

SPECIAL OFFER from Terrific Transcription and Typing: From now, through the month of March 2006, I will gladly provide my services for half price; general support - $10/hour, and transcription - $12.50/hour (time worked).

Pay for Employment? Never!

If you have been a VA for any length of time, chances are you have run across some ad online from a company claiming to need VA or VA-type services. After clicking the link to go to their website, you find that you can apply- for a fee.

For a company that supposedly needs help, I find it strange that they would charge qualified applicants to apply, rather than welcome them with open arms. The truth about most of these scenarios is that they are scams. Oftentimes, there are no projects to begin with- it is just a way for them to make easy money. It boggles my mind that some people will prey on honest people who are in need of work. How do they sleep at night?!

Even if there were legitimate projects that these companies needed VAs for, it is still outrageously unethical to charge an application fee. Their sites will relate a convincing story for unsuspecting victims that this fee of $29.95 (or whatever it may be) helps cover the costs of processing your application. Considering most of these are scams, I find it hard to believe that it costs them ANY money at all to delete your application. For crying out loud! The US government doesn't even do that- and look at how many applications THEY have to sort through!

For all you newer VAs out there, just remember that you never had to pay for employment before, and that shouldn't change just because you are working virtually. The person rendering the service is the one who gets paid.

Virtually Saving the Day

So many small business owners and entrepreneurs tell me the same thing over and over- they wish they had more time. The day is just too short to accomplish all their goals. They are often surprised to hear that they don't need more time, but better use of their time.

A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT is the answer they never knew existed. A Virtual Assistant is an independent contractor, someone who runs their own business, who can provide the services they need. They are experts in their field and provide incredible value to their clients. They work from their own office, saving you office space and money.

By delegating the time-draining administrative tasks that don't require their specialized knowledge the way the rest of their business does, they are free to use their time more effectively to accomplish those goals and enjoy new milestones in their businesses and careers. They often report that they are able to get more done than they ever have before, and in less time.

It is like having their own administrative assistant on call. Virtual Assistants offer their services on as-needed basis. Clients pay only for the time worked, either hourly or flat fee. If clients feel that they will need assistance more regularly, a retainer option is usually offered by most Virtual Assistants.

By the time they factor in all that they have to pay for with traditional employee in ADDITION to their wages (payroll taxes, health insurance, dental benefits, PTO, sick leave, coffee breaks, office space and equipment allocation, training cost, etc.) they often find that a Virtual Assistant can be much more cost effective.

With their "newfound" time, clients are able to concentrate on the core functions of their business, using their expert knowledge where it counts. They no longer have to work more hours to accomplish their goals because they have learned to delegate and use their own time in the most effective manner. It could be said that Virtual Assistants virtually save the day- or at least several hours of it.

Virtual Overachievers

It can be said about most Virtual Assistants that we are overachievers. It can often even be an understatement. Virtual Assistants are All-Stars. It's in our nature. Always has been, always will be. That is why we are so driven in ensuring the success of our clients. We make great team players, which is why we team with our clients so well. We're also effective leaders, even of ourselves- that is precisely why we have the discipline to work for ourselves.

I have to admit that I love my overachiever part of me. My goal is that every client will wonder how on earth they ever managed before me. How did the sun manage to rise? Almost every other VA that I talk to seems to have that same mentality. Overall, I think it is a good (and certainly motivating) trait to have.

However, it's also easy to let that get out of control, and then your business begins running your life. I have been accused at times of not having proper balance in my life and letting my business take charge of me. As much as I initially tried to deny it, that person had a point- and unfortunately, a very good one.

I had always heard that starting a business takes a lot of time. It did. I heard it would be the challenge of my life. It was. I heard that I'd be working long hours, more than I had ever worked before. I did. My clients were happy. I kept getting more and more work. I'd start early in the morning and be found burning the midnight oil. I kept up my other responsibilities, but I lived for my business.

What I didn't realize is that my over-the-top approach to my business didn't include enjoying my life anymore- not my whole life, anyway. Once that came to my attention, I realized that I had to regain a sense of balance. I was really worried at first- would I still be a great Virtual Assistant if I wasn't working quite so many hours?

Months later after sticking to a reasonable set schedule later, I can conclusively say, yes. In fact, I think I am actually a more effective Virtual Assistant than before. My day was planned better and I used my time more efficiently, knowing I only have a certain amount allotted. I still get up early, but I only have a certain number of hours to work, regardless of when I start. Limiting my workday to a reasonable schedule was,without a doubt, the best thing that I have ever done for myself or my business.

If you find that you have been guilty, too, of letting your VA business run away with you, you may want to try the following tips:

• Establish set work times (yes, unforeseen circumstances may arise that you need to tend to, but that is the exception, not the rule).
• Plan your workday before you start. Prioritize your tasks and start at the top. Estimate how long each task will take and "map" out your day.
• Plan work time that is free of interruptions when you can concentrate best. Your clients deserve your full attention when you are on the clock.
• Communicate effectively with your clients. Knowing specific deadlines for each project will help you to plan well.
• Know your limits. Make sure that the projects you accept are ones that you can complete with excellence. Quality, not quantity counts most!
• Include time for promoting and marketing your business in your daily plan. Part of your work day is completing those tasks for yourself.
• When the day is over, step away from the computer. If you have an office, shut the door on the way out. After work, get back to the other parts of your life- family, friends, hobbies, etc.

Life is good, not just my Virtual Assistant service, but all of it. Being an overachiever is okay, until it takes over. Now, I have certain set hours to "overachieve" each day- and the rest belongs to me!

Becoming a Virtual Assistant

I have had many VAs contact me wondering how to get into the business. Sometimes I can't even read what they are emailing me. It's like a cryptic IM session. Many people think it sounds like a "fun" way to stay home and make money. Really, they figure, how hard could it be? Well, if you are a mediocre VA, probably not very.

The truth is that running a Virtual Assistant business is a lot of hard work. Sure, it is rewarding , and most of us VAs wouldn't trade it for the world, but it's certainly not a walk down Easy Street. Virtual Assistants are professionals- in fact, they are experts at what they do. Everything that they do has to convey that professionalism, both in the work that they perform and their communications with others.

If you are looking to become a VA, please don't be insulted. I have spent countless hours coaching aspiring VAs. I'd likely give you my advice, too, if you asked for it. The first thing that you would likely hear from me is be professional. Always. When dealing with potential clients, put your best foot forward. When they see that you conduct yourself as a true professional will, it will give you more credibility.

My second piece of advice would be to get ready to work harder than you probably ever have. Sounds dramatic, I know, but have you ever had to be in charge of PR, marketing, accounting, and customer service? Some VAs are surprised at how many hours they have to work, especially in the beginning. You have to set up your website, develop marketing materials, identify potential clients, learn the ins and outs of the business... There is a lot to do. It takes resolve to see things through to the desired outcome (establishing your clientele).

If you need more advice than that, as I have said, I am happy to help when I can. If you are serious about becoming a Virtual Assistant and are willing to put your virtual feet to the pavement, there is no time like the present to start making your dreams come true. Resign yourself to the notion that you want to be a true PARTNER in the success of other professionals, not just someone "working from home". Understand that you are a professional who will make a difference in the professional community, and sell that idea to your clients!

(It also wouldn't hurt to enroll in a program like CertifiedVP. I mention that a lot on my blog, but that is because I really believe in it. :) )

What Is All the Hype About Skype???

If you are looking for a versatile tool to connect with your clients around the country-or even the world- you just have to check out Skype! It is free and you can talk for free to other Skype members. Visit www.skype.com.

My clients and I use Skype regularly and I have never had an issue with the quality of the service they provide (for FREE, no less). Skype provides several handy features such as conference calling and video chatting.

They also offer a service where you can call regular landlines all over the world with your Skype application. The rates are MUCH cheaper that what you would probably pay your phone company to make an overseas call. In fact, it is cheaper to call overseas with Skype than it is for many people to make a long distance call within the US. But of course, if you can get your clients, friends and family to get Skype, you can call Skype to Skype for free, no matter where they are.

Check it out for yourself. It is awesome! What a great tool for a VA!

Being a Virtual Assistant