A virtual assistant is someone who provides off-site administrative services to other businesses. We provide services to small and home-based businesses, entrepreneurs, direct sellers, and other busy professionals.

EDUCATION | I graduated high school in 1993. I attended the University of Windsor for one year before leaving my academic career behind in search of work.

HOW TO GET STARTED | If you are interested in beginning a career as a Virtual Assistant, I highly suggest reading as much as you can on home-based businesses and the Virtual Assistant Industry. Many first time business owners don't realize just how much time and effort it takes in order to run a successful full-time business. There are several organizations such as IVAA (International Virtual Assistant Association) and CVAC (Canadian Virtual Assistant Connection) that will help you obtain some basic information on the industry as a whole. There are also a myriad of forums such as Virtual Assistant Forums and VA Networking that offer the ability to chat with other VA's at various levels of their own businesses.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Must be technologically savvy - The internet, software, and hardware is constantly changing and you must be fluid.; Communication - you may never meet (or sometimes even speak on the phone) to your clients; Organization - you'll not only be running your business, but large aspects of others businesses. You need to know how to put a good system in place to keep you organized.; Strong grasp of Social Media; Patience

how I got started | I chose not to return to my career after my son was born, but I still needed to provide some additional income into our household. I started my own Avon business, and was later hired as a Virtual Assistant through another company. The clients I worked with always complimented me on my professionalism, the completed job, and my dedication to my work. If there's something you enjoy, can earn a living from, and can excel at - you should be doing it.

why this job?| My inspiration came from my son. I needed to find a way to earn a living, while still being able to care for him. Working from a home office was an ideal situation. Although it's definitely not easier or less work that working outside of the home, it did provided the necessary flexibility I needed in my life. When I ran my Avon business, one of the main reasons I did so well was my ability to take people under my wing and teach them how to build a profitable and enjoyable business. Now I can raise my son and show him what hard work and dedication can bring to someone's life.

why I love this job!| One of the tag lines to my business is "Bringing success to you!", and it's one of the biggest reasons I love being a VA. The single reason I'm as successful as I am is because I bring success to others through what I do.

my typical day| My typical day starts around 5:00 am and finishes around 11 pm. Because I'm a work-at-home Mom, my day is interspersed with raising, caring for and playing with my son. My early morning hours are spent sifting through emails, Twiiter replies and direct messages, and scheduling consultations with clients via my online appointment booker. I also complete my writing assignments for my clients who require daily articles written. In the afternoon, I am kept busy with client work assignments, and the later evening hours are often spent marketing my business. The great part about my job is that often, every day is different. Some days are completely consumed with completing assignments for clients, while other days are booked solid with consultations and ensuring the clients are getting their contracts to begin work.

what they are | One of the biggest challenges I have as a Virtual Assistant, is getting people to realize that I am not their employee. When people hire a VA, they are actually partnering with my company in order to get their assignments completed. Since the Virtual Assistant industry is still relatively new, it is often cumbersome to describe not only my business, but the industry as a whole. Some people have a very difficult time understanding how someone who could be thousands of miles away could benefit their business. Another challenge we face is the constant evolution of the internet, as well as hardware and software. Because a VA works from their own office, they generally supply all software as well as their own equipment. This industry is fast-paced and you need to stay on your toes to keep up with the trends and needs of potential clients.

all about growth | If you take a look at the world around you, you'll notice just how many things are becoming automated, computerized, and can be done virtually. The sky truly is the limit when it comes to what a VA can offer a business. Since we can work globally, the economic status of one country doesn't define the bottom line of my business. Even if the economic market of the entire world was to nosedive, hiring a Virtual Assistant will still be an extremely viable option for a business. Why? Because an in-house employee - whether full-time or part-time - generally costs a business up to 2.5 times their actual annual salary when you consider the overhead costs, training, fringe benefits, and other such necessities. I've already begun receiving resumes from people who have lost, or could be losing, their jobs. The possibilities truly are endless with this business.

my website|