The No Frills VA Podcast: Recent Episodes
Melissa Smith
Welcome to the No Frills VA podcast brought to you by the Association of Virtual Assistants. Your host is award-winning VA consultant, bestselling author, and Founder & CEO of the AVA Melissa Smith. The AVA is the most trusted source of information in the Virtual Assistant industry. This podcast is for you if you’re a virtual assistant or looking to become a VA. The AVA knows you have questions and we’re providing you answers on the No Frills VA podcast. Want to be featured? We'd love to have you! Apply here: https://forms.gle/D5C5f7KZi8ottsNa8
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares her love of networking and how to consistently network in order to build your business.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:02 - Why she started networking;
1:50 - How Melissa discovered the value of having even a small network;
2:50 - The kind of networking Melissa does not enjoy;
3:35 - Specific purpose networking;
7:57 - Why it’s no one’s job to refer your business;
8:25 - How Melissa stays connected to her network;
9:15 - Asking for referrals;
12:32 - Networking too late;
13:00 - Knowing why you want to network;
13:26 - Knowing what you give when networking;
14:10 - How to know if your networking is successful;
15:45 - Networking consistently;
17:15 - Putting bad networking events into perspective;
Why do you network?
Prefer to watch the video? Clickhere to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares the struggle, pain, persistence, lessons learned, and the ultimate joy if you have a business that is growing slowly.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
2:07 - What drives Melissa;
3:03 - Why growing your business slowly affects all business owners;
4:05 - Coping with slow growth;
6:40 - The great thing about slow growth;
9:44 - How Melissa knew her business was growing every single day;
11:15 - Harnessing a gardener’s mindset;
13:15 - Asking yourself what is the lesson to be learned;
16:05 - Why growing your business slowly isn’t the worst thing in the world;
What lessons are you learning from growing your business slowly?
Prefer to watch the video? Clickhere to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares her thoughts on vacationing as a VA.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:35 - The importance of knowing yourself;
2:44 - Where to start in vacationing planning;
5:40 - What VAs usually leave out of vacation planning;
8:50 - The most important part of a vacation;
9:42 - The best vacation plan;
How do you set yourself up for vacation success?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares the great thing about making mistakes and how all mistakes are not created equal.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
0:55 - Why Melissa wants you to make mistakes;
2:15 - The place Melissa leads from;
3:15 - Flipping the script on the mistake warnings;
4:57 - Why someone else’s mistake is not yours;
6:08 - The type of people Melissa loves to work with;
6:58 - Why you shouldn’t focus on mistakes;
9:12 - Seeing mistakes as a bump in the road;
Have you ever made a “mistake” that worked in your favor?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares how to recognize when your ceiling becomes your floor and how to frame your mindset to take your business to the next level.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:07 - What it means to have your ceiling become your floor;
3:53 - The danger of not recognizing when your ceiling dropped;
4:25 - Rethinking and starting over;
5:15 - What it means to take your business to the next level;
6:28 - The great misconception regarding starting over;
9:41 - Why set it and forget it doesn’t work in business;
8:53 - The power of reflecting on past achievements;
10:18 - Melissa’s hope for your next level business;
How did you know when your ceiling became your floor?
Prefer to watch the video? Clickhere to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares how turning your soft skills into power skills will transform your business, making you more powerful and confident.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
0:50 - The purpose of turning soft skills into power skills;
2:10 - What happens when we feel powerless;
4:15 - Smiling as a power skill;
6:05 - Keeping a compliment journal to find your powerful value;
6:38 - What happens when all you look for are dollar signs;
7:20 - How learning to celebrate ALL your wins is powerful;
8:53 - The power in reflecting on past achievements;
9:45 - Powerfully replacing negative thoughts;
13:30 - How to powerfully build yourself up;
What is your power skill?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares not only the problems but the dangers of trying to convince clients and potential clients that you are their VA.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:10 - How to really define a client;
1:30 - The real problem with convincing;
3:30 - The secret dangers in trying to convince a potential client;
5:20 - The red flag you need to watch out for;
Do you struggle with trying to convince potential clients?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares the different types of confidence and how to use them to your advantage. What kind of confidence do you have?
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:26 - Why we need to understand more about confidence itself;
1:45 - The different types of confidence;
7:25 - What confidence really is;
9:15 - Having confidence in what you don’t enjoy;
What type of confidence do you use most often?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith wants to know if you’re navigating your VA business based on assumptions or with the spirit of curiosity.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
0:45 - What Melissa offers to VAs in order for them to navigate their businesses;
1:11 - Why we need roadmaps;
1:55 - The problem with basing your business on assumptions;
3:43 - What to do instead of assuming;
6:13 - The questions to bring out curiosity;
6:40 - Setting your intentions to be surprised;
How has curiosity surprised you in your business?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith is flipping the script on Disasters, Disappointments & Defeats. She will challenge your mindset, as well as your response.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:09 - What all these things have in common;
1:54 - The opportunity you may not see at first glance;
2:45 - What Melissa encourages you to do;
4:55 - Melissa’s response to pick herself up;
6:39 - What really defines you in these moments;
What do you do when you have disasters, disappointments, and defeats?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith is asking how you are Making Your Requests Known. Plus, she’ll share how to know if it’s working or not.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
0:44 - Why this profound question should be answered with a yes or no;
1:40 - The importance of making your requests known;
5:08 - How making your requests known applies to your VA business;
6:23 - What makes a good request;
7:34 - The underestimation VAs often make;
8:43 - What to be concerned about (it’s not being salesy!);
10:16 - Why Melissa wants you to make your requests known;
How will you make your requests known?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith wants to know if you are talking or listening. More importantly, what you are talking and listening to when it comes to yourself.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:15 - Why talking to yourself is sometimes more necessary than listening;
2:05 - Taking an inventory of what you’re listening to;
2:30 - The importance of calling yourself by name when you talk to yourself;
3:50 - Examples of how Melissa talks to herself;
6:10 - Protecting yourself from what you’re listening to;
8:09 - Talking to yourself about your own value
How will you start talking to yourself and what will you stop listening to?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares her word for 2023 and what it means.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
0:43 - A reminder of her word from 2022;
2:08 - Why she gives herself a year to live to out her word;
3:35 - How Melissa picked her word for 2023;
4:55 - Melissa’s word for 2023 and what it means;
6:56 - What she encourages you to do with your word;
What is your word for 2023?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares why she’s already overwhelmed this year and what she’s doing about it. It can work for you too!
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
0:45 - Why she is overwhelmed;
1:02 - Where the overwhelm is coming from;
2:55 - Why goals are goals, not deadlines;
3:15 - What to do when you’re overwhelmed;
5:25 - Why you don’t need to overwhelm yourself;
What’s your best tip to beat feeling overwhelmed?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
This month we’ve been bringing you the best of the best episodes of the year from the No Frills VA Podcast. Coming in at #3 is: Natural Born Leader with Latrice Prater.
Latrice Prater is the CEO of The Digital Solutions Team, an agency providing tech solutions to female business owners. In this episode, Latrice shares her journey of solo VA to creating a team of 14 in just two years!
If you want to be inspired just listen to this episode with Latrice and learn how far she’s come in a short amount of time then go follow her and see how much she still continues to strive for. Latrice will be the first to tell you it’s not always pretty and it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Listen (or listen again) to her inspiring journey.
In this episode, Latrice shares:
2:20 - Latrice’s background prior to becoming a VA;
2:41 - Why Latrice desired to become her own boss;
3:30 - The mindset work Latrice did to prepare herself for business;
4:21 - The power in being 100% authentic and transparent;
12:53 - How Latrice ensures her clients meet her values;
18:15 - How Latrice went from no plans of having a team to hiring six people in six months;
25:13 - Latrice’s struggle in delegating to her team;
27:57 - The benefit of having started 10 businesses prior to her VA business;
30:52 - Finding success and a winning strategy with ADHD;
34:40 - Why even good CEOs want to throw their business away!
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to view it on our Youtube channel and don’t forget to subscribe.
Past Podcast & Blogs featuring Latrice:
FREEDOM TO DESIGN YOUR LIFE
BLACK HISTORY MONTH & VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS-CELEBRATING LATRICE PRATERBLACK HISTORY MONTH & VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS
Connect with Latrice!
Website: https://www.thedigitalsolutionsteam.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latrice-prater/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vasupport4her/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virtualsolutionsforher
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
This month we’re bringing you the best of the best episodes of the year from the No Frills VA Podcast. Coming in at #2 is: Transforming Your Life & Mind with Sherry Parks.
Sherry is a CPA, a money mindset coach, and a certified Life Coach who helps clients escape feeling trapped by their finances. She is passionate about helping them change their mindset, emotions, and actions regarding money.
It’s always a good time to transform your life and mind and reach your next level in life and in business. Listen (or listen again) to this transformational episode.
In this episode, Sherry shares:
1:17 - How Melissa found Sherry;
2:14 - Sherry’s background;
5:07 - Why Sherry became a life coach;
9:09 - How Sherry defines abundance;
14:40 - Using affirmations to change your patterns;
18:48 - What Sherry is looking for when she creates affirmations with her clients;
20:00 - How Sherry uses emotions and actions to change mindsets;
24:23 - What we can do to make mindset shifts;
25:54 - The opportunity of being uncomfortable;
29:44 - What we can do now to no longer feel trapped by finances;
30:14 - How to get clarity on what you really want;
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Sherry!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1412224992154642
ttps://www.facebook.com/sherry.parks.965
www.livesinbalance.com
Mentioned in the show:
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
8 Hacks to Attract Abundance - Sherry Parks
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
This month we’re bringing you the best of the best episodes of the year from the No Frills VA Podcast. Coming in at #1 is: How to Find What Your Clients Truly Value. This is a very popular topic among VAs so it’s no surprise this episode received the most downloads of the year.
Listen (or listen again) as AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares how she unexpectedly found out how to find what clients truly value and how you can too!
In this episode, Melissa shares:
0:47 - What Melissa struggled with when she first started her business;
1:58 - A time when Melissa was floored by what someone valued;
3:45 - The value of being a seat filler;
5:00 - What you can do to find value;
6:14 - The point of finding what clients value;
7:50 - The only way to know what clients value most;
9:12 - Finding the sweet spot of speaking value;
What’s your story about finding value?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares why the practice of gratitude is not enough unless you return kindness to yourself.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
0:43 - How returning kindness to yourself is part of the gratitude process;
1:37 - How VAs return kindness to others but not themselves;
2:25 - Areas where VAs can but usually don’t return kindness to themselves;
3:03 - How you can be kind to yourself even in failure;
5:22 - How you can be kind to yourself when you don’t hit your goal;
6:37 - Being kind to yourself when you’re afraid;
8:00 - Why your future self needs kindness;
How will you return kindness to yourself?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
Dorie Clark is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and teaches for Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
In this episode Dorie shares:
3:29 - What it means to be a short-term thinker;
6:41 - Why we should be excited about exponential growth;
10:45 - The trade-off of being bad in order to be great;
16:55 - How we can think in decades;
22:09 - Learning to deal with obstacles differently;
28:52 - Dorie’s advice to those with shiny object syndrome;
37:26 - What to do when you don’t know where to start;
The Long Game Self-Assessment: https://dorieclark.com/thelonggame/
Dorie’s Books: https://dorieclark.com/books/
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Dorie!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dorieclark
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doriec/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dorieclarkauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorieclark/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DorieClark
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith dares you to be brave enough to create a 20-year plan for your life.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:52 - Why this isn’t your normal VA plan;
2:42 - Why knowing full plan details isn’t brave;
4:57 - What your 20 year plan represents;
6:20 - Melissa shares her very first 20 year plan;
9:16 - The next 20 years;
Are you brave enough?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
There’s No Plan B for Your A-Game: Be the Best in the World at What You Do
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares why this time of year is the perfect time to say a good goodbye.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
0:58 - Why it’s always a good time to ask yourself if you need a good goodbye;
1:20 - What a good goodbye is;
2:24 - Melissa shares one of her most profound good goodbyes;
4:44 - Why good goodbyes can be challenging;
5:45 - The importance of marking your good goodbye with an occasion;
6:35 - What a good goodbye is not;
What are saying goodbye to and saying hello to in the coming year?
Prefer to watch the video? Click hereto watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
The Good Goodbye: How to Navigate Change and Loss in Life, Love, and Work
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
Diana Aitchison is a VA specializing in Remote Operations for transformational tech organizations. Diana, being an "All the Things" VA is also nomadic and enjoys being a global foodie.
In this week’s episode, Diana shares:
2:14 - What it means to be a first generation Canadian;
5:11 - The bravery it takes to go out into the world;
5:49 - How Dee became a digital nomad;
9:45 - Getting her first clients;
11:07 - What Dee did right and what she would change looking back;
17:06 - Serving fewer clients at a high level we align best with;
24:40 - Dee’s hobby as a foodie that landed her on TV;
37:15 - What’s next for Dee;
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Diana!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/outandaboutva/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/haveforkwilltravel
IG: https://www.instagram.com/haveforkwilltravel/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith congratulates you for asking (or even thinking) that There’s Gotta Be A Better Way!
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
0:54 - What to do when things don’t feel right in your VA business;
1:20 - Why it’s okay not to have all the answers;
2:08 - A point of frustration many VAs face;
2:30 - Your answer for the best way to do something in your business;
3:15 - Melissa’s encouragement;
Do you have a different way of doing business?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares how she's gone from having a very urgent, productive lifestyle to a non-urgent, yet still productive lifestyle.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:25 - Three things that helped Melissa create a non-urgent, productive lifestyle;
1:43 - How Melissa unexpectedly let go of perfectionism;
2:39 - Creating deadlines to get things done and not perfect;
2:58 - Why believing everything is going to work out helped Melissa;
3:37 - The reason hard work is not sustainable;
4:56 - Working in your energy levels for yourself, not just your clients;
6:29 - What Melissa encourages you to do if you have already created a non-urgent, productive lifestyle;
7:10 - What being urgent takes from you and your business;
What helps you feel non-urgent, yet productive so you can enjoy your business?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when membership opens up again. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
TaVona Denise is a Master Certified Coach who helps entrepreneurs not be miserable during their launches.
In this week’s episode, TaVona shares:
1:49 - What is not talked about enough when it comes to launches;
2:38 - What launch trauma is;
3:02 - What happens when there is too much, too soon, too fast;
6:00 - How experiencing launch trauma is more than a mindset;
9:18 - Overcoming launch pre PTSD;
10:11 - TaVona’s favorite place to begin working with a client;
13:30 - Melissa shares her launch stories (success and failure);
18:52 - The first place to start on a launch trauma road to recovery;
21:10 - The story you tell yourself about your launch;
21:57 - The myths regarding a successful launch;
23:45 - How TaVona has sold over half a million dollars over the last two years without creating a program;
24:45 - Why TaVona doesn’t create her courses before she launches;
29:31 - Words of encouragement from TaVona regarding your next launch;
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with TaVona!
https://www.tavonadenise.com/
@tavonadenise
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Membership is currently open and this is the last time this year you’ll be able to join. Join the AVA today! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith talks about bad decisions. We all make them. It’s what we do after that counts.
“Bad decisions make good stories.” — Ellis Vidler
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:04 - What to do after you make a bad decision;
1:48 - Melissa’s story of a bad thing that happened in life;
3:00 - Melissa’s story of a bad decision she made in business;
4:11 - Why bad decisions make good stories;
4:38 - The powerful thing about creating your story;
5:15 - The story Melissa shares with potential clients;
6:58 - What to do if you don’t think you have a story;
What is your story?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership this month! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith talks about why networking feels icky and how to make it feel natural through relationship networking.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:29 - What makes VAs feel icky about networking;
1:56 - Why the amount of networking VAs participate in raises red flags;
2:23 - The solution the AVA offers to make networking easy;
3:12 - The real reason it feels icky to network;
3:40 - What you don’t have to worry about when you’re a member of the AVA;
4:42 - How not to sound salesy;
5:19 - The great thing about relationship networking;
What is the best relationship networking story?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Visit our blog for more on networking this month!
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
Robbie Samuels is an author, speaker, and business growth strategy coach recognized as a networking expert by Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Lifehacker, and Inc. He is also a virtual event design consultant and executive Zoom producer recognized as an industry expert in the field of digital event design by JDC Events.
In this week’s episode, Robbie shares:
1:32 - How the pandemic catapulted his business;
3:43 - What it meant to build a business and be an “overnight” success;
6:45 - Why it’s important to have an email list;
9:41 - What to include in your emails;
12:59 - What a little P problem is;
16:00 - Why the traditional sales funnel is broken;
21:49 - The reason you hesitate to invest in your business;
24:04 - Why people overestimate their ability;
28:15 - Offering value while networking;
30:05 - Why free content is valuable;
35:07 - Letting your network know what you do;
37:08 - Your throughline when you’re doing all the things;
38:50 - Having specific clients for your offers;
42:23 - How to wake up your network;
45:29 - What makes you a successful business owner;
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
FREE Gift: https://www.RobbieSamuels.com/nofrills - The Big Results Toolkit, which has several resources to help you implement the strategies in "Small List, Big Results: Launch a Successful Offer No Matter the Size of Your Email List."
Connect with Robbie!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiesamuels
https://www.twitter.com/robbiesamuels
https://www.facebook.com/robbiesamuels
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares why it’s important to network even when you’re a high-achiever.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
0:55 - Why the AVA is focusing on networking during the month of August;
1:20 - The disconnect between the value of networking and the action of networking;
2:10 - Problems that arise by doing it all on your own;
2:46 - Are you setting yourself up to benefit from your network?
4:12 - What if networking felt more natural?
4:51 - Why Melissa loves to network;
What is your best networking story?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Visit our blog for more on networking this month!
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares what she did and what you can do when it feels like everyone but you is the expert.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:23 - The first thing to tell yourself;
2:00 - Finding power in being a business owner;
2:36 - Your opportunity as the expert;
3:28 - What she knew about achieving success for herself;
5:05 - What Melissa said to the experts;
5:49 - Why it feels awesome even when bad decisions are made;
6:26 - What Melissa wishes for you and your business;
What is the best expert decision you have made in your business?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
Danielle Cuomo is an award-winning entrepreneur and author. A pioneer in the VA industry, Danielle founded Virtual Assist USA 14 years ago. On this episode of the No Frills VA Podcast, Danielle shares the steps she took to go from being laid off to starting her own multi-million dollar virtual assistant business.
In this week’s episode, Danielle shares:
1:55 - Her background - which does not include being an assistant;
3:00 - Why Danielle started with the agency model from the beginning;
3:58 - The mindset Danielle had while starting a business during a recession;
6:04 - How not having an admin background didn’t hinder her;
7:18 - Why you shouldn’t be afraid of what you don’t know;
8:31 - What motivated Danielle when she first started her business;
9:22 - The benefits of in-person networking to start her business;
11:38 - How Danielle went from a contractor model to an employee agency model;
14:52 - The pivotal moment in Danielle’s business that allowed her to start making more money;
16:45 - The biggest benefit to running her VA business;
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Danielle!
https://www.facebook.com/findvirtualassistant
https://twitter.com/assist_usa
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellejuliacuomo
https://www.instagram.com/virtualassistusa/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares why she keeps a scorecard, what she does and doesn’t track, and what you should have on your scorecard.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:00 - What a scorecard for your business is;
2:00 - Why she doesn’t track what she’s not doing right;
3:23 - The story scorecards can tell you;
4:48 - Examples of what Melissa has tracked over the years;
5:32 - How looking at your scorecard balances out feelings and facts;
6:42 - Using scorecards to create business statistics;
7:25 - What Melissa suggests you should have on your scorecard;
What are you celebrating on your scorecard?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares how she unexpectedly found out how to find what clients truly value and how you can too!
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
0:47 - What Melissa struggled with when she first started her business;
1:58 - A time when Melissa was floored by what someone valued;
3:45 - The value of being a seat filler;
5:00 - What you can do to find value;
6:14 - The point of finding what clients value;
7:50 - The only way to know what clients value most;
9:12 - Finding the sweet spot of speaking value;
What’s your story about finding value?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
Sherry Parks, CPA, is a Life Coach who helps clients escape feeling trapped by their finances. She is passionate about helping them change their mindset, emotions, and actions regarding money.
In this week’s episode, Sherry shares:
1:17 - How Melissa found Sherry;
2:14 - Sherry’s background;
5:07 - Why Sherry became a life coach;
9:09 - How Sherry defines abundance;
14:40 - Using affirmations to change your patterns;
18:48 - What Sherry is looking for when she creates affirmations with her clients;
20:00 - How Sherry uses emotions and actions to change mindsets;
24:23 - What we can do to make mindset shifts;
25:54 - The opportunity of being uncomfortable;
29:44 - What we can do now to no longer feel trapped by finances;
30:14 - How to get clarity on what you really want;
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Sherry!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1412224992154642
ttps://www.facebook.com/sherry.parks.965
www.livesinbalance.com
Mentioned in the show:
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
8 Hacks to Attract Abundance- Sherry Parks
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares all about the ins, outs, and benefits of failure, flipping, and flopping.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:16 - Why we will forever have failures and flops;
1:57 - How Melissa knows she is getting to do something challenging;
2:35 - What you need to remember about failures and flops;
3:34 - The difference between failures and flops;
4:58 - The benefits of flops and failures;
6:04 - Why nothing can be a total failure;
8:45 - The exercise to create positive intelligence;
9:44 - Examples of flipping your flops and failures;
10:19 - What your greatest ability still is;
What’s your failure, flipping, or flopping story?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential AND HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE YOURS
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith challenges you to see educating clients as an opportunity.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:14 - What client education is;
1:45 - Why it’s important to understand client education;
2:20 - How to spot a client opportunity;
2:50 - How great clients disguise themselves as bad clients;
6:00 - What you can do to poke holes in client questions;
6:37 - How to use a consultation as a client opportunity;
7:03 - What your job is and is not, as a VA;
9:30 - Using client opportunities to get referrals;
Do you have a client education story to share?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
Dot Rock is the Founder and CEO of Dot Rock Consulting, a strategic consulting firm that focuses on helping burnt-out business owners stop doing everything and start living in their zone of genius.
In this week’s episode, Dot shares:
1:45 - Dot’s burnout story;
3:09 - Where scaling your business begins;
4:00 - Dot’s unique background;
9:00 - Dot’s definition of scaling to create alignment;
13:01 - Dot’s definition of delegation that completely blew Melissa’s mind;
18:14 - The mindset shift people make to get into alignment;
21:50 - Where Dot sources her VAs;
24:12 - What is covered in Dot’s mini audit;
27:17 - Who is not a good fit to work with Dot;
28:25 - Dot says you’re screwed if you do this…
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Dot!
https://www.dotrockconsulting.com/ https://www.facebook.com/dot.rock.consulting/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dotrock/
Mentioned in the show:The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith invites you to redefine success.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:25 - Melissa’s latest book recommendation;
2:47 - What the parable of the NY businessman and the Mexican fisherman teaches us;
5:12 - How Melissa knew to keep going in her VA business;
7:00 - How to redefine success and give yourself permission to say you’re successful;
8:12 - Why you shouldn’t be fooled by smoke and mirrors;
9:37 - Why Melissa believes more VAs are successful than not;
How have you redefined success in your life?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Book Link: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva and @associationofvas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith reminds you about the power of your words and shares two dreams she spoke into existence.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:00 - Where our words come from;
2:00 - The first time Melissa spoke a dream into existence;
4:19 - Melissa’s first VA gig;
6:38 - The second time Melissa spoke a dream into existence;
9:40 - Why mindset is everything;
What are you speaking into existence?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva and @associationofvas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
Katie Wright is an AVA member and a new VA business owner. Katie has only been in for 3 months and already has 3 clients! In this podcast, Katie shares wisdom beyond her VA years proving that you may be new to being a business owner but that doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch. Katie shares her success tips which are great tips no matter how long you’ve been in business!
In this week’s episode, Katie shares:
1:40 Katie’s background prior to becoming a VA;
2:20 How COVID extended Katie’s WFH situation;
2:35 How Katie’s search for purpose brought her to a niche;
3:40 Katie’s understanding of a niche that wasn’t scary;
6:17 What made Katie pull the trigger to start her VA business;
10:54 What Katie was most afraid of when she started her business;
12:45 How Katie set herself up for success;
20:25 How Katie got her first client
27:54 What gave Katie the confidence to know she was successful as a VA;
31:53 Where Katie’s mindset is now versus when she first started;
34:55 How being a member of the AVA has helped Katie;
36:50 Katie’s advice to new VAs
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to view it on our Youtube channel and don’t forget to subscribe.
Connect with Katie!
Website: www.virtuallygrown.com
Email: katie.wright@virtuallygrown.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/katiewright-virtualparalegal
Mentioned in the show:
Become A Successful Virtual Assistant: Learn the Business Side & Ditch 9 to 5 by Melissa Smith
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares the questions you want to be asking yourself to understand if you’re going deep enough or if it’s time to pivot and walk away from your goals.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
0:45 - The question to be asking yourself;
1:15 - A paradox of going deep in your business;
1:35 - What a pivot truly is;
3:00 - The common practice that happens when you dig deep in your business;
3:52 - How to know when something isn’t right;
5:41 - Reasons not to go deep and walk away;
What goal have you been doing deep work on this year?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva and @associationofvas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares her favorite announcement to make and it only happens twice a year!
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:13 - Why you want to join the AVA webinar;
1:41 - What makes the AVA different;
2:35 - Why Melissa created the AVA separate from her personal brand:
3:24 - Why the AVA is a place for outsiders;
4:55 - What you can expect from the webinar;
Register for the webinar NOW!
Tell us your reason for wanting to join the AVA!
Already a member? Tell us what you love the most about the AVA!
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva and @associationofvas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open this week! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
Gabe Nelson is the bestselling author of The Solopreneur’s Money Manifesto: How to Master Your Finances and Create the Life You Want, and hosts the popular podcast: Solopreneur Money.
In this week’s episode, Gabe shares:
1:28 - Gabe’s background that brought him to where he is today;
2:47 - Why Gabe serves solopreneurs;
6:52 - How Gabe believes we set our lives up for success;
11:19 - The power of mindset;
14:55 - Creating the right goals and habits;
20:14 - Gabe’s morning routine that sets him up for success;
25:37 - The one mindset shift you can make today to master your finances;
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Gabe!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabenelsoncfp/
Website: https://www.gabenelsonfinancial.com/
Solopreneur Money Podcast: https://www.gabenelsonfinancial.com/podcast-guest/
Book: The Solopreneur’s Money Manifesto: How to Master Your Finances and Create the Life You Want
Gabe’s first No Frills VA Podcast episode: Hiring Specialist Rockstar Virtual Assistants
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO, Melissa Smith shares her latest revelation in being a “Pro Idiot” and where that term came from.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
0:58 - What happened when she didn’t do the thing she needed to do;
1:28 - What the term “Pro Idiot” means;
2:28 - What Melissa did to make her a Pro Idiot;
7:14 - When procrastination is bad;
8:50 - Being productive with the right energy level;
10:00 - Why you should take note of your energy levels when you are procrastinating;
Can you relate to being a pro idiot? If so, tell us about it!
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to watch it by visiting our YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to our channel so you get notified of future videos.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva and @associationofvas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
Latrice Prater is the CEO of The Digital Solutions Team, an agency providing tech solutions to female business owners. In this episode, Latrice shares her journey of solo VA to creating a team of 14 in just two years!
In this week’s episode, Latrice shares:
2:20 - Latrice’s background prior to becoming a VA;
2:41 - Why Latrice desired to become her own boss;
3:30 - The mindset work Latrice did to prepare herself for business;
4:21 - The power in being 100% authentic and transparent;
12:53 - How Latrice ensures her clients meet her values;
18:15 - How Latrice went from no plans of having a team to hiring six people in six months;
25:13 - Latrice’s struggle in delegating to her team;
27:57 - The benefit of having started 10 businesses prior to her VA business;
30:52 - Finding success and a winning strategy with ADHD;
34:40 - Why even good CEOs want to throw their business away!
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to view it on our Youtube channel and don’t forget to subscribe.
Past Podcast & Blogs featuring Latrice:
FREEDOM TO DESIGN YOUR LIFE
BLACK HISTORY MONTH & VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS-CELEBRATING LATRICE PRATERBLACK HISTORY MONTH & VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS
Connect with Latrice!
Website: https://www.thedigitalsolutionsteam.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latrice-prater/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vasupport4her/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virtualsolutionsforher
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO Melissa Smith gets to the nitty gritty of toxic positivity. Melissa shares how it can show up in her life, online, and why being positively toxic doesn’t serve you or your business.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:30 - Why the Gram is not her jam;
2:48 - The flip side of positivity;
5:55 - What we’re all about in the AVA;
6:54 - Being authentic enough to be in control;
How do you stay authentic to yourself?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to view it on our Youtube channel and don’t forget to subscribe.
Connect with Melissa on Social Media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva and @associationofvas
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO shares her word for 2022 along with her why and wants to hear yours too! Is the word you started 2022 with the same word or have you chosen a new one?
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
0:53 - Did your word change due to an epiphany or revelation?
1:38 - How Melissa came up with her word around her birthday last year;
5:00 - Getting from where you are to where you want to be;
6:47 - Unbecoming a caterpillar to become a butterfly;
What is your word & why for 2022?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to visit our YouTube channel.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva and @associationofvas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, AVA Founder & CEO shares how she resets herself and you can too! It's the beginning of the year. Resolutions and goals are on the top of everyone’s minds.
In this week’s episode, Melissa shares:
1:18 - Her consistency board and why she prefers to use the word endurance over accountability;
2:31 - The problem with advice on not breaking your streak;
3:29 - How to keep a positive scoreboard for yourself;
What do you do when you start to get off track?
Prefer to watch the video? Click here to our Youtube channel.
Connect with Melissa on Social Media!
Instagram: @melissasmithva and @associationofvas
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/
Mentioned on the show:
Darren Hardy’s Weekly Rhythm Registers
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, Veronica Romney goes into how she uses VA's to help build her own amazing team. She is considered a Dream Team Architect, helping online entrepreneurs dial in their human resources, develop phenomenal company cultures, and profitable bottom lines. She’s a former Speaker and Trainer for Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi and the former Chief of Staff of mega-brand BossBabe. She’s no stranger to the stage and has been in the online marketing world for over 13 years, having been featured in places like Forbes, Inc, Huffpost, and more. When she’s not helping her visionary clients scale to 8-figures plus, you can find her wrangling her two man cubs in the beautiful oak trees of North Carolina.
07:40 – Veronica’s clients
12:09 – Rebranding
18:54 – Chief of staff at BossBabe
22:05 – If you’re Adele, sing
27:21 – Veronica’s VAs
28:42 – Frankenstein roles
36:30 – Veronica on hiring team members
44:07 – Expectation of ownership
47:57 – Triple-down on specialties
50:46 – Valiant
Veronica's website
Connect with Veronica on Social Media!
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin
Mentioned on the show:
BossBabe
The E Myth by Michael E. Gerber
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
This interview was a bunch of fun! Seeing where Racks has taken her business over just two years has been amazing. Once a Virtual Assistant, now Racks normalizes sold out launches, high paying months and intentional and sustainable growth.
01:44 – The digital nomad
04:38 – Corporate departure
08:15 – The first client
10:13 – Marketing as a new VA
13:14 – From VA to coach
16:27 – Staying lean
21:27 – Contractors working for Racks
28:31 – The right fit
30:31 – Making a big career transition
34:21 – Tips for working on the road
41:09 – Failure is part of the process
Connect with Racks on Instagram!
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
Tamay Shannon runs a social media business, W2S Marketing, Where 2 Start Marketing, that was created especially to serve small businesses. Social Media doesn't have to be hard, ineffective, or time consuming. Tamay Shannon takes the overwhelm out of social media for small businesses and gives advice for Virtual Assistants in this episode. Social media can be an integral and money making part of your marketing mix. Tamay's been in business for over 10 years helping small businesses get the brand exposure they deserve without the hassle.
01:45 – Getting into social media
06:52 – Keeping up with social media
16:47 – Specialization
19:37 – Social media management vs marketing
22:12 – Charging for strategy and analytics
26:20 – Difficult clients
27:59 – Beware scope creep and other tips
32:57 – Advice for VAs in social media
36:10 – Always use the newest features
40:40 – TikTok for business
43:04 – Messy perfection
Tamay's Website
Connect with Tamay!
Instagram
LinkedIn
Tools and Resources mentioned in the show
Pew Research Center
Appsumo
Max started out as a mortgage originator in the early 2000s. Within his first year, he completed his first flip, netting a significant profit. Over the years, Max has completed hundreds of real estate transactions between financing, wholesaling acquisition, rehabbing, and long-term investing.
With the rising costs of marketing and lead generation, Max knew he needed more control of his business. As a result he founded Real Estate Project Solutions, a full service Virtual Assistant Agency that caters specifically to the real estate industry. His management team helps real estate investors, agents, and entrepreneurs outsource any area of their business in order to save on payroll costs and time to maximize profits. Max's team can easily take the guesswork out of hiring, training, and managing Virtual Professionals for investors of all portfolio sizes.
02:24 – What is a mortgage originator?
05:27 – The real estate business and VAs
08:34 – On hiring VAs outside the US
22:09 – Conveying your value
25:35 – Max on growing his business
30:55 – Trust but verify
32:41 – Management tools
37:23 – Personality tests
Max's Real Estate Website
Connect with Max on social media!
Facebook
Instagram
Management Tools Mentioned
Slack
Basecamp
RingCentral
CallTools
Mojo
ReadyMode (formerly XenCall)
Book mentioned on the show
Traction by Gino Wickman
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, Kiri talked to Suzie Flynn, an ex corporate Assistant in London, turned Mindset & Business Coach at Suzie Flynn Coaching. She helps Executive Assistants start their Virtual Assistant business by coaching them on the ‘how’ of finding clients, through her 1:1 online coaching program.
She is a huge advocate for making an impact in the lives of Assistants by inspiring them to believe in themselves and recognize what’s possible. She does this by helping them re-frame their beliefs and provides them with a step-by-step process of how to start their VA business so they can shortcut their way to success.
01:36 - EA to VA in the UK
07:25 - Defining PA and EA
16:37 - Training with Joanne Munro
17:27 - Helping VAs build their businesses
29:04 - A reiki tangent
33:17 - Addressing each client’s needs
36:15 - Recognizing your worth when setting rates
39:13 - How Suzie’s VA makes her life easy
47:09 - Suzie’s coaching program
53:20 - Anything is possible
Suzie’s Website
Connect with Suzie!
LinkedIn
Facebook
Mentioned in this episode:
The VA Handbook (Joanne Munro)
Slack
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
In this episode, Kiri talks to Erin Andersen - a LinkedIn Business Coach based in NYC. She offers a LI Booster Program to Virtual Assistants to enable them to provide LI optimization and monthly management as a service to their clients. Erin's VA graduates experience immediate return on her program.
In her main job as a coach, Erin focuses on helping small business owners effectively build a LinkedIn strategy that organically attracts traffic to their profile. She also coaches on building content that sells and engagement strategies that reach your target audience.
11:27 - LinkedIn training
13:12 - The importance of LinkedIn for VAs
16:34 - On growing a business
18:44 - Where do courses come from?
22:23 - Erin’s course for VAs
32:45 - Success stories
37:40 - Repurposed for LinkedIn
42:51 - Erin on hiring VAs
47:05 - Who is the right VA for Erin?
50:36 - “Worst mistake was not hiring a VA earlier"
54:01 - Know why you started your business
Connect with Erin!
LinkedIn
Instagram
VA Course
Additional Links Mentioned in the Show
Ariel Schiffer – DreamPro career coaching
Judy Fox LinkedIn courses
Taylor Slango, business coach
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open membership again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
Emily Reagan is a mom of four, air force wife, Digital Marketing Consultant and founder of vacrashcourse.com
Emily’s VA freelance business helps creative entrepreneurs take their talents online, grow their social media presence and build their sales funnels. She set out to distinguish herself as more than “just a VA” -- she is a digital media VA and consultant - someone who does the work and understands the business. She now teaches digital marketing tech skills to over-educated, underemployed stay-at-home moms, and military spouses and people looking for a second career change so they can get hired by online business owners. Her 5-week intense training program is the Digital Media VA Crash Course and opens a few times a year.
02:24 - Unicorn VAs
03:31 - Trademark battles
09:32 - Prior experience in broadcasting
15:51 - Becoming a VA via Pinterest
22:58 - Starting without VA experience
26:27 - Emily's "aha" moments
29:50 - On hiring friends
34:09 - Emily's management tips
39:07 - Courses for VAs
50:00 - Who are Emily's courses right for?
53:49 - On setting and raising rate
55:27 - Recognize your power
Website
Connect with Emily!
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Digital Media VA Facebook
YouTube
Emily’s Podcast
If you're looking to get into the the real estate business, this episode is one to listen to! La'Quita Monley uses Virtual Assistants for her real estate side business and gives valuable lessons on the real estate business.
La'Quita's full-time hustle is a sought-out keynote speaker in the United States and abroad and a business coach, La'Quita challenges others to transform their thinking to revolutionize their spheres of influence. Leaders and entrepreneurs alike tune into her weekly live broadcast, Create Your Future Self, for inspiration and implementable action steps to realize their full potential. Her life’s work is proof that La'Quita Monley is impassioned by motivating others to become the best versions of themselves.
05:29 - Life as a military spouse
08:54 – Hard lessons in real estate
19:31 – Understanding purpose
22:46 – Channeling the lessons of scripture into leadership
27:35 – On hiring VAs
31:09 – Top tasks for real estate VAs
35:40 – Hiring VAs through an agency
40:54 – The right VAs for La'Quita
49:09 – Tips for aspiring real estate VAs
51:33 – Buy into the affirmation
La'Quita's Website
Connect with La'Quita!
Linkedin
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
La'Quita’s Toolbox Podcast
Create Your Future Self Live
Tools Mentioned
REI Blackbook – CRM for real estate professionals
Like the podcast? Want more with VAs like yourself? Join the AVA when we open again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
Michelle Dale is a well known name in the Virtual Assistant world. She is the founder of Virtual Miss Friday, an Online Business Consultancy and Academy with Built-In Virtual Assistant Services and the creator of 1nSourcing™ - a service that specializes in serving 6 and 7 figure business owners. She left the UK in 2005, at the age of 23 to pursue a dream of experiencing real freedom. She has grown a successful location independent online service and digital product business, traveling and living abroad full time, and raising 4 children. She now supports men and women around the world in cultivating their own professional and personal aspirations in the digital world.
03:25 - Leaving the UK for Egypt
09:31 - Starting a VA business in 2005
12:23 - 1nSourcing - Staying connected with clients
21:51 - The Pledge - Minimizing and preventing mistakes
25:42 - Time management
32:33 - Charging by the hour
34:18 - VA Academy
41:00 - On finding your audience
47:40 - On pivoting during the pandemic
Virtual Miss Friday Website
1nSourcing and The Pledge
Connect with Michelle!
support@virtualmissfriday.com
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter
YouTube
Tara is the owner and founder of Tara Shea The VA, LLC. Tara provides done-for-you administrative services for successful female entrepreneurs. She is also the creator of Foundations, an action based course where Tara teaches other women how to start their own successful Virtual Assistant business. Tara is passionate about teaching other women that it is possible to have a healthy work and life balance, and you don’t have to choose one over the other.
Tara lives in the Kansas City area with her Husband and two sons. When she is not working in her business, you can find her at one of her boys’ sporting events, reading a good book, baking or shopping.
11:49 - The first client
13:10 - How to spot red flags
20:57 - On teaching VAs
25:08 - Tara details her mini-course for VAs
34:01 - Within 20 hours a week
35:17 - Is Tara right for you?
39:27 - Planning ahead
41:44 - Be patient
Connect with Tara!
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Tara's Website
Tara's Foundations Course
Platforms & tools mentioned in this episode
Voxer - Walkie Talkie app
Honeybook
Tonisha Stalnaker is the Owner of Stalnaker Virtual Solutions, providing back end course platform and systems building. SVS loves working with Course Creators and Coaches to help bring their ideas to life with the goal of providing quality and improving efficiency. Tonisha is also a wife, a Mom, a "bonus" Mom, a dog Mom, a dance fitness instructor, lover of GIFs, and a movie fanatic. Her family is the "why" behind everything she does.
01:23 - Linkedin Coffee Chat
08:28 - The real Keanu Reeves can spell his own name
10:04 - Tonisha's adventures in recruiting
13:49 - "I don't want to be anyone's employee anymore."
25:36 - "Just a VA"
38:08 - VIP Day
49:41 - Advice for past-Tonisha
52:55 - Mindset, abundance, intention
Tonisha's Website
Connect with Tonisha!
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Platforms & tools mentioned in this episode:
Kajabi
Teachable
Clubhouse (Invite Required)
ClickUp
Booksy
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA when we open again very soon! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
Lisa Ferris is a UK VA who works with Wellbeing businesses to help them shine their magic through social media, email marketing, funnels & anything creative. She's also a doggy lover and has a sausage dog called Slinky who is her right hand man.
05:08 - Redirecting creativity as a VA
10:01 - Transitioning to a VA business
14:54 - Lisa on finding her niche
22:45 - UK VAs (or PAs)
24:54 - Lisa on growing her business
27:05 - Advice for new VAs
28:35 - Marketing platforms and tools
33:31 - Bartering tips
40:02 - The importance of boundaries
43:10 - Creating balance
Connect with Lisa!
Membership
LinkedIn
Facebook
Virtual Assistant Training Academy
Tools Mentioned on the Show
Planoly
Social Bee
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA when we open again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
If you are looking to become a multi-entrepreneur or to work with one, this is the episode to listen to. Dr. Morissa Schwartz is a talented wordsmith and entrepreneur, and a best-selling author and speaker who built a successful business empire while completing her Masters’s in Communication and Doctorate in Literature.
Dr. Morissa Schwartz is the owner of DrRissysWriting.com – a marketing and writing company ranked in the top 2 social media experts in NY by Thumbtack, and GenZPublishing.org – a publishing company, which has produced six Amazon bestsellers. She holds a doctorate in literature from Drew University and has a Masters in Communication.
In this episode, she goes into how she built her businesses and also how she uses a team of VAs to manage it all.
02:04 - Freelancing during high school
04:45 - Self-publishing a book in high school
07:12 - Gen Z Publishing
12:19 - Dr. Rissy's Writing
13:54 - Dr. Schwartz's team
15:43 - Thumbtack (and how VAs can use it)
19:02 - Dr. Schwartz on interviewing VAs
22:46 - Room to grow
24:01 - Mistakes happen
27:22 - VAs at Gen Z
28:49 - Beta testing
32:23 - 3 tips for growing your business online
36:04 - Management tools
Find Dr. Rissy:
Gen Z Publishing -
Dr. Rissy's Writing
Follow Dr. Rissy:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn
Tools and platforms mentioned:
Twist
Thumbtack
Todoist
Asana
Trello
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA when we open again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
Love Pinterest? Want to work as a Pinterest VA? Listen to this episode with Claire Coleman! Claire Coleman is the owner and founder of CC Assist, a VA company that offers business support services and Pinterest management to wedding professionals and creative entrepreneurs so they can focus on the bigger picture.
02:14 - The ups and downs of working with pop stars
09:51 - From tour planner to VA
12:28 - Maternity leave as a VA
13:57 - An accidental niche
17:04 - Pinterest marketing
24:26 - Claire's schedule
26:20 - Secret leads for VAs
32:26 - Are Pinterest and weddings right for you?
34:24 - What is Tailwind?
41:28 - Kiri's Pinterest story
44:05 - The Four C's
You can connect with Claire at
https://ccvirtualassistance.com/
Instagram
Facebook
Tools Mentioned
Tailwind Scheduler
Canva
Honeybook
Rising Tide Society on Facebook
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA when we open again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media.
This has been one of Kiri's favorite interviews due to how open Kathy has been about her career and business. Kathy Goughenour is a force to be reckoned with, with her VA coaching business bringing in over a million dollars. Kathy is a longstanding VA who had the courage to say "bye-bye" to her corporate marketing career and built a 6-figure virtual assistant business from her tiny house in the middle of a forest. Today, she teaches professional women how to create their own work-at-home VA businesses so they can enjoy the freedom, flexibility, and financial security they desire and deserve. Kathy also offers VA Matchmaking sessions to business owners interested in working with Expert VAs®️ and Virtual Experts®️. Kathy and her Expert VA®️ and Virtual Expert®️ Training program have been featured in Forbes, The Huffington Post, Good Housekeeping, All You, and The Wealthy Freelancer.
08:39 - The Three P's
16:22 - Becoming a VA in 2001
24:31 - $75 an hour
26:51 - Kathy on titles and specialization
31:52 - Attention Lucasfilm!
34:05 - What Kathy learned from taking her own training
36:20 - A 9-Year Overnight Success
40:27 - Mindset
48:52 - Kathy details her training programs
01:02:11 - Pricing
01:12:31 - Masterminds
Special link for our podcast listeners!
https://www.virtualexperttraining.com/no-frills
Kathy's Expert VA Training
Connect with Kathy:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA when we open again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Are you struggling to start your VA business or get it off the ground? Perhaps you should look into Sara Wiles' programs! Sara Wiles is an Online Business Mentor for done-for-you service providers. She helps Virtual Assistants, Online Business Managers and Social Media Managers build successful, profitable, balanced businesses in weeks instead of years. She's also a wife, mama, dog mama, exercise enthusiast, champagne connoisseur, four-letter word addict and the co-founder and co-host of The Happy Thoughts Show.
04:51 - From event planner to VA
09:04 - What does success look like?
13:40 - A Controlled Burn: Establishing Boundaries
20:04 - More than a mentor
22:20 - Sara's mentoring course syllabus
38:34 - Sara's VAs do everything
39:17 - How to Instagram like Sara
41:35 - Do it afraid, but do it anyway
You can find Sara at SaraWiles.co or Instagram
Sara's Podcast: The Happy Thoughts Show
Mentioned on the show: Unapologetically Ambitious
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA when we open again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Ellyse is a VA coach helping more established VAs and DFY (done for you) service providers create a sustainable business that allows them to take on ideal clients at ideal prices and create the business of their dreams. When she's not supporting her amazing students, she is spending time in Denver, CO with her kids and amazing husband.
01:05 - School Days
08:57 - From teacher to virtual assistant
14:10 - Ellyse's early VA days
17:21 - A bartering mistake
32:46 - VA coaching
34:19 - Establishing a sustainable VA business
41:54 - The things you hoped for
Ellyse on Instagram
Facebook Group
Ellyse on Facebook
Mentioned in the show: Free Mama Movement
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA when we open again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
If you want to scale your VA business to a DBM/OBM, take a listen! Kiri interviews Claire who has been working online since 2018 when she accidentally became a virtual assistant for her brother’s economic consulting company! Now she’s up-leveled to the digital business manager role and is helping her clients expand their teams so they can continue to scale their businesses. Her superpowers include: implementing systems, organization, project management, and automation.
01:11 – The Accidental VA
07:31 – From VA to OBM
14:49 – Finding clients
15:35 – Claire’s favorite part of the job
16:14 – Is it possible to automate yourself out of a job?
19:00 – Working with life coaches
24:03 – How to take time off
27:46 – Claire’s VAs
30:19 – Project management tools
31:32 – Virtual misconceptions
34:12 – Is OBM right for you?
35:59 – Looking to the future
You can find Claire's webpage here and find her on Instagram as well.
Here are the tools mentioned in today's episode!
ClickUp
Asana
Airtable
DBM Bootcamp
Elise Darma’s Instagram Tips
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA when we open again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Let's explore the common software used in a Virtual Assistant business! Kiri asks that AVA community what are some platforms or software that they love and can't do without in their business. Common answers included:
-Asana
-Toggl
-Slack
However, there were some less common ones that also popped up in conversation that you should think about! Kiri also talks about her favorites as an EA VA and the creepy, but highly useful, gmail plugin that she has used often.
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Find us at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured in our guest interviews, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
If you're looking to work in the financial industry as a VA, this is the episode for you. Kiri interviews Gabe Nelson who has worked with Virtual Assistants within his own company, Gabe Nelson Financial. In this episode, he explores VAs that would be good fits for financial advisors.
Gabe Nelson earned a BS in Economics from South Dakota State University in 1995, began working in financial services immediately following graduation, obtained his Certified Financial Planner® Designation in 2006, and founded Gabe Nelson Financial in 2008.
04:21 - What is a CFP?
08:16 - Avoiding the Big Mistake
18:28 - VAs for financial advisors
20:48 - Why Gabe chose virtual staffing
23:39 - The difference VAs make for their clients
26:00 - Management tools
30:01 - Gabe on the process of hiring VAs
34:13 - How to address mistakes
36:57 - What makes a rockstar VA
Books mentioned in this podcast...
The Seven Stages of Money Maturity
The Daily Stoic
To find out more about Gabe, you can find him here or listen to his podcast.
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA when we open again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Kiri poses a question to AVA's community about finding a business coach: What do you look for? And when do you make the leap from coaching into applying what you've learned? Kiri goes into stories from her own career which includes a dinner call that didn't go well and how she needed someone who was a foil to her personality.
Everyone had a lot to say on this topic! Common themes included:
-Doing appropriate research
-Finding a coach that aligns with your life or where you want to be
-Making sure you get very specific on what you want
-Coming away with making more money than you invested in the coach
If you are thinking about hiring a coach for your Virtual Assistant business, this is the episode to listen to! You'll get guidance from other VAs and learn how to zero in on what you want.
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Find us at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured in our guest interviews, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
In this episode, Kiri interviews Peggy Re James, a Marketing Coach for done for you service providers, rising coaches and course creators. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses by giving them both the foundation they need, as well as proven marketing strategies to help propel them quickly to a full-time income.
02:08 - Discovering VA work as a stay-at-home mom
06:06 - Building foundations for VAs
08:47 - What's wrong with calling yourself a VA?
16:37 - Peggy's marketing course
27:27 - When Peggy realized she needed VAs
29:18 - Peggy on hiring VAs
30:36 - THe ideal qualities of a VA
34:50 - Peggy's advice to past-Peggy
39:22 - Discipline
You can find Peggy's website here.
Instagram
Facebook Group
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA when we open again! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
In this episode, Kiri asks the AVA community to go into detail on what a typical sales cycle looks like. The exact question is: Walk me through a successful sales cycle with a prospective client: How many calls do you have with them (and do you do video chats)? Do you have a calendar link you send to them to set up time or do you email them directly? Do you do a trial run? How long, on average, does it take for you to sign them as a client from initial outreach?
The answers received were from:
-VA Agencies
-Solo VA
-VA Matchmaking
All different businesses provided a unique outlook on how their sales cycle is run. Hopefully this will help you tweak your process so that you come off looking more professional and poised then before!
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Find us at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured in our guest interviews, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Jeannie is a small business professional with over 20+ years of freelancing remote experience as a Virtual Executive Administrative Assistant, Operations Manager, Content Writer and Fundraising Program Developer. Her expertise extends to Online Business Management, Content Creation, Blogging, Social Media, Website Management and Virtual Customer Service.
01:58 - Becoming a VA in 1997
07:59 - A sweet gig
15:12 - Jeannie's Hussle
20:13 - On adopting children and working from home
26:48 - Managing a business while fighting cancer
40:10 - Owning mistakes and making it right
48:56 - Be still and know
You can find out more about Jeannie and her extensive career on her LinkedIn page.
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? The AVA is now open for membership! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Listen to this episode where Kiri polls the AVA community on their best and worst business investment! The most common answers included:
-The importance of community
-Business coaches
-Software
-Sponsorships
This episode provided insight into how to look at your investments and make sure you are choosing wisely when using your business' money.
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? The AVA is now open for membership! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured in our guest interviews, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Chrissie Kenaston is a Virtual Assistant turned copywriter who knows the key to attracting ideal clients is creating authentic messaging that builds true connection. She helps overwhelmed online coaches and course creators do just that, primarily through emails and websites. You can sign up for her weekly messaging tips at her website, Copy With Chrissie.
01:39 - How VA work fits into a military family's lifestyle
03:38 - Chrissie finds her calling as a copywriter
08:45 - Working at home with kids
10:42 - Is copywriting right for you?
12:00 - Copywriting certification
15:13 - Unusual web copy
18:22 - Chrissie on hiring a VA
20:43 - VA to OBM
22:32 - Chrissie talks about her copywriting course
25:57 - How do you find your client's voice?
30:30 - The value of showing up
39:09 - Where would we be without VAs
40:43 - Keeping promises
Check out Chrissie's offerings!
Chrissie's freebie
Chrissie's course
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? The AVA is open this month! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
In this episode, Kiri discusses the profit margin you can have in your VA business. She talks about the importance between saying what you make versus taking expenses into account as well. Kiri talks about her one year where she made the biggest mistakes and did not make as much money as she hoped due to her high expenses.
Our members give their feedback on this, including:
-Packages vs. hourly rates
-Losing value in an hourly rate
-Why staying at an hourly rate may work for you
-The Profit First Method
This episode provided important insight into how much you can make in a VA business with low overhead and how increasing your rates definitely lands you with a greater profit.
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? The AVA is now open for membership! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured in our guest interviews, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Jamie Feinberg is a virtual assistant, traveler, entrepreneur & creative problem-solver helping sensitive, aspiring adventurers get the confidence & tools to craft their dream life now. Jamie’s many hats have included the roles of musician, educator, virtual assistant, administration professional, musical theater aficionado, and life coach, with a Bachelor’s in Music from Smith College and a Master’s in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University. She’s built her virtual assistant business over four years, and with her recent completion of a coaching mentorship, she is expanding her business into coaching and consulting, helping people to craft their dream life.
05:24 - So you have a music degree, now what?
14:40 - So you got an RV, now what?
17:26 - Becoming a VA before knowing the term
24:30 - The costs of being an RV VA
34:00 - Transitioning to coaching
41:47 - It is okay to change throughout your career
48:59 - 3 tips for aspiring RV VAs
Connect with Jamie!
Jamie's VA website
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Ross and Jamie Adventure
Mentioned in the show:
Mobile Internet Resource Center
Fulltime Families
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
We LOVED this question submitted to AVA! Thank you to @upwestsocial for giving us this killer question: what's a common misconception people have about VAs? Kiri got a little heated during the episode while reading the responses. Our members responded to this with gusto, and answers ranged from:
-How much money you can make
-VAs are more than generalists
-VAs have a lot of skillsets
-VAs can specialize in very unique fields
-And at the same time, VAs can't do everything
We debunked all those myths and more in this episode. Take a listen! As always, we would love some of our Monday episodes to be a feature where we answer YOUR questions! Comment on LinkedIn, on Instagram @associationofvas or send an email to ask@associationofvas.com.
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA when we open again in April! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured in our guest interviews, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Take listen to this engaging interview Kiri has with Capri Colene (CC) Henderson, a multifaceted force with an impressive resume that boasts over 20 years of administrative, organizational, and leadership skills rendering her one of today’s leading professionals. Capri’s passion for business administration derived from her appointment as head manager at Taco Bell at the age of 18 years old. In the years to follow, she successfully navigated through numerous high-level management positions such as the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and as a healthcare professional. Capri’s proudest accomplishment undoubtedly is being a mother of three sons and now a grandmother of two. She is offering her expertise to clients as the owner of CC Virtual Assistance LLC, providing services that include appointment scheduling, calendar management, customer service emails, and social media management.
02:59 - Taco Bell Beginnings
06:40 - Capri on transitioning to eldercare
09:10 - Virtual Beginnings
11:38 - Facing fears and following your heart
13:16 - Capri's artist management career
16:41 - So I Started A Dog Page: Learning the Social Media Landscape
21:02 - Tips for new VAs
22:30 - Tips for social media
25:10 - Why Capri keeps part-time hours
27:34 - Capri on the freedom that VA work allows
31:40 - The customer is always...
36:19 - Capri's ideal client
37:22 - Integrity
You can find more info on Capri at https://www.capricolene.com/.
LinkedIn
Instagram
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
If you're looking at starting a VA business or in the process of getting it off the ground, this is a good episode for you! In this episode, Kiri Mohan asks the Virtual Assistant community what they wish they could have told themselves when they first started their VA business. The most common answers included:
-Taking risks
-Rates
-Fear of failure
-Clients
Learn from other VAs and what they wish they had known when starting out. As always, we would love some of our Monday episodes to be a feature where we answer YOUR questions! Comment on LinkedIn, on Instagram @associationofvas or send an email to ask@associationofvas.com.
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA when we open again in April! We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured in our guest interviews, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
You won't want to miss this episode! We have a very unique VA, Dori Zabari, who created DIZI (“dee-zee”) strategies for purpose-driven business owners, supporting them by prioritizing process details, market research, and the user experience. Their purpose becomes tangible through online course development, website and client attraction, and implementation support. Dori builds for the creator, bringing their vision to life! In this conversation, we discuss how Dori went from being firmly entrenched in academia to pivoting and becoming a unique part of the Virtual Assistant world.
1:41 Changing Course From Professor to VA
6:27 Starting A Business with Mom
12:41 Identifying the Right Path
15:36 Dori on Discovering the VA World
17:34 Defining Roles to Suit Ideal Clients
26:12 The Platform is Secondary
31:08 Dori on Getting Her First (Ideal) Client
34:58 Dori on Marketing
41:18 Looking to the Future
You can find more info on Dori at https://www.dizistrategies.com/ and can connect with her on LinkedIn.
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
AVA's Virtual Assistant State of the Industry survey is out! (Go to https://associationofvas.com/free-resources/) If you haven't had time to review it, YOU SHOULD. It's chock full of information about the VA industry, including pricing, how VAs are set up, essentials VAs need, client trends, and where there are gaps in the market.
In this podcast episode, there is a candid conversation with Melissa, AVA's CEO, about the findings from the survey. What was surprising? What was alarming? How can VAs improve? You won't want to miss this episode!
1:22 - What makes this report different from other surveys?
4:01 - Diversity within the survey
6:06 - Freedom and flexibility of VA work
10:18 - 20 hours is the new 40 hours
17:55 - addressing contingencies with clients
21:39 - The unglamorous realities of digital nomad life
24:27 - The technical and marketing VA gap
28:40 - What is a funnel?
32:38 - Let's talk about money
35:00 - Covid's influence on the VA world
37:53 - Opportunities in the gaps
We’d love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Dr. Aviva Legatt is an elite admissions expert and founder of Ivy Insight, the gold standard in college admissions consulting for undergraduate elite college applications.
Ivy Insight works beside top-tier students and their parents to maximize their probability of getting accepted to their elite dream school, with enviable acceptance rates, while creating clarity, guidance, ease and support throughout this high-stakes journey. She is an in-demand leadership and college admissions speaker and respected expert with a fresh perspective. Hailed by the New York Times, as a trustworthy expert on college admissions, and recognized as an expert in corporate culture and diversity as a faculty member for Coursera and at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Legatt has appeared in numerous news interviews and print articles.
6:51 – Aviva on entering the world of college consultation
23:41 – What do Aviva’s VAs do?
24:54 – Important traits of a VA
26:55 – Aviva explains her workflow with VAs
33:46 – Aviva on hiring VAs
36:14 – On working with VAs
Ivy Insight
Get Real and Get In by Aviva Legatt
Who Gets In and Why by Jeffrey Selingo
Tools mentioned in this interview:
Dubsado
Convertkit
Wave
Gusto
In this episode, Kiri Mohan explores how VAs and others came up with their business name. It's a fun episode that delves into topics like:
- Long vs. short business names
- Creativity behind the business name
- How the past can influence the business name
- Abbreviations and trying not to have a name be outdated in years to come
Our AVA members share how they come up with their business name, and Kiri saved what she thinks is the best story for last - so be sure to listen all the way through! Hopefully this will help VAs trying to come up with a business name or those that are switching careers or rebranding.
As always, we would love some of our Monday episodes to be a feature where we answer YOUR questions! What are your questions for Kiri (AVA's COO), Melissa (AVA's CEO), or Mimi (AVA's CMO)? Send them to ask@associationofvas.com or leave us a comment. If we don't have the answer, we'll pose it to our own members!
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
With 50 years of cumulative experience, David Rockey has a seasoned perspective on how to build, grow, and run small businesses. He created Your Office SOS to offer his expertise to solopreneurs who need to free themselves to focus on the core strengths of their business. He has been successful in retail, wholesale, and service industries. His skills include outside sales, business development, prospecting, and telesales. David has a broad range of skillsets, combining old school knowhow and the latest technology.
In this episode...
4:20 – David explains the thinking behind his company’s name, and facing the trepidation some businesses have about hiring a VA.
5:44 – David talks about how he approaches networking groups.
8:06 – David and Kiri reflect on how the VA business (and business in general) has changed in the time of Covid.
11:32 – Wrestler to renaissance man: David shares his road to working remotely and how the skills he accumulated along the way contribute to his success.
28:44 – Know your niche: David emphasizes the importance of knowing what you do and how to reach the people who need you.
33:23 – Being open to learning new skills and new software will prepare you for future clients’ needs.
You can find more info on David and his wife at www.yourofficesos.net.
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
In this episode, Kiri Mohan explores how Virtual Assistants measure their success.
Do you measure your success by certain financial gains? By how much flexibility you have in your schedule? Or is it something like growing and expanding your business to an agency? Our AVA members share from their own experience how they measure their success and if it's changed over time.
As always, we would love some of our Monday episodes to be a feature where we answer YOUR questions! What are your questions for Kiri (AVA's COO), Melissa (AVA's CEO), or Mimi (AVA's CMO)? Send them to ask@associationofvas.com or leave us a comment. If we don't have the answer, we'll pose it to our own members!
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Erin Sturm has worked as a virtual assistant since 2014. She launched The Sturm Agency in 2015 specializing in social media marketing and virtual assistant services. Since then, she has worked with large and small companies, authors, entrepreneurs, and coaches.
Her favorite thing to do is create processes! If you need to get organized, she can help. No job is too big or small, get in touch and she will come up with a plan!
5:08 – Content creation and social media management are like peanut butter and jelly
6:59 – Erin talks about how her clients use social media
8:25 – On managing expectation around social media campaigns
11:25 – Erin breaks down how she sets her rates
15:25 – Matching clients with the most appropriate social media platform
22:50 – Erin’s path to being a Virtual Assistant
28:30 – On setting the hours that work for you
32:27 – Recognizing ideal clients and clients who aren’t a good fit
39:39 – Do the next right thing
To find out more about Erin, you can go to: www.erinsturm.com
Connect with Erin!
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinsturm/
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
In this episode, Kiri Mohan explores what some VAs consider their dream client and those that make them pause.
As you progress along your VA career path, you learn which clients are those that you love working with (dream clients) and those that you want to stay away from (less than ideal). Our AVA members share from their own experience the clients they love and those that usually don't work out.
As always, we would love some of our Monday episodes to be a feature where we answer YOUR questions! What are your questions for Kiri (AVA's COO), Melissa (AVA's CEO), or Mimi (AVA's CMO)? Send them to ask@associationofvas.com or leave us a comment. If we don't have the answer, we'll pose it to our own members!
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
In this episode, Kiri Mohan interviews Sher Downing, PhD, the Founder & CEO of Downing EdTech Consulting, a company creating connectivity between clients, vendors, designers, and technology. Kiri digs into Sher’s career, company, and what she looks for in a Virtual Assistant.
Sher is also the host of EdTech Speaks, a podcast exploring the navigation of business and education in a tech driven world. Previously she served in higher education administrative and faculty appointments and senior level corporate training positions. She serves as an international speaker/presenter, industry coach, author and a contributor to Forbes, HBR Ascend, and Medium.
1:29 Sher goes into what “EdTech” means
6:44 Sher recommends what questions VAs can ask their clients when figuring out an online platform for their teams
18:23 Sher goes into her biggest takeaway from COVID in the EdTech space
21:40 Sher talks about possible trends in the corporate and education industry post-COVID
27:13 Sher talks about when she first needed a VA and how she searched for a good match
30:51 What are the questions Sher asked while interviewing for a VA?
37:46 Sher describes her contractor team and how she hires
38:40 The best qualities that Sher looks for in a VA
41:09 The biggest difference VAs have made in Sher’s business
44:10 Sher offers a discount for VAs listening to the podcast to her Speakers Resource Group!
To find out more about Sher, you can go to https://www.downingedtech.com/
Speakers Resource Group: https://www.downingedtech.com/srg
Connect with Sher!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherdowning
www.twitter.com/@Digital_sher
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
In this episode, Kiri Mohan talks about the biggest mistake she's ever made for a client in her VA business and how it was a good learning experience. Other members of AVA also chime in with mistakes that range from not vetting clients carefully, jobs that don't get done because of poor communication and expectations not being met.
In every situation, the mistakes allowed the VA to have a chance to learn, showing that mistakes are an important, though not desired, part of the business process.
As always, we would love some of our Monday episodes to be a feature where we answer YOUR questions! What are your questions for Kiri (AVA's COO), Melissa (AVA's CEO), or Mimi (AVA's CMO)? Send them to ask@associationofvas.com or leave us a comment. If we don't have the answer, we'll pose it to our own members!
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
In this episode, Robbie Samuels goes into how he was able to pivot his business, which was based on in-person networking/events, to a completely online business during COVID. He also talks about how to utilize Zoom to get the most out of every virtual event (#nomorebadzoom) and how a VA can charge more as a Zoom Producer. Robbie also talks about his relationships with VAs he’s had, the best VAs he’s ever worked with, and how to work with a client like him.
8:48 Robbie lets VAs know how they can make 10x (yes, ten times!!) more than what they usually are paid to be a Zoom Producer.
9:48 How a Zoom Strategist is different from a Zoom Producer
14:22 What Robbie’s Certified Virtual Event Professional includes, titled The 5% Advantage Program.
27:08 Robbie talks about the first VA he worked with
28:13 Robbie discusses how AVA’s CEO, Melissa Smith, was his accountability partner
31:59 How each VA has made the processes easier in Robbie’s business with SOPs
34:54 The one thing every VA should work on
39:43 What traits in a VA that Robbie thinks makes an exemplary VA
44:00 The biggest difference a VA has made in Robbie’s business and life
48:55 Robbie answers his favorite quote, mantra, or philosophy that he tries to run his business by
Also, here's a gift from Robbie to our podcast listeners! www.RobbieSamuels.com/9ways - "9 Ways to Network in a Pandemic"
Mentioned in this episode:
https://the5percentadvantage.com Four-week certification program that helps presenters and meeting professionals grow in their confidence with Zoom, online facilitation, and virtual event design so they can reduce their tech angst and host more engaging online experiences.
Nomorebadzoom.com Free weekly Virtual Happy Hour
Robbie's TEDx Talk
Croissants vs. Bagels by Robbie Samuels (over 200 reviews worldwide)
Managing Up by Rosanne Badowski
Robbie Samuels is a keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, and relationship-based business strategy coach who has been recognized as a “networking expert” by Forbes and Inc, and as an “industry expert in the field of digital event design” by JDC Events. As a Virtual Event Design Consultant and Executive Zoom Producer, he assists organizations with bringing their in-person events strategically online. He runs a four-week program for presenters to become Certified Virtual Event Professionals. He hosts the On the Schmooze podcast and a weekly #NoMoreBadZoom Virtual Happy Hour.
To get to know Robbie better:
http://www.robbiesamuels.com
www.OntheSchmooze.com - Robbie's Podcast
www.linkedin.com/in/robbiesamuels
www.twitter.com/robbiesamuels
www.facebook.com/robbiesamuelsfan
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Most successful people have a morning routine. It's a way to set the intention for the day ahead, to get prepared, or to center yourself. As a way to kick off a new week, Kiri Mohan asked AVA members and LinkedIn what their morning routine was and asked if it has changed since the pandemic. Successful VA's understand the importance of creating a routine and making sure they get their exercise too.
As always, we would love some of our Monday episodes to be a feature where we answer YOUR questions! What are your questions for Kiri (AVA's COO), Melissa (AVA's CEO), or Mimi (AVA's CMO)? Send them to ask@associationofvas.com or leave us a comment. If we don't have the answer, we'll pose it to our own members!
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Today’s guest is Sarah Noked, founder of Sarah Noked OBM, an Online Business Management Agency where she empowers entrepreneurs and creatives in all stages of business to grow a thriving online business. In this episode, we go into the OBM certification, what the modules consist of within the certification, and what kind of VAs evolve into an OBM.
Don’t forget that AVA members get a $350 discount if they sign up for Sarah’s OBM certification through AVA!
In this episode…
3:07 What an OBM’s tasks consist of and the differences between VAs and OBMs
5:43 Sarah gets into details about what the OBM certification includes in the modules
22:15 Not every business needs an OBM. Why is that?
29:05 Sarah goes into the time commitment of the OBM Certification
33:57 What rates can you charge as an OBM?
54:17 Sarah talks about evolving from a VA to an OBM
55:28 Sarah talks about how she tries to control her emotions when owning a business
Sarah works out of her home office in Israel, helping entrepreneurs plan and delegate, implement the right systems, unite virtual teams across the globe, and grow profits to achieve their goals. As one of just three Certified OBM Trainers around the world, Sarah shares her passion for Online Business Management through training and certification courses to empower and educate VAs and OBMs worldwide.
Sarah’s website is: https://www.sarahnoked.com/
You can connect with her:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/sarahnoked
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahNoked
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahnoked/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SarahnokedOBM/
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sarahnoked/
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
In this episode, Kiri asks AVA members: If you moved to a VA agency, when did you make that switch and why? Have any of you made a deliberate choice to stay as a single business owner, and why? If you have subcontractors, at what point are you an agency vs a single business owner with support?
AVA members loved this question and we have members with an agency talking about why they made their decisions to grow and how they got there. We also get to see the other side of the coin where some members deliberately decide to stay as a single business owner. There is no right or wrong - it's all about your plans for your business and what you are comfortable with.
As always, we would love some of our Monday episodes to be a feature where we answer YOUR questions! What are your questions for Kiri (AVA's COO), Melissa (AVA's CEO), or Mimi (AVA's CMO)? Send them to ask@associationofvas.com or leave us a comment. If we don't have the answer, we'll pose it to our own members!
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
As Co-founder of ProAssisting, Ethan leverages his 25+ years of experience as a Sr. Executive Assistant as well as Director of Administrative services to lead and manage top-level, remote executive assistants who support and serve their clients ranging from CEOs and C-suite executives to business owners to non-executive board directors to known personalities who want high-level, full-service support but don't need an on-site, full-time employee.
In this episode…
1:33 Ethan discusses why ProAssisting decided to use the term Remote Executive Assistants instead of Virtual Assistants for their company
5:21 Ethan explains the 3:1 Executive Assistant ratio that is foundational to ProAssisting’s business
11:55 “The Velvet No” every EA should practice and instill in their phone conversations
19:46 Ethan talks about his life after college, which includes piano lessons and singing, and how that creative side helped his career
29:36 How has ProAssisting changed over the years? Ethan talks about the shift from training for EAs to what it is today
41:10 Ethan talks about how he finds and hires remote EAs for ProAssisting
50:14 Ethan tells you where you can go to apply to work with ProAssisting
51:25 The quote Ethan runs his business by that circles back to his mission and high touch hospitality
To get to know Ethan a ProAssisting better, he suggests you connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanbull/
You can also find them here:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/proassisting/
https://www.facebook.com/proassisting/
https://twitter.com/proassisting
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
In this episode, Kiri Mohan talks about setting those important boundaries in a virtual assistant business. She relays a personal experience from working with a client in the hospitality business and learns that weekend work is something she will not do again, even for more money. From there, we explore boundaries that other AVA members have which revolves around availability and contracts.
Tell us: What boundaries do you have in your VA business? Leave us a comment!
We would like some of our Monday episodes to be a feature where we answer YOUR questions! What are your questions for Kiri (AVA's COO), Melissa (AVA's CEO), or Mimi (AVA's CMO)? If we don't have the answer, we'll pose it to our own members!
We are so excited to release this episode on Veteran's Day! Get ready for a FUN episode! Latrice Prater is a confident, savvy business woman and also a Navy veteran. With a varied ("crazy") career, she shows you how to just go for it.
We salute our veterans today!
In this episode...
4:17 Latrice talks about her transition from full time corporate office worker to a VA.
8:16 Latrice finds clients using Facebook.
12:46 She talks about her team and growth.
18:14 Learn about a new software! Latrice uses Front (https://frontapp.com/) for her team.
23:52 How does Latrice differentiate herself on social media?
25:56 Latrice goes into her entire life and career before this point, including her amazing four years in the Navy.
39:40 Latrice talks about the point where she realized she wanted to be the one calling the shots and how she started 10 different businesses.
43:00 Advice for new VAs who have had a varied career path like hers.
50:00 Latrice's favorite quote she runs her business by.
Latrice Prater is a wife and mom of 3. She is originally from Washington DC but currently resides in Austin Texas. Latrice is a Military Veteran that believes in authenticity, transparency and communication. She has 5 years of experience as an Executive Assistant in sectors such as Healthcare, Finance, Insurance, Consulting, and Technology. She launched her VA business Latrice Prater & The Digital Solutions Team in February 2020 and began building her team a few short months later, in April. Her first 30 days in business she was able to get 6 clients. She and her team provide virtual support to female CEO's.
Latrice's site: www.latricepratereva.com
Connect with Latrice:
https://www.instagram.com/thevirtualpro/ and https://www.instagram.com/vasupport4her/
https://www.facebook.com/virtualsolutionsforher/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/latrice-prater-eva
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Music affects each and every one of us. Some are affected more, some are affected less. This episode is a little bit silly and a little bit of fun.
If you could pick one song to define your business, what would it be? Or, if you're starting your VA business, what is one song that you're using to motivate yourself? Tell us in the comments!
As always, we would love some of our Monday episodes to be a feature where we answer YOUR questions! What are your questions for Kiri (AVA's COO), Melissa (AVA's CEO), or Mimi (AVA's CMO)? Send them to ask@associationofvas.com or leave us a comment. If we don't have the answer, we'll pose it to our own members!
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Oxana Romanyuk is founder and CEO of Remote Rockstars® that offers high-end online business management and professional virtual assistant services to visionary entrepreneurs, industry experts, and coaches. Oxana works with her home-grown team of rockstar account managers and virtual assistants, helping entrepreneurs systematize and grow their businesses. Her website is www.remoterockstars.com.
In this episode...
1:37 Oxana defines what it means to have a "homegrown" team
10:42 Oxana talks about her career
13:20 Kiri asks about how she became VA and her transition into an agency
23:46 Oxana talks about turning away clients that are not a good match
29:13 Kiri asks for advice from Oxana for new VAs and she goes into constantly following up to land clients
38:17 Oxana tells us her top three favorite business books
42:31 Oxana lets listeners know her favorite questions that she tries to run her business by
Interested in the books Oxana mentioned in this episode?
- Mindset, Dr. Carol Dweck
- Atomic Habits, James Clear
- Guerrilla Marketing, Jay Conrad Levinson
- Warren Buffett and the Interpretation of Financial Statements, Mary Buffett and David Clark
She also recommended joining the newsletter Rat Race Rebellion: https://ratracerebellion.com/
To get to know Oxana better, she recommends you meet her here:
https://www.instagram.com/remoterockstars
https://www.facebook.com/remoterockstars https://www.facebook.com/groups/remoterockstarsclub/
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
In this episode, Kiri Mohan goes into why she started her VA business in 2014. From there, we explore why other AVA members started their VA business.
Tell us: Why do you want to become a VA? Why did you start your VA business?
We would like some of our Monday episodes to be a feature where we answer YOUR questions! What are your questions for Kiri (AVA's COO), Melissa (AVA's CEO), or Mimi (AVA's CMO)? If we don't have the answer, we'll pose it to our own members!
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
In this episode, Lizabeth discusses a bit of her Six Sigma training, how she sold her designer bags to start her business, and also touches on how she has failed in business prior to L-12.
Lizabeth Wesely-Casella is the Founder and CEO of L-12 Services LLC and a member of AVA. Her firm specializes in internal communications training, online business management, and executive virtual assistance. She is a strategic advisor who helps leaders identify where they can increase efficiency and effectiveness, and overcome challenges related to scaling, process systems breakdown, and workflow management.
If you want to connect with Lizabeth, she says the best place to have a conversation is within AVA or LinkedIn.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizabeth-wesely-casella
https://www.linkedin.com/company/l12services/
https://www.facebook.com/L12Services
https://www.instagram.com/l12services/
https://twitter.com/L12services
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Melissa, AVA's Founder and CEO, goes into how she began her career as a career assistant, transitioned to a remote assistant, and finally to a VA. From being a VA, she went into matchmaking between clients and VAs, and founded the Association of Virtual Assistants in order to disrupt the VA industry.
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!
Mimi Klosterman is the owner of Your Virtual Services, a VA company she started in 2009 because she wanted to learn about running a business to teach her children in their homeschool curriculum (and prove to her husband that being a VA is legit).
She takes us through her career, how her children have helped in her business, and how she joined the AVA.
Like the podcast? Want more with me and your peers? Join the AVA. We’re at associationofvas.com. We’d also love for you to share! You can tag us at @associationofvas on social media. If you’re a virtual assistant who wants to be featured, simply fill out the application on our page. Until next time, stay organized and professional!