Hey ActiveRain! I posted this blog entry from my website. Hope ya'll enjoy!
Okay, so we know that the Virtual Assistant is someone who basically works as a secretary from a home office. Some people have the idea that all assistants work in sweat pants and wake up whatever time they want. In fact, some assistants think that this is the case and then they wonder why they don’t have any work—or income for that matter. Technology is great and allows you to work from the solitude of your home, but technology is insignificant without humans. The connection with people must be made. Having a business as a Virtual Assistant is much involved than working on the computer every now and then. It is easy to get caught up in the work of doing the work that all the other things that must be done as the “business owner” or as “independent agents” are neglected. Extra hours to network and market must be applied to gain the success that is desired.
My personality is a little different. I wouldn't say that I have two personalities, but I do have two sides of my personality that are complete opposites. I consider myself a sociable person, but I am not a fan of people knowing very much about me. Perhaps I am too self-conscious and have created a wall to guard me from those who wish me ill, or maybe it is just a personality flaw. At this point, it doesn't matter. The truth is I have had to learn to get past that issue. In reality, you can’t connect with anyone if they don’t know anything about you. You can be the best virtual assistant in the world, but if you never connect with anyone, all of that knowledge and talent is worthless.
It's funny because, when I started Jack of Administrative Trades, I was foolish enough to think that once I had set up my web website, business owners would flock to me—resulting in more business than I could take on within a week. My content was that spectacular (sarcasm). Ha! How about no--not so much? We can’t set up a site, dust off our hands and call it good. We have to constantly be improving, connecting and engaging our family, friends, acquaintances and business clients. I am still not a fan of Facebook, Twitter or any other program that permanently places things that I say or do on the internet. That being said, guess where over 500 million people are? That’s right! They are on social networking platforms. These millions of people follow updates to blogs and make comments. Some of those people have the potential to be your clients.
These social networking sites are wonderful ways to connect with people and keep them engaged in your life. Content needs to be continually posted and updated. Ask questions, provide information on relevant topics (I do not think what Kim Kardashian is doing does counts as “relevant”, but who am I to judge), promote charities and other organizations that are close to your heart. Give people somethin’ to talk about. You are going to draw people that like what you like and are interested in same things you are. Am I being stereotypical? Probably, but you don’t play a game of basketball will 4 friends who hate the game. Nope, you play with the friends who enjoy it.
It’s a challenge to consistently put yourself out there. You are the FACE of your own company. Who you are is the only thing that separates you from every other business out there. When someone buys your company they are buying you. It’s time to open up and post up!
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