A virtual assistant is many things, is always and never these at the same time. © Ripple Effect Business Services 2020
There are a lot of misconceptions about what a virtual assistant is and does. This clever meme just about covers them. When I think back to when I first started my career and small business, I recall how I struggled with how to describe to others exactly what my duties entailed. The concept of being a virtual assistant wasn’t new by any means, but, it wasn’t necessarily mainstream either. In those early years, it quickly dawned on me that I was on the cusp of something innovative – something unique – something so profound that it could (and would) make a difference in its own special way. And, that was sometimes difficult to quantify with mere words. It would be my actions that would show the world what being a virtual assistant was all about.
While in the course of performing my various virtual assistant duties for clients – graphic design, marketing, presentations, communications, public relations and the burgeoning area of social media, I really began to find my niche, and dare I say, calling for a specific expertise. I realized I didn’t want to be great at many things. I wanted to be exceptional at a few. But most importantly, I wanted to be remembered as the one who always delivered when called upon no matter how high the stakes. I needed to stay informed about the latest technologies, methods, tactics and what was happening in the business world. I immersed myself in continuing education, took part in employer-sponsored workshops, found an incredible mentor, went back to college and joined LinkedIn peer groups. I surrounded myself with people who were smarter and more talented than me so I could learn from them at every turn. The result was a network of people I trust, I could turn to when I have questions, needed to bounce ideas off, and celebrate wins.
What I’ve learned in the last thirteen years working as a virtual assistant is, that one day is not like any other. What others think you do is a combination of being spot-on and a million miles off target – because what they perceive they need in a virtual assistant is exactly what you have to offer. They need a hand to shake to close the deal. Someone on the other side of the computer completing the work. The super hero to put out the fire and handle the crisis that pops up. They need a person who can juggle (at least) six tasks at once. And maybe that business analyst who can help you decipher those charts, graphs and data. Will it be you who stands up for the challenge and helps that business? I hope so!
If you’re wondering about how a virtual assistant can help your business, contact us today!
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