I am Michelle (aka Elle) from Bangor, N. Ireland. I am a newbie VA and will be blogging this year on the ups and downs of starting out as a VA.
Why did I decide to become a VA?
Well, I have spent the past 15 years working in admin for my local government and although I have enjoyed the work I am at the stage now where I need something new, something that will bring me a challenge.
During this time, I also took a few copywriting courses, worked as a freelance telemarketer, trained as a makeup artist and ran a part time wedding makeup business. Doing make up is great fun but it’s never going to be a full time career, as I turn 39 this year, I felt that I could only do wedding make up to a certain age.
I love being self-employed (yip I must be a glutton for punishment!) so when I read an article about the VA industry I knew it was ideal for me. I could put all my skills to use and even better, I could make a living doing my favourite thing…. organising!
What next?
The past few months have been all about researching. I spent months reading books, forums and getting advice from other VA’S.
My budget for starting up was really low, so I built my own website and did all of my own marketing materials.
Finally, in November I was ready to launch Top VA.
Where to now?
At the minute most of my time goes into marketing. I am reading How to get Clients in 30 days and working through the SVA marketing pack. I have started a blog, wrote a marketing plan and attended my first networking session (this went better than expected considering I forgot to take my business cards with me, I’ll tell you all about this next time).
For the rest of January, I will be getting social media up and running and doing a direct mail campaign, so I have lots to keep me busy!
Michelle
www.topva.biz
I’m Michelle (aka Elle). I am newbie VA who is going to share the ups and
downs of starting out as a VA. I live in Bangor, N. Ireland. In my spare time I hang out with my husband and two children, take walks on the beach,window shop for handbags and go to Pilates, when I find the energy.
After 14 years in the civil service I wanted a career change, finally took the
plunge and here I am. I am really excited about starting my own business and looking forward to the challenges it brings!