As part of our Specialist Niches section, we’ve spoken to VAs who have unusual or specialist niches.
I’m Debbie and my background was in financial services. I set up as a VA when I left my job in the City (I was miserable being so far away from my 1 year old son).
I didn’t know what else to do that would enable me to be close to home, so I thought a VA role would be perfect.
Initially I thought I’d leave financial services behind, but I couldn’t get
any clients. I spent 5 weeks not earning and penny, and being more stressed
that I ever imagined. However, as soon as I started advertising the service
targeted to people in the financial services world, I got loads of work. As
they say – “jack of all trades specialist of none” might seem like the right
approach because the market is bigger, but I soon realised the only way to
get work was to specialise, and that really paid off.
Everything we do is supporting Financial Advisers and their clients, and its
all to do with pensions, investments, mortgages, life insurance. It’s a
traditional PA role in many ways, but they need industry knowledge too. The
people that work for me all come from that background. They are almost all
parents with young children (including one dad) who just want a decent job,
but who want to be close for their kids and have a better life balance.
(Particularly sweet this week – as they put all the train fares up )
www.intuitivesupportservices.com
Want to share information about a niche area in which you work? Have a read of our recent request for VAs with Specialist Niches and submit your information – your post could be next in our series.