It's been a while...

It's been a while since I last blogged about my VA adventures. I've been a little busy with the regular 9 -5 so I haven't had much time. Hey, that job pays the bills and supports my business for now, so I have to make it a priority every now and then, lol. I have been working on my website, updating, adding and tweeking. Go check it out, http://valenva.com tell me what you think! I've been doing a lot of networking via twitter and word of mouth. Just to get my name out in the public ear. I gained 2 new clients as well :)) One for virtual assisting and the other for an event planned for spring!

I plan to "officially" launch my business in the spring, right now 90% of my focus is on my current 9-5. Once the first of the year is over, I can re-focus on Valentine VA Services, full steam ahead!

Well, back in the lab I go....stay tuned.

What a Difference A Day Makes

Life happens and I had to put my business on hold for a week or two to cater to my regular 9-5 that currently pays the bills. While doing so, I started fine tuning my business plan and started thinking about the reasons exactly why I want to go into business for myself. Of course, the main reasons are to be my own boss, have my own schedule and make my own money, but also most importantly is to do what I love and am passionate about. I made the decision that I was going in the wrong direction of what I feel I really want to nurture and see grow.

I love the idea of being a virtual assistant and working from home, so why not add to that a hobby I love and take pride in doing, event planning. Almost instantly, the lightbulb went on and I started feeling that same rush of energy that I felt when I decided to become a Virtual Assistant. What a difference a day makes in motivation when you discover your true passion. I am really excited to be going in this direction and actually have lined up some clients that have experienced my party planning expertise!

I'm going back in the lab to begin making more contacts, doing more research and getting my business plan completed. Now that I know and feel that I'm going in the right direction, I'm ready to take off!

Looks like its a Goooo Daddy!

After looking at and reviewing several websites to buy my domain from and host my website. I decided to go with GoDaddy.com. There were several webhosting sites that I was referred to such as Startlogic, Bluehost, Weebly and Windows Live to name a few, but I inevitably decided GoDaddy was a good choice. There customer service was phenomenal, Carole helped me from beginning to end. I was on "information overload" and needed to speak with a live person to understand exactly what I was signing up for. No more mishaps with domain names like the fiasco on Vistaprint.

I also decided to incorporate WordPress into by Website to give myself more options to work with. I will thankfully be working with Christina Nelson of Vital Office Solutions to help me with setting up my Wordpress theme.

The Journey continues...back in the lab. TTYL

Website Under Construction

Hello, and welcome to the first blunder of my VA quest. The website to your business is without a doubt, a window to who you are, what you do and how you do it. With that being said, it is extremely important to have a well planned, thought out and professional looking website. Engage your prospective clients to want to look at and read every single page, make them want to call you and set up an appointment to better understand how your services can help their business.

I am very hard on myself so bare with me. My website www.valentineva.com was good, cute and quick, in my opinion. But after speaking with Andrea Jackson of Action Jackson Virtual Assistant and viewing other active websites, I realized I need to more descriptive. Andrea is an established VA who took the time to explain to me what I need to do to make who I am shine and stand out. My website was nice and established my business on the internet, but it lacked major information about who I am, my background and my experience. I was all over the place with the services that I can offer, but I didn't have what my specialty is, who I can cater to. Clients need to know this and feel they can use my services in confidence.

I thought I did my research before creating the website, but boy was I wrong. Just like your business plan and marketing plan, your business website takes time, planning and patience. I went with a webhost site that was very limiting and didn't offer me the flexibility that I need to create a functional and professional site. I made the assumption that this was okay because besides I want my clients to call me and speak directly to me. WRONG, a quick fly by night website is cute and functional but it won't get you the clients that you need to sustain your business. So take it from me, a newbie to the VA world, think, plan and be patient.

My website www.valentineva.com is no longer active but I am in the process of finding a new webhost. On the advice of Andrea, I will be purchasing my domain name and I will begin reconstructing a website that will knock your socks off!! Thankfully, I only started my business in September and I'm still in the beginning set up stages, so I think I have a little time and wiggle room to develop another great website.

Well, I have to go back in the lab; I have more research to do! TTYL

Welcome to my adventures of becoming a virtual assistant. I still need to fine tune my site and make it look nice for you :) Stay tuned more to come.