In my eBook I discuss the power of motivation. I believe motivation is what sets apart a powerful, successful business from an unsuccessful one. Here is an excerpt from the eBook. I recently asked a few Virtual Assistants to fill out a short survey explaining what their motivations for staying in the industry. Some of their reasons are listed below: Money (They were earning more than what they earned on a full time job) Being your own boss. Flexible hours. What to stay at home with the kids. The satisfaction of a job well done. Being passionate about the industry and loving what they do. In general the successful Virtual Assistants were they one who enjoyed the work, who loved doing what they do each day. Think about what motivates you. Channel that motivation, write it down and look at it each day, two or three times a day if you must. This will help feed the desire and you will find it easier to do your daily duties. Remember also that motivation that is purely profit based soon wears thin. That is not going to keep you up at night to finish a client’s project that is due early the next morning. Find your motiviation today! FSE

Part of my business (and I am sure yours too) involves responding to RFP’s. I average at least ten a week and get about twenty percent of the jobs. Whether these are small projects or on-going retainers I have learned that there are some absolute musts when it comes to you job proposal. Outline Everything: Do not leave your potential client guessing. List your services, your rates and limit the grey areas. In fact, clear them up as much as possible. Paper Trail: I have developed a habit to saving all my correspondence with clients and potential clients. Its m way of covering my you know what in case there is ever a problem, for instance, non payment of invoices, etc. Include a clause for project changes: Often there may be changes in the requirements or responsibilities. To be prepared for this include a clause stating that any project changes will incur additional charges. Don’t forget the contract: Especially if you do not know or have no connection with the potential client. For most jobs it is customary to request a 50% advance before work commence. FSE

As the owner of three increasingly growing businesses I often look back to my earlier days and the questions I asked myself before quiting my full time job. I had an idea to get into Virtual Assisting in 2001 but kept that idea on the back burner for almost two years. My paycheck at the end of each month provided false sense of security that I did not want to give up. I am often asked “how did you know that you were ready to start your own business?” Frankly, I am as human as the next person and I did question myself A LOT. I did know that whenever I did something, anything, I gave it my best. I had the experience of overseeing the daily activities of a busy practice in the middle of Manhattan and a more that busy department in a huge corporation. Here are some questions that I pose to up and coming entrepreneurs to give them an idea of the traits needed to start a business: Are you a quick learner? Are you resourceful? Are you afraid of hard work? How do you handle money? What is your leadership style? (If you have one) Do you make decisions quickly? Do you get tasks completed on time? Are you phased by competition? Do you have some level of common sense? Can you live without a steady income for 6 plus months? Do you have someone who can give you a positive outlook when you don’t have it? Are you persistent and self disciplined? Do you work well under pressure? Are you willing to learn and accept new ways of getting things done? Do you enjoy meeting new people? Can you juggle multiple tasks? Are you willing to talk about your product or service? Do you have the skill and PASSION for the business that you are considering? These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself before proceeding with plans to start your business. FSE