If you’re a regular reader here, you’ll see that Deidre’s October 5, 2009, blog post: “DON’T GIVE UP! Beginners need to persevere!” is a perfect predecessor to the comments I’m including today about the beauty of “outsourcing” and tapping into utilizing a Virtual Assistant…

Been there, done that!

There’s a great, often-used saying that “experience is the best teacher,” and so I come as a “mini-teacher”–with a good bunch of offline and online experience I’m eager to share; a lot of it gathered from the assessments of my own recent e-journey as a VA.

For the most part, I know what you’re going through since I’ve walked in your shoes to some degree. Although I’d had years and years in an office support services setting, three-and-a-half years ago I, too, was a beginner to the online world of e-business with little to no idea what to do next or when. Or at what physical or financial cost!

I just knew I wanted to shift my knowledge and expertise to a profession that would help to keep me in clothes and food! I also knew that while I had a bucketful of experience, there would be some things I would not be able to or even want to do.

After a good deal of online research, I found the Virtual Assistant (VA) industry and eagerly but apprehensively entered its ranks shortly thereafter. A move that’s turned out to be a Godsend for me as I was able to earn while I learned!

Furthermore, I know that various members of the VA industry have been a significant “tool” in the online lives of thousands of solo-, small- and mid-size business entrepreneurs like you.

I’ll put this into perspective with this:

You’re “up to here” with an email box so full that a bottle of Rolaids isn’t strong enough to lessen the pain. You haven’t seen your spouse or kids for seven days because they’re sleeping when you’re working. You think there’s some “do” coming up but your appointment calendar is long-gone (or maybe it’s under the pile of papers on your desk)…wherever that is!

Facing all that in the wee hours of each day and into the spooky hours of the night, your conclusion is that you just might need a little bit of help. Goodness knows, you’re getting nothing done as it is now, nor are you able to even think about approaching a new client.

What about changing your letterhead, or the logo on your Web site–who’s got time for a Web site? Writing articles to submit to Article Directories; starting an Affiliate program? Uhhh! Forget about it!

These are just some of the things outsourcing can do or improve for you.

Particularly in today’s economic climate, it’s a tremendous benefit for you, the online entrepreneur, to have access to outside help, such as a Virtual Assistant (VA). One of the main “draws” to using a VA is the cost-effectiveness; you just pay for the time your VA spends on your specific project(s)—in addition, you can happily say “good-bye” to overhead costs when you engage a VA.

Some of the benefits to using a VA

• A VA operates from a remote location in her own fully operational office, with the latest occupational machines and software packages, so she finances her own utilities, telephone costs, and other associated amenities, and
• You’re freed from paying taxes and insurances costs for the in-house employee, and
• You don’t even have to be a “know-it-all” in each and every office procedure imaginable or have all the high-tech equipment

• Under your current circumstances you can’t take the time to find the assistance you need to help you operate your business so a VA can fill that void.
• Without some sort of outside support for your operation you realize you will be able to do no more than the basics that keep your business alive.

And right now, that means–no marketing, no networking; no nothing new!

So this is as good a time as any to let a VA (or some other outsourcer) “do your online walking for you.” Things like:

• Lining up appointments and keeping your schedule up-to-date.
• Communicating regularly with your clients, your business associates and managing your speaking engagements or purchase orders
• Managing email and promotions
• Creating Desktop Publishing, web design, or similar needs

In the process, your days will be shorter, your workload lighter and you really will begin to see that light at the end of the tunnel.

So here’s to you in “new beginnings,”

P.S. With that said, click on over to Konceptuality for a complimentary copy of “Whut’s Rong with this Sendtuntcs?” our hot, new, teeny, tiny primer, full of grammar, proofreading and editing tips and tricks. You’ll also receive a complimentary subscription to our weekly ezine, “On the Bright Side.”

Karen McGreevey, Expert Author, and owner of Konceptuality, specializes in ebook production support services that include proofreading, editing and general admin support for coaches, speakers and small business entrepreneurs. Contact Karen at kmcgreevey@konceptuality.com