|
A Fistful of Talent For this article, I went in search of professional virtual assistants, who specialize in providing uncommon services within specialized (niche) industries. What I discovered was that the uncommonness of what they do only lies in the antiquated notion that virtual assistants are nothing more than online secretaries. The fistful of talent, whom you’ll meet in a moment, help shed light on the fact that just because you’re a virtual assistant doesn’t mean you’re all about typing and answering phones! Arts Assistance Niche: Music industry, supporting classical musicians, jazz artists and orchestras Background: Trained bassoonist, played professionally for several years; 16 years as an administrator with orchestras, holding several positions including orchestral personnel manager, music librarian, general manager and programs director Clients: Mexican and New York chamber orchestras, a viola soloist, and award winning jazz artist, Paquito D’Rivera, who just won his 9th GRAMMY for Best Latin Jazz Album at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards held in February 2008 Typical Projects: Website development and maintenance, graphic design and content writing; plans to add more administrative activities, like coordination support for events, artist administrative assistance, writing marketing materials, and music librarian assistance Industry Organizations: Plans to join the League of American Orchestras as a business vendor Opinion on Specializing: Nancy thinks it can be helpful but not necessary; most clients received through referral Plans for the Future: Narrow client base within the music industry to better fit her business model; place more emphasis on her technical background in Web design Final Thoughts on Specializing: “I don’t know if specializing is necessary for everyone. I suggest that you ask a fellow VA to look at your portfolio/resume and discuss the typical activities you’ve accomplished. They may see patterns of specialization you may be overlooking.” Virtual Trainer & Assistant, LLC Niche: Microsoft Office Outlook and SharePoint training and support, and Podcast/audio production and support Background: Began July 2005; provided corporate Outlook training and support prior to starting VA business Clients: Small-business people who want to be more productive using Microsoft Office Outlook and SharePoint, and people who are using Podcasting to market their businesses and skills Typical Projects: Outlook or SharePoint: Training for people who want to learn more about these products or are having trouble wrapping their head around business concepts and need support – Podcasting: Editing Podcast audio, uploading audio to Websites, editing a series of teleconferences for the client who wishes to sell that information Industry Organizations: Subscribes to a lot of Podcasts and blogs about Microsoft Office Outlook and SharePoint, and Podcasting Opinion on Specializing: Andrea says that she has more fun doing the specialty work versus general administrative services; that is where her passion lies. Plans for the Future: Continue staying abreast of the latest technology; take one big training course, something she does every year Final Thoughts on Specializing: “What it really translates to is that my work is more project based, instead of working with the same client with the same number of hours each week – takes more balancing and organization.” Andrea goes on to say, “Do what you love. You’ll only enjoy being in business for yourself if you really love what you do.” Encore Virtual Assistant Niche: Professional reading Background: Began November 2007; helps clients eliminate “information overload” by reading for content on the Internet as “The Data Digger” Clients: Any person who does not have time to read and organize all of the information needed to be successful (i.e.: reading for important content based on keywords and then organizing this content in a handful of hyperlinks versus pages and pages of blog entries, posts, newsletters, etc.) Typical Projects: Reading and organizing a client’s blog feed (e.g., reading, organizing and summarizing hundreds of posts); reading blog entries on a daily basis for content, like particular words and phrases that are important to the client Industry Organizations: Joins associations and groups of interest to clients, in order to read listserv posts, blog entries, etc. for clients Opinion on Specializing: Lara believes it is an individual preference and no one way is better than another. Plans for the Future: Become more specialized in this niche and build a sustainable enterprise, which she could leave to her children some day Final Thoughts on Specializing: “My clients appreciate my spirit in collaboration. I do not have to be their one-stop-shop. They appreciate my service being an add-on to other support services.” Your Assistant Niche: Health insurance education; medical bill and health insurance reconciliation; Medicare remittance; research; appeals and resolutions Background: Began October 2007; 15 years experience in the medical business industry Clients: Family members; surviving spouses; adult children of aged parents; retired men and women; and small businesses Typical Projects: Ensure that all insurance has been billed properly and all contractual adjustments are made prior to patient billing Plans for the Future: Become more familiar with the Medicare drug and replacement plans Final Thoughts on Specializing: “Lack of knowledge is not the only reason that leads a person to become a potential client of my services. For busy executives or families of a sick loved one, it is a lack of time and focus ability. I can work from any angle to understand the situation at hand, and then work toward a solution the fits the individuality of my unique “niche” client.” Fortier Business Solutions
Background: Began April 2007; 15 years experience working with attorneys; started working for a law firm at age 16 Clients: Any attorney, whether in solo practice or as a member of a large national or international firm Typical Projects: Creating follow-up legal documentation to litigation Complaints for example (e.g., Answers, Interrogatories, Requests) Industry Organizations: Currently in school to acquire Paralegal certificate; would like to join the National Association of Legal Assistants Opinion on Specializing: “For me, I believe it’s better to specialize. I know what I’m good at, and I know I can offer spectacular services. Ultimately, a VA has to do what makes him/her happy.” Plans for the Future: Would like to start an association of legal professionals, where virtual legal professionals could go to share ideas, get support, and air frustrations in a safe environment, as well as receive training and coaching Final Thoughts on Specializing: “I’ve learned more than I ever thought possible through providing this niche service to the legal industry. I’ve been able to meet and speak with men and women with great minds!” ### Melanie O’Kane is President of MAD Typing and Consulting, Founder of the new Secretarial Services of America (details coming soon), and Host of MODCOM Radio on BlogTalkRadio. Melanie also serves as Associate Editor of IVAACast. To learn more, visit http://www.mad-typing-and-consulting.com and http://www.blogtalkradio.com/melanieokane. |