I recently had the opportunity to ask Dawn Goldberg, virtual-assistant extraordinaire, some questions about her experiences in the emerging field of virtual assistance. Many small business owners could benefit from a virtual assistant like Dawn: virtual assistants are less costly than traditional, in-office assistants, and their number-one priority is ensuring that their clients' businesses run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. You can read my interview with Dawn Goldberg below:    
 

1. For those not familiar with virtual assistants, can you please describe some of the most common areas in which you help your clients?  

Since my specialty is writing, everything I do seems to revolve around writing. I do a lot of editing and even full drafting of anything from website copy to marketing campaigns to special reports to regular customer communication. One of my other gifts is the ability to see the big picture and strategize. Most often, business owners are too deep in their businesses to see an objective, more global picture. Not only am I a champion for them and their businesses, but I also help keep their dreams and visions safe. I can see clearly whether an idea is a step in the right direction or a possible departure from their goals.

2. What are some of the responsibilities you take on as a VA? 

Managing my clients' businesses, which includes corresponding with their clients and customers, billing, customer support, troubleshooting, appointment making, website design and maintenance, Internet marketing campaigns, and creating a professional image (which in and of itself includes that big picture - making sure actions and goals are in line with the vision of the company, as well as writing and editing).

3. On your Web site, you state that the work between a virtual assistant and his or her client is "all about the relationship." What can both parties expect to give and receive from this relationship

The relationship between client and VA is one of equality and partnership. I treat my clients' businesses as if they were my own. I care for them. I'm constantly thinking about them. It's happened more than once that I've gone for a walk and woken up in the middle of the night with an idea for their business, just as I've done for my own business. It means that the "who" is more important than the "what." I may not love sitting on hold with American Airlines to make changes to a ticket, but I can honestly say I love my clients, the businesses, and what they bring to the world.

4. What are some of the benefits of hiring a virtual assistant over an in-office assistant?  

A client only has to pay a VA for the time he or she works. The VA brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and if they can't get it done, they have the huge resources to get it done. The client doesn't have to provide space or equipment for a VA. The client also doesn't have to pay employee taxes or benefits.

5. Can VAs help both the small business and large business worlds? Are virtual assistants for everyone, or are their certain types of clients that can reap more benefits than others when working with a VA? 

Of course, most clients are small business owners because they don't have the resources or the desire to hire an in-house employee. That being said, all sorts of people use VAs. Some are retired executives who are used to having great secretaries efficiently manage them. Others are people who want VAs to handle personal tasks, like putting ads in local papers, hiring nannies, vacation research, and so on. Anyone can use a VA. Those who use them the best or who are most suited are those who can work virtually and from a distance and believe in the value of people.

6. The VA field is one that is still relatively new. How has the emergence of virtual assistants changed the business world, and how do you predict it will continue to do so in the future? 

In a world where we can't depend upon corporations to keep our jobs safe and where we see a large number of jobs being eliminated or outsourced, the need for working creatively and connecting with people becomes more important. The VA/client relationship is a perfect example of how those who collaborate, connect, and create are going to be seen as more valuable than those who can do one discrete task.

7. What inspired you to become a VA, and what were some of the first steps you took in starting this practice? Do you have any advice for those considering a career as a virtual assistant?  

A few years ago, I had been playing around with the idea of starting my own business for some time, partly because I'm a stay-at-home mom, and partly because I liked the idea of owning my own business, setting my own hours, choosing with whom I work, etc. I was reading a book by Cheryl Richardson, Take Time For Your Life (I was really trying to get some balance into my life), and in the book she mentions virtual assistants as a way for someone to get help. I was intrigued and researched it further. Cheryl noted AssistU in the reference section, and that was the first place I went.

As I read more about it and investigated their website, I became really excited. As I can get excited about a lot of ideas (interior decorating, etc), I put the idea on hold for a few days. When I came back to it, I was still really excited about it, and I decided to go for it and apply to AssistU for their training program. The training program was 20 weeks long and pretty intense. The program, of course, talked about the logistics of being a virtual assistant-communicating virtually and even long-distance, what equipment you should have, invoicing, pricing structure, and so on. It really got me started on the process of setting up my own business-registering, coming up with a name, doing a business plan (complete with a marketing plan), developing marketing materials (brochure, marketing letters, etc.). We even talked about dealing with clients-the good and the bad, finding your ideal client, dealing with problems, etc.  More importantly, it gave me a language for life. I found I could create my own high standards and expect other people to honor them. People valued me for who I was and saw me as an asset. I was appreciated, and my gifts blossomed. Becoming a VA truly changed my life.

8. How have social media tools, like Twitter, Linked In, and blogging, helped grow your business? 

These social media tools are all part of that connecting that is core to who I am. I'm able to be a person, not just a professional persona. I connect with all sorts of people, including my clients, on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. I let them in to my life so that they see who I really am. Again, it's more about the "who" than the "what I do."  The "what I do" is important, don't get me wrong. It's just that the "who" is what draws me and my clients together. Social media tools help that along. 

9. Reflecting on your work with past and present clients, if you could share one piece of advice with small business owners and budding entrepreneurs, what would it be? 

To be your authentic self. To love that authentic self and to not be afraid to show it. You'll attract clients, customers, and associates who are naturally attuned to you, and you'll be more successful as a result.

If you would like to contact Dawn Goldberg or read her professional bio, please go to: http://www.mysolutionspot.com/DawnGoldberg/