Yes – kind of! Google Docs doesn’t let you change the default hyperlink colour natively (unlike Microsoft Word), but don’t worry – this is exactly the kind of workaround that makes a tech-savvy VA stand out. As you’ve probably noticed, all hyperlinks in Google Docs default to that trusty shade of blue. You can manually restyle each one like normal text… but being paid by the hour to click ... Read on
Ask Val
Rome wasn’t built in a day
Oh, we feel this. Starting a virtual assistant business while juggling work, family and, well, life—is no small feat. Even though you’re aiming to run a one-person show, getting your business off the ground can feel like a full production. Here’s the truth: you don’t need to do everything at once. Building your business doesn’t have to mean late nights, big leaps, or quitting your ... Read on
What’s in a name?
Many very successful VAs use their own names and sole trader ABNs with no trading name. Others simply use their first name, full name, or nickname with "Virtual Assistant" tacked on at the end as their trading name (e.g., "Fi Campbell - Executive Virtual Assistant")... and this has not stopped them from becoming fully booked either! In saying this, starting your own business is an ... Read on
It’s nice to be niche – but is it?
Let’s talk about this whole “niching up” thing. On one hand, specialising can be a fast track to success... IF you’ve got experience in a particular industry, a clear understanding of a specific type of client, or you are a gun at providing a particular type of service. It allows you to skip the learning curve, speak your clients’ language, and deliver value quickly (and ... Read on
Leaving the Xero Building
Absolutely – yes, you can remove yourself! And we get it – ending a client relationship can come with a list of lingering admin tasks. Access removal might not be top of their to-do list, but it’s an important one for you, especially for privacy, liability, and mental clarity. Fortunately, there’s a straightforward way to handle your own removal from Xero – and you’ve probably already ... Read on
Is setting up as a VA worth it?
Great Question! The answer is going to be different for everyone, and only you can answer this based on the level of risk you’re willing to absorb and whether the benefits of becoming a virtual assistant outweigh these for you. You have certain rights as an employee that you lose when you become a business owner, and starting from scratch can mean losing a reliable income. If you can’t ... Read on
Get Stuffed Taxes
Well, this is a bit exciting. You are registering for GST, which most likely means either one of two things: a) you have already earned $75,000* in 12 consecutive months; or b) you are on track to earn $75,000* in the near future. *correct at time of publishing - check out the ATO website for current requirements So congratulations! If you don’t yet know, GST is the additional ... Read on
Socially Awkward
According to a major research report, Instagram was the fifth most downloaded app in the world last year (2020). Couple this with the fact that every person in every industry in every country could probably use a virtual assistant (even VAs use VAs!) – it’s a good time to find great clients using Instagram. Instagram has become a platform for sharing compelling stories, behind-the-scenes ... Read on
Non-payers are the Pits.
Oh, we’re so sorry to hear this. Non-payers are the pits. That saying, “I’m rich in unpaid invoices, not in cash”, rings none truer than for self-employed freelancers working with cheeky clients. The first thing to do is to take a step back and breathe. This situation isn’t great, but what can be learnt from it? Contracts matter. They protect us and give us remit in ... Read on