MI: Evy, you
have a 10-year background and a Master’s
degree in Administration. You are also a
part of the Military Spouse Virtual
Assistant program. How has the MSVA program
augmented your past work experience to help
you be a more effective VA?
EW: The RFP
(Request for Proposal) system is a valuable
resource for those just starting out in this
business and trying to build their client
base. I was instrumental in getting the MSVA
training to Fort Gordon. I thought it was an
excellent way to train our military spouses
for a portable career. With our frequent
moves, we need a career that will move with
us. And with the virtual status of our work,
as long as we have an Internet connection
and a phone line, we can help you from our
homes in Germany, Japan or anywhere else in
the world.
MI: Your
specialties include desktop publishing and
multimedia presentations. How do you work
creatively with clients that “know what they
like” but can’t describe it well?
EW: I always try
to give my clients at least three different
samples from which to choose. They choose
the one that best suits their needs and
individual style, or if none suit, we start
over. Customer satisfaction is my goal, and
I work with my clients until we can achieve
that.
MI: I see
that you also do copywriting and editing.
How important are those skills for creating
effective marketing communication pieces?
EW: It is
essential. You get one chance to make the
best possible first impression and your
marketing publications are often that
chance. They represent your professionalism,
your business and your philosophy. They must
be error-free and appealing enough for
clients to notice and want to read them. If
they don’t look good, you don’t look good.
MI: You seem
to be quite versatile —including Event
Planning as part of your portfolio of
services. How would you go about helping a
REALTOR® plan a Buyer’s Workshop for example?
EW: A Buyer’s
Workshop is like any public relations event.
I would create the marketing publications
(to bring potential buyers to the event),
help secure the location and all necessary
equipment, and take care of the registration
and follow-up that’s involved with the
Workshop.
MI: How do
you “qualify” potential clients to determine
whether you want to work with them or not?
EW: I interview
the potential client to get a “feel” for the
type of personality they have and to
determine the services they need. With this
information, I can determine if we are a
good “fit” and if we would mutually benefit
from a working relationship. I haven’t had
any problems yet. I particularly enjoy
working with energetic, positive people who
appreciate my time and effort. REALTORS®
often fit this profile. They have to be
energetic and positive in order to sell
houses! I don’t think I’d work well with a
micromanager.
MI: What is
the most common reason you decide against
taking on a particular client?
EW: If I’m
overwhelmed with work or if they need
services in an area that is not one of my
best offerings. If either of those are the
case, I suggest an alternative and help them
find the services they need.
MI: What is
the best way for a REALTOR® to prepare before
they contact you about doing some work?
EW: I’d
appreciate it if they had a good idea as to
what it was they want me to do for them and
be able to present that in a straightforward
manner. If they have samples for me to see
of similar work, it would be helpful.
MI: Last
Question: Ideally, how would you like to see
the VA industry evolve in the next 3 – 5
years?
EW: Since I
believe the world is gravitating to
telecommuting, our services will be highly
regarded. I’m really pushing for publicity
of this industry and I’m currently serving
as the Assistant Editor of the IVAACast, a
monthly newsletter on the VA industry from
the International Virtual Assistants
Association. I believe that the more people
are aware that our services exist, the more
business we will generate as a whole. So
instead of employers looking to temporary
agencies or hiring part-time workers, they
can save money and increase the quality of
the work they receive by using our services.
Generally speaking, VAs are highly educated,
professional business owners with valuable
experience to offer. Everyone wins.
MI: Evy,
thank you again for taking the time to share
your thoughts and ideas with us —and
especially for being part of the MSVA
program that helps our military stay strong
(and a special thanks to your husband and
his fellow servicemen that give so much for
our continued way of life!)
EW: You’re
welcome Michael. I appreciate your support
and the support for our men and women in
uniform!
