Time We Discuss: Become a Virtual Assistant in 2024 - Complete Guide!
Watch/Listen to this Episode Become a Virtual Assistant in 2024 - Complete Guide!
Kathy Goughenour, the founder of Virtual Expert Training, is featured in this episode of Time We Discuss. Kathy transitioned from a corporate job to become a virtual assistant (VA) and later founded her own business. Kathy recounts her career path, beginning with nearly two decades in a Fortune 500 company. A pivotal moment occurred when she was told that her friendly demeanor was hindering her chances of promotion. This motivated her to leave her corporate job and start her own business, despite having no prior entrepreneurial experience.
Kathy's entry into the VA world was somewhat accidental, sparked by a chance conversation with a real estate agent. She began working on marketing tasks for him, eventually transitioning into full-time virtual assistant work after moving with her husband. Initially, she struggled with underpricing her services, charging as low as $15 per hour. However, after receiving advice from a marketing coach, Kathy raised her rates to $75 per hour and soon found that clients perceived her higher prices as a sign of quality. Within three years, Kathy had a waiting list and managed a team of five assistants, handling up to 70 real estate clients.
Kathy emphasizes that VAs can specialize in a wide range of tasks, from bookkeeping to tech support, marketing, and even software specialization. She advocates for using terms like Virtual Expert™ instead of VA to signify expertise and command higher rates. Specialization, according to Kathy, allows VAs to earn more while honing skills in specific areas, much like how specialists in medicine tend to earn more than general practitioners.
She also dispels common myths about needing a website before starting a VA business, suggesting that new VAs should focus on LinkedIn and networking instead. Kathy explains that networking with people who work with the same target market, rather than the market itself, is a highly effective way to gain referrals and grow a client base.
The discussion touches on how to balance time and manage multiple clients. Kathy advises using time-blocking techniques to manage workloads effectively. She also mentions that while the job is highly flexible, it requires spending long hours in front of a computer, which may not suit everyone.
Finally, Kathy talks about the importance of marketing oneself as a VA, especially for introverts who may find self-promotion challenging. She explains that while virtual assistants need no formal education or degrees, they must continuously learn new skills, particularly in the areas of technology and AI, to stay relevant. Kathy's program focuses on empowering women, helping them recognize their value, and teaching them how to build successful VA businesses.
Kathy's journey serves as an inspiration for anyone considering a transition to virtual work, emphasizing the importance of confidence, specialization, and continuous learning in building a thriving business.
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