Yesterday six Melbourne Virtual Assistants (VAs) got together and celebrated the first ever Global VA Week with an actual catch up in person (as opposed to a Virtual Catch up). Each one of us are at different stages in our businesses and we each have a different niche. There were some who are just starting out in their business who have only been around since last year, some who have been in business for years and one lady who started her VA business back in the 1990's!!!! It was terrific to meet people in person and to listen to the more experienced business owners talk about their businesses.
Being a VA is a truly wonderful 'job' to have! I put the word job in italics because it's actually much much more than a job! It can really be whatever you want it to be from a part time job to a full time career. As with anything, it just depends on how much effort you want to put into it, how much committment you have and a clear sense of direction as to where you want it to go.
Most VAs are small business owners themselves and therefore have a thorough understanding of the needs and requirements that a small business has. VAs are therefore well placed to assist small businesses in running their businesses. Many VAs that I have met have in fact got their own VA to do their admin work so that they can focus on their clients. They know that as a fellow business owner, their VA will be able to help their own business to run smoothly.
While we were enjoying our lunch in a cafe in the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne, there were VAs catching up all over Australia. WA had a guest speaker and goodie bags, SA had a small but intimate luncheon as their catch up, NSW caught up over a cuppa and Qld had a 'virtual catch up' via an online conference room. And I understand that while we slept, VAs in the US and UK were having their own celebrations.
But the main idea was to celebrate being a Virtual Assistant - what a truly interesting and diverse industry it is. Personally, I had a great time - I love being a VA and a celebration was long overdue.
Enjoying what you do is so important - what's the old saying? "Love your job and you'll never work a day in your life"
See you next time,
Chris
