Ask the Master Newsletter Archives

Welcome to the previous editions of the Ask the Master newsletter. On your left you will find links to tips and the how to’s of running a Virtual Assistant practice. We hope you enjoy your stay and if you have a question you’d like answered send it to submission@vatp.ca.

Web Site Questions

Welcome to the Ask the Master e-newsletter!

This newsletter is about you, for you and content generated by you, so thank you.

Listed on the Virtual Assistant Training Program website are some burning questions and they are a perfect place to start! Thank you to one of our subscribers for requesting the answers.

Warmly,
Mary-Lou Ashton
Master Virtual Assistant

Questions In This Edition
(Click on the links to go to that question.)

• What equipment do I need?
• What do I charge for services?
• Do I need a fax machine?
• What software should I use?
• Should I use a PC or a Mac computer?
• How do I get clients?
  

The basics begin with your computer. Here are some of the minimum requirements for your computer:

1) Hard Drive - 10 GB or higher
2) RAM - 64 MB or higher
3) Processor- 500 Mhz or higher

4) Modem - 52K or higher
5) CD-Rom - 40X or higher

Today's new computers meet or exceed these basics however if you have an older unit you may need to do some upgrading or consider purchasing something newer.

You will also need to have a printer (colour preferred), faxing capabilities, internet access (cable or another high-speed connection), a phone with voice mail or an answering machine and separate from your internet access if you are using a dial up connection.

This will depend on several factors. Your experience, your strengths, your specialties, your reputation and your confidence. Hourly rates vary from $20.00 to $70.00. Monthly retainers may also be negotiated.

While you do need faxing capabilities it does not necessarily need to be a machine. There are numerous fax-to-email services available that eliminate the need for a machine and are cost effective.

You MUST have anti-virus software either Norton Antivirus or McAfee is suggested. We recommend Microsoft Office for email, your word processor and spreadsheet creation. You may also want to consider a graphic design software program such as MS Publisher or Adobe Pagemaker. Microsoft or Adobe products will most often meet your needs.

While we recommend you use a PC, with proper conversion software you can use a Mac as well.

Get clear on who they are and network, network, network! Get the word out, market your services, expand your community, connect with your circle of influence, offer specials or freebies and be persistent. Hire a coach!