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WHAT’S A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT? |
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Are you overwhelmed running your business? Are there not enough hours in the day? The more your business grows, the more administrative tasks you have; the more time you spend on administrative tasks, the less time you have to generate new business.
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How much is your time really worth? YOUR time is most valuable because it is your responsibility to generate new revenue for your business. Doing small and often trivial administrative chores yourself does not really add value to your business and the sensible solution is to delegate those less profitable tasks by hiring someone more than capable of carrying them out, but whose hourly rate is somewhat less than your real financial worth. So what’s stopping you?
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You may have a multitude of reasons that prevent you from hiring a full time personal assistant. You may not need a full time, or even part time employee but just require someone for occasional or limited secretarial services. Then there are the employers responsibilities, employees are entitled to sick pay, maternity leave and paid holiday and often seek generous benefits packages. It is estimated that the true cost of an employee is over double and often up to triple the cost of their annual salary in terms of benefits and liabilities.
Significant for some potential employers is also the loss of privacy and space - are you working from home or have limited office space? You may not want an employee working from your home or simply not have the room for an additional employee in your office or all the equipment they may need.
Wouldn't it be perfect if you had a business assistant that was always ready to work for you, but only when you need them? Providing secretarial services from their own home or office, using their own equipment? Meet the Virtual Assistant (VA), an invaluable new work force that provides a practical solution for small businesses owners. A VA frees up your valuable time so you can concentrate on the important things that only you can do in your business.
There is no need to share office space or even for your VA to live in the same town or city. Work assignments are communicated through email; telephone, fax or post and web-based tools such as instant messengers and online calendars and planners are also often used as a means of keeping in touch.
Because your VA is self-employed, and invoices you only for the actual hours worked or by tasks completed, and is dependent on referrals and steady work flow from existing clients, s/he can be the perfect solution for a busy small business or entrepreneur. When you hire a VA you get all the benefits of outsourcing - no employer liabilities, tax and benefits issues, coupled with the loyalty and steadiness of a company executive PA.
With a VA, you have someone to whom you can delegate. Your VA can return telephone calls, answer e-mails, and draft letters for you. They can run your diary, deal with your post, run your marketing campaign, design your next presentation, book your doctors appointment and even remind you of your spouses birthday and source the perfect gift if necessary! VA’s are already computer trained, and can assist with your specific needs from traditional office support services to highly specialised areas including web site design. You can also equip your VA to go beyond traditional secretarial support to client development and marketing support.
You can easily justify a virtual assistant in terms of your greater productivity and your greater efficiency. You need to be the leader in your business and your VA will insure that you focus on what is important, rather than urgent. Your VA can also lend "size" to your company, which will impress potential clients.
As more and more businesses move their marketing and communications to the Internet, VA’s are becoming the obvious solution to staffing issues. For an hourly fee often less than the cost of temps or the real cost of employees, businesses can take advantage of professional assistance and a variety of skills at the click of a mouse.
Need a Virtual Assistant? Then you’ve come to the right place. We have details of all the best virtual assistants and pa’s in the business so click on the link and start delegating! DIRECTORY OF UK VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS
Are you a Virtual Assistant? Do you want to establish your presence as a professional virtual assistant and become an accredited member of the UK Association of Virtual Assistants? For more information about membership criteria, our CODE OF CONDUCT and how to add yourself to our DIRECTORY OF UK VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS visit our JOIN US section.
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| The Virtual Assistant Blog |
| Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:00:33 +0000 Tips For Setting Up Your Home Based Office - Create a dedicated space that is your ‘office’. |
| Ideally this should be a dedicated space, an entire room if possible or at least a sizable portion of one. You will need a clear space to work that has sufficient power sockets and a phone line connection nearby. Make sure your work space is clear from noise and distractions like a t.v. or washing [...] Ideally this should be a dedicated space, an entire room if possible or at least a sizable portion of one. You will need a clear space to work that has sufficient power sockets and a phone line connection nearby. Make sure your work space is clear from noise and distractions like a t.v. or washing machine.
Also think about the additional room you will need for other furniture you will need including a filing cabinet, stationery storage etc.
For more information about setting up your home office take a look at the VA Success Groups “Start Your Virtual Assistant Business Online Course” at: http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-online-courses/start-your-virtual-assistant-business/
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| Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:00:35 +0000 Virtual Assistant Networking Course |
| Do you know that you should be networking to expand and grow your virtual assistant business, but feel so much dread at the thought of presenting your business that you just put it off?
Do you visit lots of networking events and wonder why you’re not picking up new clients as a result?
This month sees the [...] Do you know that you should be networking to expand and grow your virtual assistant business, but feel so much dread at the thought of presenting your business that you just put it off?
Do you visit lots of networking events and wonder why you’re not picking up new clients as a result?
This month sees the launch of the VA Success Groups “Networking for Virtual Assistants Online Course” so if you know you could be better at networking and you would like to learn from two of the UKs most successful virtual assistants, this is your chance.
For more information visit:Â http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-online-courses/networking-for-virtual-assistants/
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| Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:00:40 +0000 How to Get Involved With Social Media – Linked In |
| LinkedIn is more of a business networking tool than strictly a social one. It is structured in such a way that your occupation and education are featured more than hobbies and interests for example. However, it works in much the same way as Facebook in that you can invite people to connect with you and [...] LinkedIn is more of a business networking tool than strictly a social one. It is structured in such a way that your occupation and education are featured more than hobbies and interests for example. However, it works in much the same way as Facebook in that you can invite people to connect with you and join common interest groups. It also has a feature where you can recommend people so it’s great for asking for testimonials.
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| Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:13 +0000 How to Get Involved With Social Media – Facebook |
| Many of us have used Facebook for personal networking for many years. But did you know you can also use if for business? Again it’s a great way to connect with people with similar interests and it’s easy to build relationships by interacting with other people in your network.
virtuYou can also create fan pages for [...] Many of us have used Facebook for personal networking for many years. But did you know you can also use if for business? Again it’s a great way to connect with people with similar interests and it’s easy to build relationships by interacting with other people in your network.
virtuYou can also create fan pages for your business and post events to advertise particular product launches.
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| Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:00:48 +0000 How To Get Involved With Social Media – Twitter |
| Twitter has become increasing popular over the past year or so with everyone who’s anyone Tweeting their little hearts out. Twitter is a micro-blogging site which limits the length of the comments you can post to 140 characters. It’s no go for posting large chunks of content but ideal for posting links to interesting information.
Twitter [...] Twitter has become increasing popular over the past year or so with everyone who’s anyone Tweeting their little hearts out. Twitter is a micro-blogging site which limits the length of the comments you can post to 140 characters. It’s no go for posting large chunks of content but ideal for posting links to interesting information.
Twitter is highly interactive and users re-post other peoples comments (Tweets) if they are useful and also respond. You choose who you ‘follow’, i.e.: whose Tweets you read, so it is a great platform for making contacts and establishing relationships.
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| Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:00:35 +0000 How To Get Involved With Social Media - Blogging |
| With a blog you can post content in the form of text and pictures and it is possible to have a two way dialogue by way of people commenting on your posts. You can have control over what comments actually appear on your pages if you manage your comments using your preferred blogging software so [...] With a blog you can post content in the form of text and pictures and it is possible to have a two way dialogue by way of people commenting on your posts. You can have control over what comments actually appear on your pages if you manage your comments using your preferred blogging software so you can approve, delete or mark them as spam.
Blogs can be written in many styles from the very informal personal right through to a professional corporate blog. It’s important as a small business to inject some personality into your blog as your followers are trying to get to know you as well as read your material.
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| Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:00:03 +0000 How Can Social Media Help My Business? |
| There are various social media platforms you can use to deliver messages to your readers and followers which we’ll look at through the remainder of this series. But before embarking on any marketing activity, it’s important to know why it’s useful.
vvSocial media is instant so your messages can be delivered as they happen, and most [...] There are various social media platforms you can use to deliver messages to your readers and followers which we’ll look at through the remainder of this series. But before embarking on any marketing activity, it’s important to know why it’s useful.
vvSocial media is instant so your messages can be delivered as they happen, and most importantly, it’s interactive – you are actually inviting comment and suggestion. Of course the most important point to remember is that the search engines love social media is its content is current and fresh. Your comments will be picked up by the search engines – how exciting is that?
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| Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:00:39 +0000 Why Is Social Media Important? |
| Social Media has provided everyone with a platform to air their opinions, views and grievances with anyone around the world. People who use Social Media often become highly influential and are seen as experts in their own sphere and can develop large audiences around their area of interest.
Communities of like-minded people are forming around common [...] Social Media has provided everyone with a platform to air their opinions, views and grievances with anyone around the world. People who use Social Media often become highly influential and are seen as experts in their own sphere and can develop large audiences around their area of interest.
Communities of like-minded people are forming around common interests over the Web regardless of where they are based in the world because the regular restrictions of geographical locations do not apply.
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| Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:50:59 +0000 UKAVA newsletter out today |
| Virtual assistant news, reviews and offers. This months issue out now at: http://www.ukava.co.uk/html/ukava_news.html
Virtual assistant news, reviews and offers. This months issue out now at: http://www.ukava.co.uk/html/ukava_news.html
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| Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:00:09 +0000 What Is Social Media and Why Is It Important to My Business? |
| We’ve all heard the phrase social media, but what actually is social media and how can you use it to help your business?
In short, social media is a term that encapsulates a number of online communication platforms which make it easy for people to not only publish their own news and views but also comment [...] We’ve all heard the phrase social media, but what actually is social media and how can you use it to help your business?
In short, social media is a term that encapsulates a number of online communication platforms which make it easy for people to not only publish their own news and views but also comment on that posted by others.
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| VA Success Group » BLOG |
| Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:00:36 +0000 Networking for New Clients |
| If up until now you’ve been an employee, you might never have been to a networking event before. The whole idea is that everyone who goes along is a business owner or key decision maker in their business and is there, like everyone else, to promote their product or service. The beauty of networking is [...] If up until now you’ve been an employee, you might never have been to a networking event before. The whole idea is that everyone who goes along is a business owner or key decision maker in their business and is there, like everyone else, to promote their product or service. The beauty of networking is that if you attend groups regularly, people get to know and trust you and are happy to work with you if they need a virtual assistant or refer business your way.
Now I could write a whole series on the subject of networking alone but these are the basics. If it is your first time networking I would initially go to an informal group as this will help you get your confidence and see how they work. Do an Internet search on networking and you town and you should find a whole range of groups in your area. Have a look for one that takes your fancy and book on. Most groups will let you attend one or two meetings before asking you to take out a membership so make full use of all the free trails until you find a group that you like. Some groups are free but you will find that those that charge a membership fee are often more formal business networking groups and produce more clients and referrals.
Again don’t forget that anyone you speak to may know someone who needs a virtual assistant so don’t dismiss anyone on first impressions and also remember that networking is two way so if you can put those you meet in touch with anyone they would be interested in, do it. You will be remembered for it and that’s the first step in getting referrals.
For more information about networking, have a look at our Networking for Virtual Assistants Online Course at: http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-online-courses/networking-for-virtual-assistants/
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| Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:48:35 +0000 Articles You Can Use In Your Virtual Assistant Business |
| Do you want to include some useful articles via your Virtual Assistant website? Check out the various articles written by Emma and Justine which are available for you to use, as long as you include our author details.
Current articles available include:
The Importance of Client Consultation
Getting Those First Clients
Niching to Streamline Your Marketing Efforts
How to Turn [...] Do you want to include some useful articles via your Virtual Assistant website? Check out the various articles written by Emma and Justine which are available for you to use, as long as you include our author details.
Current articles available include:
The Importance of Client Consultation
Getting Those First Clients
Niching to Streamline Your Marketing Efforts
How to Turn Your Clients into Raving Fans!
The Secret to Success Is In The Numbers
Access the articles now at http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-freebies/articles/
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| Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:44:00 +0000 Building Relationships Is Key For Successful Networking |
| We buy from people we know, like and trust so it is vital that you build relationships with people you meet at networking events to make sure you get a return on investment for time and money you spend.
Some people don’t see why building relationships are important and time well spent so picture the scenes [...] We buy from people we know, like and trust so it is vital that you build relationships with people you meet at networking events to make sure you get a return on investment for time and money you spend.
Some people don’t see why building relationships are important and time well spent so picture the scenes below:
1. You’re at a networking event and looking forward to meeting some new people when from out of nowhere, this person walks straight up to you, passes you a business card, tells you their name, what they do and asks you to contact them if you need their product or service … all before you get a chance to say hello and doesn’t even ask you for your name.
Not a great start to the event and doesn’t really form a good impression of the person so the next time you see them, you will avoid them like the plague … not good for forming long term relationships!
2. You’re at a networking event and looking forward to meeting some new people when someone approaches you with a friendly smile, introduces themselves to you and asks your name. They then start asking some questions about your business and seem really interested in what you have to say, they ask for a business card and suggest that they talk to Joe Bloggs as someone who would be interested in your product / service and introduce you to them.
Not once have they mentioned anything about their business or done a hard sell on you but you will definitely remember how friendly and helpful they were so the next time you meet them, you will go out of your way to get to know them and try to repay the favour. This is the start of your relationship with them and it is already turning out to be beneficial to both parties!
Which scene would you rather be involved with?
Want to learn how to network effectively to build your business? Check out Networking for Virtual Assistants online course, a practical course designed to help you build your networking strategy and network effectively.
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| Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:48 +0000 Looking for Referrals at Networking Events |
| Sometimes it’s not about whom you know, but about who they know. We’ve all heard the theory about the six degrees of separation, that you are only six people away from anyone you want to get to know. Well the same applies to business. The person you are talking to may not have any requirement [...] Sometimes it’s not about whom you know, but about who they know. We’ve all heard the theory about the six degrees of separation, that you are only six people away from anyone you want to get to know. Well the same applies to business. The person you are talking to may not have any requirement for a virtual assistant but who do they know that might?
If you make an impression on the person you are talking to they will remember you and possibly refer on to you anyone who may need your services. This is particularly true at networking events, but how can you make sure that they will remember you and refer you when appropriate. How about offering a referral fee?
A referral fee can be a gift or cash and is usually related to the amount a referred new customer spends. You only pay out on the referral if the potential new client signs up so you have nothing to lose. You may want to offer a free bottle of champagne or gift vouchers for each new referral or perhaps 10% of the first invoice total. It’s up to you but it can be a very effective way of getting your contacts to refer their contacts to you.
For more information about networking, have a look at our Networking for Virtual Assistants Online Course at: http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-online-courses/networking-for-virtual-assistants/
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| Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:00:14 +0000 Getting Organised Series – 3 Tips |
| Treat yourself like an important client
Block off time in your diary as though you were attending an appointment with a client to complete work but also include me time as well.
Have a task list
Keep a running task list for everything that needs to be done so that you can plan your day and also mark [...] Treat yourself like an important client
Block off time in your diary as though you were attending an appointment with a client to complete work but also include me time as well.
Have a task list
Keep a running task list for everything that needs to be done so that you can plan your day and also mark off completed tasks for sense of achievement. You can also categorise your task list for easy reference.
Review projects regularly
Regularly review projects against objective and budget to see the progress. You can then make any necessary changes immediately instead of leaving until the last minute.
For more free advice from two of the UKs leading virtual assistants, visit:
http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-freebies/
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| Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:00:48 +0000 Different Client Types Virtual Assistants Meet – Part 2 |
| In my post last week, we talked about the first 3 types of clients you may come across in your VA business. We carry on the list below with 3 more client types:
Don’t pay Ray
When you sign up new clients, you should get them to sign a contract before any work is completed to ensure [...] In my post last week, we talked about the first 3 types of clients you may come across in your VA business. We carry on the list below with 3 more client types:
Don’t pay Ray
When you sign up new clients, you should get them to sign a contract before any work is completed to ensure that they agree to your terms and conditions. For retainer clients, they purchase hours in advance so it is easier to manage – you don’t do the work if they haven’t paid. However, what can you do for project PAYG clients when you have already spent time on their work? It is recommended that you get a deposit of 50% up front before starting any work and then you invoice them the balance on completion of the work and get payment before handing over the project.
You need to refer to the terms and conditions that you have created for your business and action what it says regarding non payment e.g. do you charge interest? At what stage do you refer it to a debt management company etc?
I strongly advise you to stop any work you are doing for your non paying Ray until they have cleared the outstanding amount – you can’t allow them to run up huge debts.
Moaning Minnie
You may come across some clients who are not happy with your work. Sometimes this can be a genuine concern because you have done something wrong – no problem, fix it and apologise.
However, some people aren’t happy regardless of what you do for them even when there is nothing wrong with the work. I suggest you stop working with these clients immediately as they will totally drain you and you will start to resent them for how they make you feel. Give them the notice that your contract states and move on – you deserve a lot better.
Know it all Paul
Most people know someone who tries to help and offer you advice. This is not normally a problem and can be very useful for you as you can learn from their experiences.
However, a Paul is someone who tells you how to run your business e.g. you should be doing this, I wouldn’t do that etc. Be firm with them and say thanks, but no thanks. If you want advice, you can always approach them and ask.
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| Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:02:59 +0000 Virtual Assistant Blogging To Raise Your Profile |
| The following tips are taken from the free VA Success Group download "10 Steps For Successful Blogging To Raise Your Profile". The full list of tips can be downloaded free at: http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-freebies/10-step-downloads/
1. Define your audience.
Have a good think about who you want to be reading your blog. This is easier if you have a niche [...] The following tips are taken from the free VA Success Group download "10 Steps For Successful Blogging To Raise Your Profile". The full list of tips can be downloaded free at: http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-freebies/10-step-downloads/
1. Define your audience.
Have a good think about who you want to be reading your blog. This is easier if you have a niche market because you will have a clear idea of who your customers are. If you don’t have a particular niche, think about what your clients have in common.
2. Define your content.
Once you have decided who you want to reach, think about what information they would be interested in. Your blog is not a platform for you to continually trumpet about your services and how great you are, it is an opportunity to provide useful information for your readers.
For the remaining tips in this series visit: http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-freebies/10-step-downloads/
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| Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:14:23 +0000 Virtual Assistant Free Tips – Niching to Streamline Your Marketing Efforts |
| If you try to be everything to everyone, you’ll soon learn that you end up appealing to no-one and as your marketing efforts are spread too thinly, you end up out of pocket and frustrated by poor results.
This is where niche marketing comes in to make all of your marketing activities cost efficient and effective.
Check [...] If you try to be everything to everyone, you’ll soon learn that you end up appealing to no-one and as your marketing efforts are spread too thinly, you end up out of pocket and frustrated by poor results.
This is where niche marketing comes in to make all of your marketing activities cost efficient and effective.
Check out this great article about Niching to Streamline Your Marketing Activities.
Visit http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-freebies/articles
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| Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:09:37 +0000 Different Client Types Virtual Assistants Meet ? Part 1 |
| You are going to be working with a variety of different clients who all have their own personalities. This can be really fun if you pick the type of clients that you work well with as opposed to working with draining clients!
Some of the different types of clients you may come across are:
Always in a [...] You are going to be working with a variety of different clients who all have their own personalities. This can be really fun if you pick the type of clients that you work well with as opposed to working with draining clients!
Some of the different types of clients you may come across are:
Always in a hurry Murray
Some people can’t operate unless they are causing mayhem and panic around them. You will probably have come across some of these people already – they always have an emergency that needs taking care of, always rushing from place to place etc.
These types of clients can be very draining and remember, this is your business and you don’t have to work with these types of people if you don’t want to – it is your choice.
Don’t delegate Kate
These are the types who realise they need your help but don’t delegate the work to you. You may have to chase them constantly for information relating to projects and you might end up feeling frustrated when dealing with their projects.
As long as you know that they are not great at delegating information, you can work out systems to ensure that your dealings with them are effective – just don’t have too many Kate clients.
Don’t respect you Sue
One of the most important processes of starting your business is about creating boundaries for yourself and others to respect. When taking on clients you need to educate them about what your boundaries are so that they can respect them. However, you might come across clients who don’t respect the boundaries that you have established which can create a chaotic life for you.
You need to be firm with Sue as soon as they step on any of your boundaries. If you are not firm, your Sue will not respect you or your business and will continue to treat you this way. If you leave it too long before speaking with your Sue, the harder it is to get them to change their habit.
Look out for 3 more client types in Part 2 next week.
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| Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:00:37 +0000 Expanding Your Virtual Assistant Business Income |
| If you have established your virtual assistant business and have enough clients to keep you busy, you will soon find that you reach a ceiling when it comes to earnings. You don’t have any more hours in the day that you can or want to work, so how can you earn additional income?
We’ve spoken before [...] If you have established your virtual assistant business and have enough clients to keep you busy, you will soon find that you reach a ceiling when it comes to earnings. You don’t have any more hours in the day that you can or want to work, so how can you earn additional income?
We’ve spoken before about selling affiliate products, indeed you can earn from selling products and services from the VA Success Group by becomming an affiliate here: http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/about-us/affiliate-programme/
But what about also working with Associate Experts in order to really catapult your income?
The following tips are taken from our free download "10 Steps For Successfully Working With Associate Experts"
1. Identify your clients
Firstly have a good look at who your clients are. What do they have in common? Doyou have a particular niche market? Are they large businesses or one man bands? Are they start-up businesses or established companies?
2. What other services would be useful to them
When you have established what your clients have in common you can start to think about what other services they may also need in addition to your virtual assistant ones. Draw up a list of specialist services you would like to offer through associate experts.
For the remaining 8 tips in this download visit: http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-freebies/10-step-downloads/
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