Time is the one big resource I need more of in order to experience substantial growth in my VA business venture.  

Have you ever noticed how time seems to have sped up in the last few years especially if you are involved in something as fascinating as starting your own business. I find that by working faster and organizing my work and personal schedule in strict blocks of time, results in a more productive day.  

I like to be working at my VA business by 6:30 in the morning and allow 20 minutes to read and answer emails. Without a strict time limit I find I take a lot longer to get through them.  After that is personal obligations. Let’s face it we can’t let our chores and needs go completely,  but we can do it at super speed as if someone just pressed the fast-forward button on your life. After completing that, I go for a half hour walk with the dog which I find very mentally refreshing, great exercise and afterwards the dog leaves me alone until time for our next walk at the end of the day. The rest of the workday is spent on education; promotion and completing work assignments. I like to finish up around 2pm but it's not always freezable.

By sticking to this schedule I find I can get so much more done and at the end of the day have a feeling of great satisfaction of my accomplishments.  Without strict schedules people tend to waste their time wandering from one website to another discovering interesting things to read but much like watching television it is something we can all do with a lot less of.

  A Virtual Assistant is an independent entrepreneur providing: professional, administrative, creative, managerial, technical, business office and/or personal support services. VA's use the most advanced means of communication, and the newest and most efficient and time saving office products and work delivery systems, regardless of geographic boundaries. Virtual Assistants work from their own offices, on a contractual basis, and abide by an established Code of Ethics requiring integrity, honesty and due diligence.

Anyone who is considering becoming a Virtual Assistant should ask themselves if they really love the type of work they’ll be doing. Self discipline is important but real success will only happen if the work is enjoyable. Through experience in a non-virtual environment people will find their niche in life and should use that when deciding whether or not to pursue a carrier in this type of work.  Working remotely might not be suitable to someone who works better in a structured environment or someone who flourishes in more of a social environment.

Steven King says that he has a virtual toolbox where he keeps his tools of the trade within easy reach.  A VA’s toolbox should contain detailed notes gathered through education and experience. Hints and Tips taken from experts in their field and lessons learned from making mistakes along the way. In order to succeed in this business I think you have to become a lifetime learner in your field of choice, and have good solid library of reference material in books and online. You also need people you can turn to for advice and who will encourage you to keep going if (when) times get tough and remind you why you got into this business in the first place.