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“Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them.”

~ Ann Landers

Q.  I would like for you to explain how the retainer basis works. I understand that a lot of VAs have a retainer system of some sort.

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“There is no such thing as can’t, only won’t.  If you’re qualified, all it takes is a burning desire to accomplish, to make a change.”

~ Jan Ashford

Q.  Does it hurt your marketing or brand if you do work initially off of www.Elance.com or www.Guru.com until you complete your training and are established in a real virtual assistant business? Are there any drawbacks to doing that?

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“You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.”

~ Beverly Sills

Q:  I’m wondering if you have any research statistics on the future of the virtual assistant profession or any virtual assistance industry trends?

A. That’s a great question with good timing.  From the research I’ve done, the best organization to turn to for this is Virtual Assistant Chamber of Commerce.

The founder of that organization is Danielle Keister.  She just published her annual report on the state of the industry in October (2008).  The survey was completed by over 600 active virtual assistants, including yours truly.  It’s over 80 pages long.  It includes in depth details about the demographics of the industry, the types of businesses people have set up and what type of services they offer.

You may purchase a copy of the survey by clicking here.

Also, there is a brief summary of the survey findings available at

http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/industyinfo.htm

This is the most up-to-date industry research that I am aware of.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

“I didn’t get to where I am by thinking about it and dreaming about it. I got there by doing it.”

~ Estee Lauder

Starting a new business is truly an exciting venture!  Your head is dancing with ideas, expectations and visions of your success.  You are extremely motivated and committed to ensuring your success.

It’s great to keep your momentum up and that will certainly contribute to your success, but it’s also important to maintain realistic view of what it will take for you to achieve your goals.

So, I wanted to share an article written by my colleague Sheri McConnell on this very topic.  I would love to know your thoughts on this topic and hear about your experiences, so please leave your comments below:

Honey, I Am Having A Business
By Sheri McConnell Continue Reading>>

Goals help focus you on areas in both your personal and professional life that are important and meaningful, rather than being guided by what other people want you to be, do, or accomplish.

~ Catherine Pulsifer