The Virtual Elite Anniversary Issue | Page 11

VIRTUAL FASHION SENSE

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BY Tonya Franklin

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TONYA: How long have you used a virtual assistant?

APRYL: I have used a virtual assistant for two years out of the five years that I’ve been in business as a copywriter.

TONYA: How has having a virtual assistant made you more successful in your business?

APRYL: Overall it has been a great experience. After setting expectations, timelines, as well as addressing some hiccups, it has proven to be a great opportunity for me.

TONYA: What goals do you set for a virtual assistant?

APRYL: My VA handles all of my administrative tasks which helps make my life easier. I like someone who thinks outside of the box and is secure in making improvements when necessary; I like having to not worry about instructing them on following up with my clients. It is a plus that my VA has my company’s best interest at heart, and can be a support system to the back end of my business.

SELETHIA MIDDLETON

Event Management/Coaching/Virtual Assistant

SOUTH CAROLINA

TONYA: How long have you been in business?

SELETHIA: I’ve been in business since 2005. My event management business is my umbrella company, and since then, I’ve added coaching as well as virtual assisting.

TONYA: How did you find out about virtual assistants?

SELETHIA: It was when I first became an entrepreneur, and I was a member of a business development group, and stumbled upon a link to an administrative site for black business owners.

TONYA: How long have you used a virtual assistant?

SELETHIA: I’ve used a virtual assistant off and on throughout the years since becoming an entrepreneur. I remember I had written my business plan, and had put so much work into it and after reading, and seeing that I had even more work to be done, I realized I didn’t want to finish writing it, so I found someone else to write it.

TONYA: How has having a virtual assistant made you more successful in your business?

SELETHIA: It has been a great experience. I use VAs when I need them, so that is great. I’m one of those type of people who thinks of great ideas, and like other people to do it. Having a VA gives me a peace of mind knowing that someone can do what I need done faster versus me trying to figure it out on my own.

TONYA: Would you recommend having a virtual assistant to another business? And why?

SELETHIA: I would definitely recommend having one. I tell entrepreneurs to create a list of things you don’t want to do as well as things you don’t like to do. It is important to know yourself in order to trust and delegate the right tasks to your VA. I also think that building organic relationships and establishing trust is important when in search for a VA, because these are the ones who you build your tribe with and you know will follow through with you to the end.