Virtual Assistant Profiles

I recently met Morie Anne Burke over the phone as she was interviewing me for her client, whom she was no longer going to be able to service.  I was asked by the client if I minded speaking with Morie, who would be a good judge of whether I was qualified to take on the work he had.  I agreed and wondered how the conversation would go.

Morie called and inside the better part of a minute, I felt like I knew her for years.  She was down to earth and practical, qualities I admire in a professional.  I felt comfortable asking the questions I had and she gave straightforward answers as well as some tips for working with the software that was required.  After passing off the account to me, she remained available to answer any questions that came up.  I asked Morie if I could interview her for this blog and she agreed.  I sent out interview questions to a few people late one night and Morie was the first to submit her answers early the next morning.  She is a fantastic writer who puts me to shame.  You will see submissions by Morie as time goes by, as she has agreed to contribute to this blog.

Why did you become a VA?  Why do you continue being a VA?

After 18 years of experience as an Executive Assistant working in major corporations, I knew I could do this on my own.  I had a family for whom I wanted to be available and I wanted the freedom to work for myself.

I continue being a VA because of that flexibility and because I can guide my own destiny now.  No one owns my time, but me and the clients that I get to choose.

Do you have a niche?  Do you service clients outside that niche?

In the past few years, my niche has developed into building specialized online education for home care and hospices, however my abilities transcend industry.  I feel as long as I have the fluency in popularly used software and the technique to create magic from that software, I am able to service any client.

What lessons have you learned since being a VA?

I have learned to take charge of my own business.  To me this means that, similar to working for a company, I will not like every client personally, but as long as they can communicate their desires and I can fulfill their requests, it’s symbiotic.  I have also learned that setting boundaries is not only beneficial, but paramount to defining the value of my services.  Conveyance of respect to the people around me in my personal and professional life has always been my number one priority. I expect the same in return, without compromise.

What characteristics do you most admire in your top clients?

When a client can communicate the desired outcome and define a deadline, it helps me to do the best job possible.  This in turn gets the client exactly what they’ve paid for.  Also, on time payment of my invoices never hurts!  This translates to me the respect for my services and defines my value to them.

What characteristics do your clients admire in you?

As has been said many times by my clients, I have no issue with giving my opinion and providing an honest assessment of how to achieve the goals they’ve set for me.

How do you stay organized, or what organization tips do you have?

I utilize a Contact Management Software. It allows me to create an account for each client, log e-mails and create notes about the account.  I can also store my final products in the account section.  This makes for one stop shopping.

How would your friends describe you?

Honest is the word I hear most often.  If they ask my opinion, they know they’ve just opened the flood gates for it.  Good, bad or indifferent, if I consider them a true friend, I will them how I feel.  I expect the same in return.  I do believe there is a fine line between honesty and stupidity, but I am a firm advocate of “say what you mean, mean what you say, but don’t say it mean”

How would your parents describe you?

Independent.  Unable to be boxed in.  Sometimes wild, but always true to myself, sincere.  Have a unique ability to cut through the “bullshit”.

Do you have any hobbies? Have these hobbies created professional opportunities for you?

I actually do have a cathartic hobby that has created a money making opportunity in the summer months.  My daughter and I make organic soap and bath products.  It eases my soul, allows me to bond with my 9 year and makes us a little bit of extra money.

What advice would you give a new VA?

If you have done this in the working world, you CAN do it at home.  Our services transcend industry, meaning that every type of company can use an executive assistant. As long as your skills are polished and you can think on your feet, you too can start your own business.

Do you have a Virtual Assistant?

I actually have a gentleman on call that is an expert Executive Assistant with a “normal’ 9-5 job.  Whenever I have overload, he helps me tremendously.