Virtual Assistant Profiles

Linda Eskridge is the owner of E-Virtual Executive Services in San Jose, CA. I caught up with Linda shortly after she was finishing up a speaking engagement.  She was asked to present “Why Using a Virtual Assistant Will Benefit YOUR Business” to a group of local women business owners over lunch.  Topics she spoke about included “What you need to do before you hire a VA” and “You’ve hired a VA, now what?” She also shared some of the tricks she uses in her business as well as some insight into how she efficiently runs a household and home business simultaneously.  Attendees left the meeting with a greater understanding of how hiring a Virtual Assistant to perform non-revenue generating tasks can actually increase their bottom line. I asked Linda some questions about her business and herself and this is what she said.

Why did you become a VA?

I have 20+ years as an Executive Assistant and when I had my children later in life I wanted to be able to have more flexibility So I started doing some research and found www.EAtoVA.com and after reading what she had to say I knew this was the job for me.

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

My niche is “Women Owned Businesses”. I love being a thought partner with my clients, and enjoy seeing their businesses grow – Yes; I do service clients outside of my niche.

What lessons have you learned since being a VA?

You have to have systems in place; you have to think of it as if you are going to work in an office even if it is your kitchen table or desk in your home.

What characteristics do you most admire in your top clients?

My top clients have a great passion for what they are doing. And are wonderful communicators.

How do you prefer to communicate with clients?  Phone, email, chat, combo?

My communication style with my clients is whatever works best for them.

How do you stay organized?

I stay organized by my calendar – it is color coded for everything. One glance lets me know what it is I need to do with client or family and I use a Contact Management System.

Do you have any hobbies?

I LOVE Scrapbooking – it is the way I relax.

Do you prefer to work with clients close to your home or globally?

I work with clients all over the US.

How do your clients describe you?

I am very dependable and knowledgeable; my level of integrity is very high. I’m also very personable and communicate well.

How do your friends describe you?

I have been described as someone who is very personable with nothing to hide, very genuine, loves to laugh and hang out with good company.

How do you really feel about Social Media?

I love Social Media, I think it is a great way to connect with people.

What advice would you give a new VA?

My advice to a new VA would be, get your systems in place, take classes; network with other VA’s, figure out what your niche is going to be. Realize your dreams and passion keep them in front and you will have success…