This is a VA case study and interview with Becky Considine. After years of high-level admin experience and work as a PA and EA within the NHS, Becky decided to re-evaluate her career after having her second daughter. She runs her VA business from Oxford, England and launched OXVAS (Oxford Virtual Assistant Service) at the end of 2013.
What did you do for a living before you became a VA?
My career started in the travel industry, leading to other customer supporting roles and progressing to office and project manager roles.
My last employed role was within the NHS, where I worked my way up from an administrator to EA to the Director of Nursing.
When did you first hear about the existence of VAs?
I first became aware of VAs around 2006 when a colleague of mine was leaving her current post to become one. I remember thinking at the time that it was a fantastic idea, and I was intrigued as to how it would work.
I wondered how she would attract clients and have enough work to make a living.
It wasn’t until I had my first child in 2010, a time when I wasn’t particularly happy in my current role, that the thought of becoming a VA came to mind.
I spoke with a friend who owned a recruitment agency about her thoughts on VAs and whether she knew of any. She told me that, in theory, the idea was great, and she’d known people who had tried, but in reality, it didn’t work.
I thanked her for her honest opinion and parked the idea.
What was the trigger for you setting up your VA business?
After having my second child whilst on maternity leave, I really started to think about my career, my work-life balance and, of course, my children.
The NHS was changing, and there seemed to be endless restructures, band reviews, no pay increases, etc. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if it was financially viable to go back to working in the NHS.
The idea of becoming a VA came back to mind again. However, this time, it was different – I couldn’t get the thought of being a VA out of my head.
I wanted to work from home, and I wanted to be around for my children.
In 2012, I started researching VAs in my area, services offered, fees charged, testimonials, etc. I was pleasantly surprised to find some VAs had been established for a long time and had varying skills. They ran a successful business model and had wonderful client testimonials.
This was the assurance I needed that being a VA was a viable business.
My appetite was whet, and I knew I would become a Virtual Assistant. I just needed to convince my husband, which, as it turned out, wasn’t such a hard job.
He also thought it was a great idea and solution to our circumstances and had every faith my business would be a success.
Did you just leave your job or start VA-ing gradually?
I resigned from my job whilst on maternity leave. During the final months of leave, I’d completed my research, sought out a web developer, started to write the content for my site and looked into marketing my new business venture.
Finally, I was free to become a VA!
Where did you find the help or advice you needed to set up?
I conducted my own research online, and at that time(2012), there was a limited pool of information available. I looked at other websites, marketing opportunities and networking groups and decided that there was a market for VAs.
Who was your first client?
Lydiah Igweh of BWGC (Business Women’s Growth Club) as Events and Membership Coordinator. I had only marketed my business for four weeks when Lydiah and I collaborated.
Do you have a niche?
No, I don’t have a niche. I offer business support services, covering all aspects of admin that solopreneurs and small or medium businesses may require.
How would you say you were different from other VAs?
I have over 10 years of VA experience under my belt. I have worked with a variety of clients in a multitude of different industries. My USP is my length of service and my contribution to the industry. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Like many VAs, I offer flexible, reliable, and professional service and all-around support.
The industry has grown, and the tools available now are incredible. Every day is a learning day, and I am not afraid to learn.
My skill set, knowledge and confidence have grown immensely over the last decade.
What’s the best thing about being a VA?
Having the freedom to choose when I work and who I work with and for, and being able to work around my family.
Through networking, I’ve met many interesting people, and being a VA has opened up my eyes and mind to new ways of thinking, working, and opportunities, as well as to the whole world of business – business is constantly evolving.
I recall receiving an email following an interview I did with my local newspaper on ‘whether mothers should go out to work’. The lady who had contacted me wanted me to know that ‘I had inspired her and asked if we could meet to talk about how I became a VA’.
My friend, who was slightly sceptical of the VA industry, applauded and congratulated me on my efforts, determination, and success and even nominated me for the Venus Businesswomen’s Awards in 2014. I was shortlisted as a semi-finalist for the Home-Based Business category!
What’s the hardest thing about being a VA?
In my early days of being a VA, the biggest learning curve was working with that one client who refused to pay. This experience was frustrating, but it was a great learning curve.
My advice would be to make sure your freelancer contract is solid and don’t threaten court; make sure you go to court!
Another thing to watch is making sure you don’t have all your eggs in one basket.
If possible, ensure you have a variety of clients, so you are not solely reliant on one or two clients, because if one leaves, this could have a considerable impact on your finances. Remember, you are only a contractor!
Also, Imposter syndrome is a real thing. Keep talking, keep networking and keep believing in yourself!
How virtual are you?
I do, on occasion, travel to clients’ premises for meetings; I find that it is nice to get out of my own office space sometimes.
How do you find your clients?
Some clients have found me through Google searches for Virtual Assistant in Oxford. Through SEO and clever marketing, I am listed as number one or two and have been for several years now.
I also attend in-person and online networking events where I collaborate with clients, and I have also applied for virtual roles.
How do you manage your work/life balance?
Like many VAs, I have a family, so I work around them. My VA career has seen my babies through primary to secondary school, so now I am basically offering full office hours.
I also block time out during the day for “me” time.
Self-care and taking care of your mental and physical well-being are critical. Remember, you may not have work colleagues to check in with.
How do you manage your clients and their expectations?
It’s essential you understand the work you’re being contracted to carry out and always ensure deadlines are met. Before submitting any work, read and re-read. It’s essential you plan and allow time for tasks.
I’ve always maintained a good working relationship with my clients, offering mutual respect in a consultant-to-client and business-to-business relationship.
What technology, websites or apps are invaluable to your working life?
Microsoft Office, G Suite, WordPress, Trello, Canva, PDFlite, Adobe, MailChimp, Evernote, Toggl, WhatsApp, Active Campaign, Dropbox, ChatCGP, Quickbooks, Xero, Metricool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram.. the list goes on!
Would you do anything differently if you had to start again?
Probably not, I have no regrets to date.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a VA?
Decide what type of service you want to offer and do your homework. Make sure you have a dedicated workspace and decide your working hours.
Look into networking opportunities and decide how you’re going to market your business. It will take a little while to get established – nothing is going to happen overnight.
Before offering your services, make sure your own administration is in order with things like logos, invoices, and a contract with a confidentiality agreement.
Make sure your website is accurate, current, easy to read and informative, and always carry business cards with you as you never know who you’ll meet.
Have belief in yourself, if you’re good at what you do then shout about it!
Join a couple of networking groups and get talking to people – it’s a really interesting world out there with people who need people like you to help their business grow.
Connect with Becky Considine on Facebook.
Wanna be a Virtual Assistant?If you were inspired by Becky’s story, sign up for my flagship DIY VA course and start your own journey today. With lifetime access and an incredible trainee-only support group, I hold your hand through the entire process and support you all the way. |
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Love the interviews, especially this one, as I was struggling to find a niche but it just embeds that an all rounder can do just as well.
This was a good interview. I really liked what she said about managing your clients. I’m new to this business so I look for all the advice and inspiration I can. Thanks.
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Great interview Becky, wonderful advice for all of us mothers who dream of working around kids and family. Glad I met you. All the best
Thank you Beverly – it is so true. Hard work, determination and belief in yourself will build a solid foundation to what you desire and put you on the right road to achieve your ultimate goal.
I just finished reading Becky, and what an inspiration she is! She certainly proves that as long as you have a sincere belief that you can do something, you can! Thanks for this case study!
You’re so welcome Beverly! I have interviews with 12 different VA’s so far (including myself) and I wanted to show people how we’re all different and that, whatever your background or circumstances, you can set up as a VA.