Okay, grab yourself a cup of tea or coffee and maybe a large pack of biscuits because today, we’re diving into the wild, high-octane world of your legal responsibilities as a UK Virtual Assistant. The subject is as dull as ditchwater, but if you’re going to run your own VA business, you need to understand how to stay protected and compliant.
Monthly retainers are one of the most reliable pricing models. They provide a predictable income, ensure clients always have access to your time, streamline your workload, eliminate uncertainty and help create stable, long-term working relationships. In this post, I’ll cover how monthly retainers work, when to use them, and common mistakes to avoid.
Setting your Virtual Assistant rates can feel like a minefield. Charge too little, and you’ll go out of business, but charge too much without backing it up, and clients may not hire you. In this post, I outline the different types of pricing models you can choose from so you can set a rate that’s fair, competitive, sustainable and makes you a ton of money!
New Virtual Assistants often ask if they need insurance and, if so, what type of cover they should get. As it’s vital that Virtual Assistants have insurance, I’ve put together a comprehensive summary of the different types of policies available to you to help you make an informed decision and ensure you don’t get sued or screwed!
Virtual Assistants need legal contracts so they don’t get sued or screwed. Clients expect you to have them and they’re there to give both you and your client peace of mind if it all goes south. It may start out all rainbows and fairies but client relationships can sour – and you do not want to find yourself naked and shivering without a contract!
When you decide you’re going to become a Virtual Assistant and take over the Universe, one of the things you’ll need to do is tell HMRC you’re no longer working for The Man but for many men and women instead. The information provided below is based on current UK tax laws, so please check what your own government requires if you live outside of the UK.
At some point, a client is going to ask to change a clause in your Virtual Assistant freelancer contract. This is perfectly normal and there is no need to panic. However, while a contract is just a starting point, knowing how to negotiate a clause and navigating the process can feel overwhelming – especially if you’re a new VA.
If you’re a Virtual Assistant who charges by the hour, at some point you’re going to reach an income plateau as there are only so many billable hours in a day. You know you need to raise your rates as time goes on, but you’re worried you might lose some of your clients if you do. Here’s how to up your prices like a pro along with a customisable email template.
Because the VA industry is unregulated, people often try to take advantage of the situation for their own personal or financial gain. From amateur “experts”, dodgy clients and outright scammers, unethical practices appear to be on the rise. But if you know what to look out for, you’re far less likely to be taken for a ride.
Knowing what to charge and then asking for it is one of the hardest aspects of freelancing. Not only is the subject of pricing unfamiliar to new business owners, but the whole idea of talking about money seems to make most women uncomfortable. But in order to become a successful (i.e. wealthy) VA, you will need to nail your pricing strategy otherwise you will end up with a hobby and not a business.
