How has your business fared over the last 14 months? I have the privilege of speaking to VAs and OBMs from all over the world on a daily basis, and I know that it’s affected each and every one of you differently. Some VAs have been able to help other, non-remote working businesses to embrace life online, and have grown their customer base significantly. Others, who support small retail businesses or organise events, for example, have seen their clients fall away throughout the lockdown. Wherever you are on that spectrum, I’m sure you’ll all agree that it’s become increasingly important to think about the services that we offer our clients, and consider developing multiple income streams in order to future-proof our businesses, whether that’s through affiliate marketing, re-skilling in an area you know is popular and in-demand, or developing your own course or online training that you can sell online.
Over the past 7 years, my business has changed dramatically, and this happened because I wanted to stay relevant and competitive in a fast-growing industry. I’ve always enjoyed the technical aspects of online businesses – developing systems and processes that can help organisations find increased success online – and so my focus shifted from some of the more traditional PA/EA services that I started out offering, to predominantly technical support.
I moved into email marketing and sales automations as organisations like Infusionsoft started to grow in popularity in the UK and EU, and since those early days have found that a large number of businesses, both large and small, are now embracing the increased efficiency and productivity that automations and funnels can bring to their business.
Whether you are interested in ‘techy’ VA services, or are a marketing specialist, or diary and inbox management superstar, it’s worth thinking about where there could be room for further growth and development in your business. Are there any other services that you could offer that compliment your existing skillset? I’ve shared my story above so that you can see that you don’t have to stay in the role you first established. You are running your own business, and are more than entitled to change the focus of the business, adjust your prices, and add/remove services depending on what works best for you.
For me, investing in training in a variety of automation and funnel software solutions has not only developed my skillset, but has increased my confidence too – I know that my knowledge and skills are up to date and that I am in a great position to help businesses with building effective systems and processes in their organisations too.
There are a range of helpful resources out there if you are considering pivoting in business – we’ve got a number of courses (both free and paid) available on our website: https://apvaorg.thinkific.com/collections that can help you develop your skills in new areas, or ‘top up’ some existing knowledge.
I’m also running a free webinar on the 18th May 2021 entitled “Finding Freedom in Funnels” – the secrets to creating a six-figure automations, funnels and tech agency on your own terms if you’d like to find out more about funnels and sales and marketing automations specifically. You can sign up here: https://www.funnelschool.co.uk/bafm-register
Whatever you do, know that you don’t have to ‘stand still’ in business, just because it feels comfortable or has worked for you in the past. Sometimes it’s good to step outside your comfort zone and look for new opportunities that could prove beneficial for you and your business, whether you decide to implement them or not.