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While I’m working I can enjoy the chick-a-dee, the cardinal and the white-breasted nuthatch. This I certainly call a ‘work at home’ luxury. Interview with Cheryl Almstrom - the Virtual Assistant Please tell a few words about yourself, your qualifications and your work history. I am a Virtual Assistant. I have over 14 years experience as an Administrative Assistant and Office Manager as an employee. Now I am a business owner, currently providing services to five clients, operating out of my home office. I specialize in general office administration, customer service, and bookkeeping. I have worked in a variety of industries over the years, the textile industry, banking industry, education and retail, including retail ownership. I’m also active in my community – involved with the Boy Scouts as a Merit Badge Counselor and Chairperson of a Capital Campaign at my church. How did you become a freelancer? How did the Internet help you in this process? I first learned of Virtual Assistance in February 2001, when I found
myself feeling bored with my employment. I was searching online for
something new and found links to Virtual Assistance. I researched
for some time, and then contacted one Virtual Assistant to ask questions.
She was so responsive and helpful that my interest was sparked. She
led me to a VA website, which she had created, that contained a huge amount
of resources pertaining to Virtual Assistance - http://www.work-the-web.com.
From there, I began the journey of more concentrated research and establishing
my business:
Tell a few words about organizing your work (do you share assignments with others, or do you do everything on your own, how much do you work a day, your schedule, etc.)? My day begins at 7:00 am each weekday morning, sometimes earlier. I usually try to end my day around 4:00 pm., but must admit I sometimes find myself still at it until 5:30 pm. I take frequent short breaks during the day, whether for a quick walk, lunch or errands to the bank or post office. I find it important, to break up the day, otherwise it can get too intense. I do not share my work with others, although I have assisted another VA with work when she was on maternity leave, and I do have one client that also has one or two other VA’s working for her, but our invoicing is all individually done. Do you think it makes a difference where you and the buyer of your service live, or geography has absolutely no importance today? Do you miss personal interaction with your clients or telecommunications technology totally make up for it? I believe that with the technology available today, business can be conducted efficiently and effectively in any location. As long as you have superior communications (high speed Internet access, email, fax, phone and cell phone), the latest computer equipment and software, and the necessary skills required to use the technology and provide the required services, then you can service a client in any location. Some days I do miss personal interaction. It can get very quiet
here in my office and even a bit lonely, but all I have to do is take a
trip into the city during rush hour and I’m reminded of one reason I love
working at home. Actually, I have never really felt totally alone
in my office, because I have the constant support and interaction with
other VA’s all over the world, on the IAVOA* and Work-The-Web** Yahoo Group
Lists. I can ask questions, make suggestions, work out a problem,
welcome a new VA or just listen to the written chatter and learn.
It is wonderful, and comforting. So, I’m never really alone!
How does working from home affect your lifestyle? Working from home has given me the flexibility to be available for family concerns, manage household responsibilities, and spend quality time with my husband or adult children at my choosing. I also believe it has given me a new feeling about myself, a feeling of independence and accomplishment that I am proud of. I enjoy being the boss, making all the decisions the way I want. It’s a huge responsibility, as sometimes the decisions are not easy, but I’m more confident now and trudge on, no matter what. I also thoroughly enjoy the peace and serenity that my home office affords. My office overlooks a beautiful yard where my husband has strategically placed birdhouses and feeders for me to enjoy. It is one of my favorite pastimes. So, while I’m working I can enjoy the chick-a-dee, the cardinal and the white-breasted nuthatch. This I call certainly a ‘work at home’ luxury. What would you suggest to people who want to work independently from home? I would tell them to first do their homework. Learn everything you can about the industry you want to do. Read and search for information about owning your own home business, so you know exactly what’s involved. Find support from others in the industry through online group forums, industry websites that offer resources, education or support, or individual websites that you can contact directly. The first VA I contacted inevitably became my mentor and later my friend. It was never planned that way, it just happened, but it was a wonderful experience. Also, become involved with your industry organizations, even if in a small way. Involvement produces experience and promotes your industry. And last but not least, request support from your family and friends. This is imperative, because there will be times when you will really need them. I thank you for this opportunity to share my interview responses and hope that it inspires and assists others considering a work at home experience. Cheryl Almstrom
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