Meet Andrea Kalli of Andrea Kalli, Virtual Assistant

Web URL:   http://www.virtualassist.net
http://www.amazingsalesvideos.com
In Business Since:  2005
Type of Business: technical and marketing virtual assistant
Works:  100% virtually
Facebook Page 
LinkedIn  
Twitter ID: @ andreakalli

Ruth:  Welcome to the blog, Andrea. It’s great to have you here and be able to share more about you with the readers. Tell us about two of your businesses – Andrea Kalli, Virtual Assistant and Amazing Affordable Sales & Marketing Videos.

Andrea: I focus on ALL facets of internet marketing and helping clients to move to the next level in their business. My core services are building WordPress websites, Content Marketing Strategies, Marketing Video and Audio, Internet Marketing and Social Media Strategies and Implementation, Product Launches, Keyword Research and SEO Implementation.

Ruth: Andrea, you have so many talents. Your technical skills make you a perfect fit for someone wanting the total package from a single provider. Would you share what led you to consider a virtual profession and how you got started?

Andrea:  In 2005 I was weaning myself from the corporate world and taking some college courses. Surfing the internet for work-at-home opportunities I stumbled upon IVAA’s website. That’s pretty much all it took for me to realize there was such a thing as a virtual career – starting my own business.

Ruth: Realizing that others work in virtual careers, when first coming across the idea, is a fireworks-kind-of-moment. It ignites a fire and sets off a chain reaction that begins to spin the wheels into motion. Along the way have you had a mentor or sponsor to support, guide, encourage and open doors for you?

Andrea: The relationships I have built through IVAA (International Virtual Assistants Association) and VAClassroom have opened a lot of doors for me through word of mouth referrals and a general knowledge of who I am and what I offer. I’ve always tried to give a lot of free knowledge out to help others so that they can also find their way to success.

Ruth: If you could share a nugget of insight or bit of advice for someone considering a virtual career such as yours what would that be?

Andrea: Creating a successful virtual business is a lot of work and takes a huge commitment. As long as you provide exceptional customer service, have great communication skills, and continue to improve your skill set, you can go a long way with just a handful of clients to keep you busy. You don’t need a ton of clients but a few very happy clients where you establish a strong partnership with will go a long way. Don’t give up, and stay positive. Be realistic in the amount of work you can effectively accomplish.

Ruth: I think that’s so important that you mention not needing a ton of clients to have a successful business. Too many times I hear conversations circling around desiring a “magic” number. That number is typically different for each virtual assistant and varies based on if you work from project-to-project or in on-going long term cycling services. Many of my colleagues, like you, stress that maintaining happy clients is of GREATER importance than adding another number to your total served. I tend to agree. Now tell me, what bits of advice would you give someone seeking a virtual professional such as yourself? 

Andrea: I think it’s very important to speak with the virtual professional on the phone before committing. It’s the next best thing to meeting them in person. You get a very good sense of how knowledgeable this person is and how they will be treating you. I also think it’s a great idea to ask others you know that are using virtual professionals if they are happy and what it is they like about working with them, or what to watch out for and what questions to ask.

Ruth: Excellent tips, Andrea! Any last thoughts or comments you’d like to share with our readers?

Andrea: Just know that your virtual business will always be evolving. It’s an ongoing process. That’s the beauty of owning your own business. You can mold it into whatever you want and go in any direction that inspires passion in you.

Ruth: Thanks so much for chatting with me, Andrea.

If you’re interested in moving your business forward via marketing with Andrea don’t hesitate to connect with her at her website.

I confess I’m partial to her video work and love the ones she’s created for my businesses.