Meet Cyndi Papia of Office To-Go

Web URL:  https://www.officeto-go.com
In Business Since: 1992
Type of Business:  Virtual Assistant, WordPress Design
Works: 100% virtually
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Ruth:  Welcome to the blog, Cyndi. It’s great to have you here and be able to share more about you with the readers. I see that you’ve been in business for 20 years and have worked exclusively online for the past 14 years. What a testament to you and your business. That’s awesome! Tell us what Office To-Go does.

Cyndi: I’m pretty much a Jill-of-all-trades. I offer administrative support, real estate agent support, WordPress custom designs and logo designs.

Ruth: I’ve seen some of your website designs and can affirm that not only are they pretty but you always make sure the functionality is top notch. Would you share what led you to consider a virtual profession and how you got started?

Cyndi: Severed tendons in my hand brought an end to my court reporter/stenographer career so I started an on- and off-site secretarial support service business. This venture eventually led to 100% virtual assistance in 1998 and there’s been no turning back. Working virtually has been a good decision.

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?

Cyndi: Yes, I have several nuggets to share.
1) Don’t give up your day job while building your business the first year or two.
2) Have a professional-looking website free of typos.
3) Maintain high ethical standards.
4) Offer fair pricing.
5) And, over-delivering/under-promising are the best qualities you can have.  Also, I’d add to find dependable, skilled subs [subcontractors] to help you out when that time comes.

Ruth: Those are excellent insights, Cyndi. I’m sure many readers will benefit from any of these. Now tell me, what bits of advice would you give someone seeking a virtual professional such as yourself? 

Cyndi: Interview prospective virtual assistants to make sure your styles and personalities “click.” Always trust your instincts; even if you’re starting out don’t take on a client that is high maintenance or expects you to deliver more than where your skill level is at.

Ruth: Yes, interviewing goes both ways. That is so important. While the prospective client is getting to know you, you are also getting to know the client. Any last thoughts or comments you’d like to share with our readers?

Cyndi:  It’s a feast-or-famine business…just be ready for the fun ride and when it stops being enjoyable, you need to reassess what you offer and/or get out of the business.

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

If you’d like to meet Cyndi or have her lend her insights to your WordPress designs or support services you can contact her directly at her website, http://www.officeto-go.com/.