The theme of Dallas, Texas is “Live Large, Think Big” and that's exactly what I did, along with many other VAs at this past year's Virtual Assistant Conference. The socializing, networking, and nightly pajama parties assured me I made the right career choice and these people I had come to rely on “in the box” where just as fantastic in real life as they were on the forums!



As track 2 participants, I and many of my colleagues were privileged to hear from veteran VAs who know success and the steps required to get there. The knowledge I gained has empowered me to “think big” when it comes to my business and my life! The following is a synopsis of only two of several excellent presentations I enjoyed as a track 2 participant.

Kathryn Williams's presentation: Breaking Through: Planning to Get You to The Next Level talked about the importance of having a business plan. You have got to know where you are before you can figure out where you want to be. Ask yourself why? Why did I start my business? Why am I doing this? What's holding me back? How much money do I want/need to make? Make sure you plan for growth - set goals and hold yourself accountable. Spend time each week reviewing those goals/targets. Write out processes for every aspect of your business - client work, bookkeeping, billing, contracts, marketing, everything. Think about your skills - what skills do you need to get you to where you want to be. It seems like common sense, but how many of us actually know where we are? It got me to thinking!

Kelly Poelker's presentation, Give Yourself a Raise: Successfully Implementing a Price Increase gave us all a great deal of food for thought. She stressed the importance of contracts – getting them, using them, sticking to them and enforcing them. Each has its challenges. Contracts should end at the end of each year. The first 90 days of the contract give both parties time to figure out exactly how many hours are required - if they go over, charge them, but at a discounted rate. I don't know many VAs who like to talk about money, especially when it comes to increasing their rates. One way around this is to include an increase clause in your contract and then announce to your clients a couple months prior that you will be implementing that price increase in January. The increase adjusts for cost of living, increased operational costs, and additional knowledge. More than likely your clients won't have a problem.

I only recently began setting daily goals and I never even considered writing a raise into my contract! The ideas shared, the friendships solidified, the new friends gained, and the networks explored were worth getting on the airplane! I returned more determined than ever to make my business a success. And how can I fail after listening and learning from some of the leaders of the VA industry. I'm convinced If I Think Big, I WILL Live Large!!