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Any Twitter-ers Here?

Replied Jun. 11, 2008

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Ric Vatner's Page

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Relationship:: Facebook

Are You A Member Of Merchant Circle?: not in the US N/A

Source: How Did You Find Us?: Search Engine

About Me:: 30 years marketing experience in the real world and 8 years on the Internet. CEO of Better Alternative Communications P/L T/as the BAC Network online. We specialise in Social Media and Internet Marketing and developing better communications systems using the Internet e.g. by ensuring content is relevant and updated regularly and by adding a magazine to a web site, a wiki, videos, podcasts or whatever we feel will work with your readers.

Main Website:: http://www.bacnetwork.com.au

Merchant Circle Profile Website: http://www.ricvatner.com.au

2nd Business Website or Twitter ID or Google Profile: http://www.bacnetwork-showcase.com.au

Linkedin Profile URL: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ricvatner

Your Blog URL: http://www.ricvatner.com.au

Location in US: www.ricvatner.com

Product Or Service You Provide: Internet marketing, Social Media Consultant, Web Develpoper

Your Name: Ric Vatner

Comment Wall (10 comments)

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At 9:21pm on October 5, 2008, Lindy Asimus said…: Hi Ric. How's life treating you?

At 3:12am on July 31, 2008, Darleana McHenry said…: Hi Ric, just stopping by to say hello and wish you well. Your business looks interesting.
peace and blessings
Darleana

At 8:18am on July 12, 2008, Blake Raab said…: Hey, Ric. You've gotta stop following me. :)

Good to see you here.

At 9:51pm on July 9, 2008, Alexandra Popovic said…: Thanks Ric - I am a SEO newbie and have much to learn but I'm getting there! ;)

At 8:07pm on July 9, 2008, Alexandra Popovic said…: Hiya Ric!

In answer to your question, what is standard practice for all Virtual Assistant's is quoting clients beforehand which ensures they are clear on the cost and timeframe before proceeding with any job. As you stated, communication is vital and it is up to the VA to make sure they also have a clear understanding of what the client requires and expects from the get go. If the job was a big one, or ongoing (ie a Retainer's Plan), then I would offer to do a few pages as an example and base my quotation on that making sure the client understands it is an approximate.

Initially there has to be a certain level of trust which is also the case when you ask any other contractor to do work for you ie a mechanic, plumber, architect etc I temped in Sydney for 5 years and often recall having to sit there "looking busy", and then there were times I would be run off my feet and be paid the same hourly rate! Also, a contract would be in place, and hopefully in time a relationship would develop built on trust and mutual respect.

Virtual Assistants are business owners already experienced in their field, and a high quality of work is imperative in order for us to earn a living. The term VA has been around since the mid-90's so it isn't new, although people are still learning about it.

Ultimately, it's all about constant communication and in this day and age with phones, emails, instant messaging, Skype, sms's there is no reason why a client and a VA can not work together effectively!

Here's a few links that may be of interest:

- NBC report from the Today Show
- A series of client case studies conducted by A Clayton's Secretary from an informative blog about the industry and
- More client information

Have a great day!

Alex

At 7:41pm on July 9, 2008, Alexandra Popovic said…: Aaaah...I fondly recall China town and the choice of menus! :) I'll be settling in the Northern Beaches in the next few months so maybe catching a ferry over from the CBD to Manly would be better!

At 6:37pm on July 8, 2008, Alexandra Popovic said…: Thanks for accepting my invitation Ric! Whereabouts are you located as I'll be back in Sydney soon!

Looking forward to connecting with you in future and have a great day!

Alex
;)