I am an AssistU Trainer, helping new Virtual Assistants grasp the intricacies of being VA business owners. I help and assist them through the Virtual Training Program by giving them practical stories to put together with their class studies. I love watching a new VA turn an idea into an actual business.
I was born and raised in Washington, DC, and I still call DC my home. Yes, I'm a native Washingtonian who has never been inside the White House! And the saddest part about that is I used to work for the Executive Office of the President, in the building directly across the street from the White House. I visited the Capitol for the first time in 1990.
Despite my fatal flaw of having never visited the White House, I'm a traveler. My passport has blank pages waiting to be filled. I have been to many places in the US, and I would love to spend some serious time in Europe and Africa (collecting passport stamps). In the meantime, I will continue to visit Disney's Epcot Center and pretend that I'm really visiting a far away land : )
I've been married to a wonderful husband since 1997. Instead of our own children, we have other people's children - nieces, nephews, and neighbor's kids!
Additional Questions Answered By Antonette
1. Exactly what does AssistU bring to the table in training VAs that will give them a different perspective than any other training could?I can't speak to any other training program. AssistU was the only program I investigated and applied for (six years ago) when I started my VA practice. I believe the number-one benefit of being an AssistU-trained VA is that I've been TRAINED. I receive top-notch training, guidance, and continual support for my VA practice. I've never heard the same from a non-AssistU VA. So I say proudly that AssistU is the premiere organization for VAs.
2. In your opinion, what does it take to be successful in the VTP?
In my opinion there are two things that students need to have to be successful in the VTP. First, they must have an open mind to learning new things, and to some degree a new way of learning things. Second, they must have time in their lives for this undertaking. The VTP is quite intense and time consuming. Here is a great opportunity to learn to delegate and just let things go.
3. Being an AssistU alumni and Officer puts you in the position of role model for new VAs and the VTP students. Being a role model requires lots of good decision making. What do you think is the best decision you've made in building your own business?
Having a business coach is by far the best business decision I've ever made. I wouldn't be this far along in my practice if I didn't have one.
4. What one piece of advice would you give to anyone considering the option of starting their own VA business?
I tell anyone considering the VA business to visit AssistU's website. I share that the VTP may be expensive, but it is the first step to growing a successful VA practice. Also, AssistU makes paying for the VTP easy with payment plans and a scholarship program.