What were you doing before you became a VA for PABS?
I was a PA in precision fabrics for the screen-printing and the filtration industry, pharmaceutical, Private Equity firms and not-for-profit organisations.
What have been your greatest achievements to date?
Organising 3 day-meetings for 200 people in various European cities, sorting out expenses spanning the previous 8 months in 6 different currencies, ensuring payment of overdue invoices while still supplying a client on the verge of insolvency, finding adequate protection for 4 bottles of wine travelling in a suitcase from Heathrow to Dubai, with 4 hours’ notice.
What do you enjoy about being a VA?
Being able to do all the above as part of the team at PA Business Support, yet having the variety of working with different clients.
What do you see as the main benefits to an individual or business of outsourcing to a VA like yourself?
The main benefit is undoubtedly being able to tailor the cost of administrative support to the need of the business or the individual. If the business needs 20 hours a week for 6 weeks, then 8 hours a week for 4 weeks, a VA will have the versatility to adapt to the workload. If an individual requires 5 hours to sort out a backlog of administrative tasks, this is also an option. The company or the individual has to think specifically about what needs to be done, which will always be a help to the business in the long term.
Describe your work environment when you are virtually working
On my kitchen table! The kitchen diner gives a beautiful view on our tiny garden and all the birds visiting the feeders all day long. There are plans to convert the spare room into an office for me at a later stage.
Work life balance is important to everyone – how do you manage yours?
I try to include in my day all the walks I used to do when working: to the station, then the office, then inside the office. While I start at 7.30, I take a proper lunch break if work allows, and will stop again late afternoon to get some fresh air. I will work until late if the demand is there, however family commitments can be factored in during the day, and this flexibility is invaluable.
Describe your ideal holiday getaway
A bit of mountain, a bit of sea and hopefully beautiful weather!
