Ask the Master Newsletter Archives

Welcome to the previous editions of the Ask the Master newsletter. On your left you will find links to tips and the how to’s of running a Virtual Assistant practice. We hope you enjoy your stay and if you have a question you’d like answered send it to submission@vatp.ca.

Image is Everything

If image is everything, what image are your projecting? Would you hire your services?

Warmly,
Mary-Lou Ashton
Master Virtual Assistant

Questions In This Edition
(Click on the links to go to that question.)

• What is one of the first things to consider when creating an image?
• What else supports the branding of my company?
• What can I do to fine-tune my marketing materials?
• What about business cards?
• As a Virtual Assistant where does personal appearance fit in?

You will need to make a decision on several elements. Once you have decided on a company name you will need to create a logo. Your logo may simply be your company name in a specialized font, or contain an image that represents your company, or both. Whatever it is make sure it looks professional and not just some cheesy graphics. You want something that you are going to be able to brand. Pay attention to ads you see in magazines or on T.V.

Part of the branding includes colours. What colours will represent your company? They can be bold or subtle but remember to pick ones that have good contrast. Ideally two colours and no more than three as your main branding colours.

Another thing you will need to decide on is the fonts you will use in all your materials. Make sure it is something that is easily readable such as Arial or Times New Roman and stay away from fancy script fonts. You also want to be sure that your font is big enough to read usually nothing smaller than 10 points. Consider whether you will incorporate your company colours.

Since you marketing materials are generally the very first impression someone has of your business, pay particular attention to detail here. Consider if all your materials have a consistent look to them. Consistency is one of the keys to looking professional and supporting people in identifying with your brand. It can be as simple as whether you justify your text, italicize your document titles or the style of bullets you use.

This is often an important marketing tool and should be paid special attention to. I highly recommend you have these professionally printed versus doing them at home. I know when you are just starting out budgets are tight but if you are going to invest in something this would be the item. With today's digital printing you get them in full colour at reasonable prices. Remember to consider using both sides of the card as well. No sense having all that blank space when you can utilize it.

Sometimes when we work at home a lot we forget how to dress for face-to-face business functions. Be sure that you have clean, neat and professional looking clothes to where to networking events, client meetings, workshops or conferences. Just because you work at home doesn't mean you can dress that way when representing your company out in the business world. First impressions still count!