Adminja vs HoneyBook for Virtual Assistants

Over the past month I have been setting up my systems and bringing in my team.

Being a software enthusiast, I put 11 programs through my process of non-scientific analysis. My approach has to do with what I am drawn to, what app calls out to me when I wake up in the pre-dawn hours and grab my device.

And then- what also provides me a command central when I sit down to dig in and get busy.

So, I have spent the last month trial-ing software, looking for a project manager / CRM to help me with logistics of sub-contracting some of the work I do for my clients, and an LMS (learning management system) to create training for other VAs. I tried Adminja, HoneyBook, 17hats, FreshBooks (and I really liked FreshDesk, too) and Podia, Patreon, Thinkific, Teachable.
Today it came down to HoneyBook vs Adminja

Fascinatingly enough, I also got to communicate with the founders of both programs today.

Adminja

HoneyBook

Truth be told - both systems are really amazing, and I am so excited to see that they are focusing on the human connections made by the technology that brings us ease and style.

Enjoying every moment,
Tiffany

Virtual Assistant Training

VAs Blog, Webdate 31011.2

The journey is full of hardship, as are most voyages. Things in my personal world are tense- the stuff of life crowds in around and pulls at me, as I center myself and focus on my goals.

For all the moms who find themselves in a place that they cannot move from. Whether is it physical or mental, if you feel hemmed in- unable to grow, much less blossom- know that there is hope. We live in a time like no other.

"She believed she could... and so she did." It really is that simple.

Sneak peek of my new Podcast Cover

September was all about getting set up. My clients were starting their seasons- two are new to DSP, two are new studio owners, 1 has a new baby on the way. Fresh beginnings call for new systems (ok everything calls for a new system)- and new systems allow us the opportunity to streamline, become more efficient and ease our workflow. I am learning the rhythms of my clients and getting in sync with their needs.

In October I will focus on

• training new VAs
• reviewing a couple apps (Adminja or Honeybook, what will it be? Tune in next post and find out! I have been in trial for both, and have calls scheduled with their support people)
• launching my podcast
• keeping up with the courses I am enjoying (currently working on Podcast Production) with VAClassroom 
• bringing on two more clients

If you'd like to chat with me - about being a VA, hiring a VA (me or someone I can recommend if your needs are such) or empowering women to thrive, not just survive, please reach out to me by commenting below or find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Messenger.

And I am proud to announce that my lovely daughter is following in both my footsteps and her grandfather's. My father-in-law was a graphic designer back in the day, she has his artistic talent and a passion for the digital arts. And she is learning how to be a freelancer already. 

Thanks for stopping by. May the force be with you.

Studio Owner Support

VAs Blog, Webdate 31001.1

And so it begins. I find myself wanting to capture the details of my journey through the VA universe. It's a brave new world, where anyone with wifi and a laptop can provide an array of supportive digital tasks, as a Virtual Assistant. And so because I am white and nerdy I must blog. (Ok, well the white part is only because of the song, I don't think only white people blog. That would be super silly.)

My "mobile" office

My passion for all things technical and desire to systematize, combined with my strong sense of customer service and "work anywhere" attitude lead me to this place. People ask what I do, and often scratch their heads, saying "That's a thing?"

When I first began seeing myself as a VA, it was out of necessity. My girls dance. Dance is expensive. I am resourceful. I began helping with data entry at the studio they dance at. They used Mindbody and they hated it. So I took it on myself to research other software programs designed for Studio Management. I discovered Dance Studio Pro, The Worlds Best Dance Studio Software.

Hurtling through time and space, I have spent the last 18 months learning and improving my skills for my client. Then in the past month I have added 3 more clients to my roster. Susan shared about me in a professional group and referred me to a colleague. My clients are just amazing, I am blessed and so filled with appreciation for them, and I just genuinely like them all.

This is all I need to work.

About 6 months ago, I applied to DSP because they were hiring their first support person. I wasn't selected. But I didn't give up. I kept pestering them (professionally, of course) and last month I was hired to manage West Coast Support. Starting as an independent contractor, with a path to full time mapped out, I am loving the balance I have between the "job" and my VA business.

Now comes the real work fun part: find others with wi-fi and a laptop who also want to support Studio Owners and train them to do what I do. Build a strong network of Studio Owner Support and offer training, motiVAtion and connection to those who see themselves as ready to embark on this journey, too. To prepare, I have started using Adminja to keep my client tasks organized and prioritized. Next month, I will review it here on this blog, so be sure to follow if you'd like to know more about this new tool designed specifically for VAs.

In order to help grow, and then scale my business, I joined VAClassroom University, because I truly believe in lifelong learning (it's like the main reason we homeschool). There are so many courses, and certifications and then there is the community. So many seasoned professionals and inspired newbies- the entire VA industry is booming and it's exciting to be a part of the magic.

Join me and we will rule support the (Studio Owner) universe!