News

News, events, milestones, successes, and wins

21 September 2024

The fourth annual New Zealand Virtual Assistant Awards 2024 were held in Hamilton, on Saturday 21 September, and what a night it was!
 
With all the glitz, glamour, and excitement of a Hollywood occasion, a plethora of Virtual Assistants from around New Zealand got together to celebrate, reconnect, and network.

With 12 different awards categories, plus the overall winner of Virtual Assistant of the Year, the NZ VA Awards were sponsored by Thank You Payroll.

The awards were MC’d by Jason Tiller, photos by Wainui Creative, and video by Riddle Media.
 
Hosted by Sam and Jo from the Virtual Assistant Network of New Zealand and The VA Foundry.

17 & 18 May 2024

My Virtual Assistant, along with almost 50 other Virtual Assistants from all over New Zealand, got together in Wellington to celebrate International Virtual Assistants Day 2024.

Guest speaker, Dr Paul Wood.

Sponsored by Thank You Payroll and the Virtual Assistant Network of New Zealand.

This two-day, annual event was organised by Dollybird Virtual Assistants.

13 March 2024

My Virtual Assistant is celebrating 15 years in business!

It’s been a wild ride, an interesting journey, a wonderful blessing, and a whole heap of fun - long may it continue!

I love being a one-woman-band, I love working from home, I love being able to choose who I work with, I love not having to think about staff or co-workers, I love the VA community, I love building websites, and I love that I’m still doing what I do 15 years on!

What’s not to love!

Thank you to my family, friends and networking colleagues, for your support and referrals.

Massive thanks to my truly incredible and inspirational clients for all your business over the years.

And huge thanks, and tight squeezy hugs to my biggest fan, Roger. x

11 March 2024

My Virtual Assistant was invited to lunch in Parnell, Auckland, with like-minded website designers and some of the awesome Rocketspark team, whilst witnessing an exciting new advancement in the world of Rocketspark websites! 💥🚀

09 January 2024

After almost 15 years of my website being hosted by Weebly, My Virtual Assistant’s website has now been completely rebuilt and relaunched with Rocketspark.

11 December 2023

Almost at the end of the year, and finishing on a high!

My Virtual Assistant has just been notified that I've officially achieved Silver Design Partner status with Rocketspark, a New Zealand-based website company.

15 November 2023

This week My Virtual Assistant hung out with a very interesting and inspiring bunch of freelance graphic designers at the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre, in Auckland. And what a gorgeous view we had to contend with! 

Creative Launchpad's event, 'Brunch By The Bay', was fun and educational, with incredible speakers - Laura Feavearyear from Creative Jam, Sarah Marshall from Ahoy Studio, Ruth Level from Rule Design, and Harry Burt from Previously Unavailable.

A very lovely touch was the personalised, handwritten message-in-a-bottle.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and chatting with many extremely talented creatives, some of whom had actually heard of My Virtual Assistant, so that was extra special! :)

Massive thanks to Rocketspark for hosting this epic event.

23 September 2023

Virtual Assistants from all around the country got together in Hamilton on Saturday 23 September, for the 2023 NZ Virtual Assistant Awards.
 
This spectacular, red-carpet-style event was hosted by organisers, Sam and Jo from The VA Foundry.

And what an awesome night it was! 

Celebrating the incredible achievements of New Zealand Virtual Assistants and sharing in the excitement of the winners is a fantastic way to spend an evening!

My Virtual Assistant was delighted to hand over the VA Legacy Award crown to this year's worthy winner, Gabby Simpson from Allsorted Admin.

10 August 2023

Occasionally Virtual Assistants have been known to leave their ‘cave’, venture out into the world, and get together for a catch-up!
 
Today’s meetup was in Pt Chev, with 15 Virtual Assistants from all over Auckland in attendance.
 
The networking, learning, updates, support, and collaboration that can result from these meetups is fantastic, along with being a valuable and enjoyable experience.
 
Plus, of course, it’s a lovely opportunity to have a bit of fun, while connecting with each other face-to-face.
 
In a rapidly changing business landscape, maintaining a network of industry peers can provide virtual assistants with a sense of community, support, and growth, which contributes to professional development and overall job satisfaction.

01 June 2023

Announcing the launch of a new website initiative for small to medium-sized businesses and startups. 

My Virtual Assistant has always believed that websites shouldn't cost the earth and is delighted to offer no-nonsense, user-friendly, great-looking websites that will give you the web presence your start-up business is looking for.

Using the New Zealand-based platform, Rocketspark, your website will utilise a pre-set layout, which will be customised with your logo and brand colours.

You can now get your business online with no fuss and no nonsense for just NZ$590 + GST (*conditions apply).

Click here for full details and conditions.

13 March 2023

It’s 13 March and that means My Virtual Assistant is celebrating 14 years in business!

Wow!  What an amazing journey it's been and continues to be!

Totally loved every moment of the last 14 years and looking forward to many more!

Very likely to be a spot of ‘cheersing’ happening at MyVA office later this afternoon!  ;-)

31 October 2022

My Virtual Assistant achieved Bronze Status as a Rocketspark Design Partner.


Message from Jason Tiller at Rocketspark:

“Whoop whoop!

A big congratulations to this Rocketspark champion for hitting the Bronze tier!

I have absolutely loved watching your progress, and I am super excited to see you smash through into Silver next!”

24 September 2022

My Virtual Assistant is very proud and extremely humbled to be recognised by the NZ VA industry, by being presented with the Virtual Assistant Legacy Award.

The VA Legacy Award celebrates long standing Virtual Assistants, who have been in the industry for 10 years or longer, flying the flag professionally and contributing to the NZ VA community.
 
A Big Thank You to Virtual Print who sponsored the VA Legacy Award.

14 June 2022

My Virtual Assistant is excited to announce that I have been accepted as a Rocketspark Design Partner.
 
Rocketspark is a New Zealand-based, award-winning website platform, purpose-built for Designers, Marketers and Virtual Assistants, who design websites for their clients.
 
Launched back in 2009 (the same year My Virtual Assistant launched!) Rocketspark was initially focused on small businesses, but over time its key customer shifted to web designers.
 
In September 2021, Rocketspark has users in 27 countries and a loyal community of 1,000 'partners' (and growing!) who design websites for their clients using Rocketspark.
 
Rocketspark - Made in New Zealand, loved everywhere.

13 March 2022

My Virtual Assistant celebrates THIRTEEN YEARS IN BUSINESS!

Cheers!

04 February 2022

My Virtual Assistant is registered as an approved service provider for Activate ​Tāmaki Makaurau.

On Friday 22 October 2021, the New Zealand Government announced a support package for Auckland businesses affected by COVID-19 alert level restrictions.

This package was designed to help Auckland businesses access:

  • advice and planning support

  • support to implement advice and planning

  • health and wellbeing support

  • business community resources 


​Activate Tāmaki Makaurau was set up to connect existing Auckland businesses with that support.

It is an opportunity to assist the business community to navigate the current environment and build more resilient businesses by supporting them to work through tough decisions, seize future opportunities and adapt where necessary to enable businesses to thrive.

18 August 2021

My Virtual Assistant, together with Outbox, Good Line NZ, and The Office Chick, is proud to be in a position to sponsor five 'new-to-the-industry' Virtual Assistants, by gifting Virtual Assistant Network New Zealand (VANNZ) Silver and Bronze Memberships.

Marion Jackson, Director of My Virtual Assistant, said, “It’s wonderful to see the NZ Virtual Assistant industry progressing and growing after so many years of having to literally work on our own.  Anyone who is new to the VA industry is very lucky to have access to the support, guidance, and opportunities being offered by the VANNZ."

Established in September 2019, the VANNZ was the brainchild of Samantha Browne from My Girl Friday.  Samantha teamed up with Jo Jensen from Strictly Savvy and The VA Foundry, to create a safe place for New Zealand-based Virtual Assistants looking to network, socialise, ask questions, share, and engage with other like-minded VAs.

In just under two years the VANNZ has gained 1,470 Facebook members, attracting not only VAs from New Zealand but also from around the World.

The VANNZ is holding a Virtual Assistant Awards night, in Hamilton, on 25 September 2021, and this will be the first VA industry awards event held in New Zealand since 2012.  It’s certainly been a long time coming!

Congratulations to Libby Culic, Kate Dumas, Stephanie Ludik, Nikki Bollen, and Laura Bonser, who are grateful recipients of the gifted VANNZ Memberships.

06 August 2021

Marion Jackson from My Virtual Assistant is announced as a Finalist for the VA Legacy Award, sponsored by the Virtual Assistant Network NZ (VANNZ).

VA Legacy Award is all about celebrating our long standing Virtual Assistants, who have been in the industry for 10 years or longer, flying the flag professionally and contributing to the NZ VA community.

The New Zealand Virtual Assistant Awards 2021 will be held in Hamilton, on 25 September.

13 March 2021

My Virtual Assistant celebrates TWELVE YEARS IN BUSINESS!

23 - 25 February 2021

My Virtual Assistant has (temporarily) taken over The Freelance Village's social media pages - LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram!

08 September 2020

Hugely talented New Zealand artist, Heléne Henare gifted me this beautiful signed art print of Howick's main street, as a ‘thank you’ for building her website.

This gorgeous artwork means so much to me as I am a self-confessed 'Howick Girl', having lived in the area since 1975.

"Since arriving in New Zealand in January 1975, I am a self-confessed 'Howick Girl', so this gorgeous artwork of Howick's main street, gifted to me by Heléne Henare, is incredibly special to me." 

- Marion Jackson, My Virtual Assistant

31 August 2020

Good afternoon Lounge Lovers:  Marion (My Virtual Assistant) and Roger,
 
What a roller coaster 2020 has been for us all.

Tony and I were so disappointed we had to cancel our Last Hurrah party at The Lounge due to Covid 19 restrictions, this disappointment was quickly followed by feelings of intense humbleness and gratitude as you so kindly donated to our two charities, Cystic Fibrosis Auckland and Gut Cancer Foundation. Together we were able to split our donation of $2000 between the two charities.
 
In the past week we have had the 6th anniversary of Tony’s sister Hilary’s passing, hence why we support the Gut Cancer Foundation and then we had confirmation that The Lounge has been sold.

Emotions have been running pretty high and for us to see The Lounge continue its life under new owners is a dream come true, Lynda and Ali take over on 11 September 2020.

We wanted you to be the first to know of our good news, but mostly we wanted to thank you for your friendship, generosity and life long memories we have made with you over the past 9 years.

Marion, thank you so much, The Lounge wouldn't be what it is today, without people like you.

You were so instrumental in getting us off the ground and out into the public eye with your expertise in website creation, social media, graphics, newsletters and editing my very long scripts.

My Virtual Assistant has guided us right from the very beginning are we are extremely grateful to you.

We hope that you will continue to support The Lounge in the future and maybe we could all get together and have a platter 'n' chatter evening with you in the future.
 
A special thank you to you for being you and we look forward to catching up soon.

Donation thank you letters are attached.

Keep safe and kindest regards,

Christine and Tony Bull
(ex) The Lounge
Howick
Auckland

18 August 2020

My Virtual Assistant is proud to be featured on the 'VA Spotlight', on the Virtual Assistant Network New Zealand Facebook page.

27 July 2020

My Virtual Assistant is now a member of The Freelance Village.

The sole purpose of The Freelance Village is to connect professional New Zealand-based freelancers with Kiwi businesses that need them.

Created for companies who would just love to hire someone for an hour a week, or for a one-off project, the process of doing that can be too time-consuming and often comes with the added cost of a 'middle-person'.

And that’s where The Freelance Village comes in.

Members are good at their job and have plenty of clients who say so too.  

​The Freelance Village is not-for-profit, which means it’s not about making money - but simply helping New Zealand businesses and freelancers find each other.

18 June 2020

My Virtual Assistant is proud to be one of only 20 people in New Zealand who is Mailchimp Certified (as at 18 June 2020).

I am now a member of the Mailchimp Partner Program and listed as a Mailchimp Expert.

My Virtual Assistant has been using Mailchimp as a preferred online newsletter service since 2009.

13 May 2020

Covid-19 coronavirus:  Billboards across New Zealand feature small businesses in a 'no strings' free initiative to boost post-lockdown restart.

New Zealand's marketing companies have come together to help get small businesses up and running after the Covid-19 lockdown and My Virtual Assistant is over the moon about being included in this ‘no strings' free initiative to boost post-lockdown advertising.

My Virtual Assistant is currently being featured for 8 seconds, every hour, 24 hours a day, for 14 days, on Digital Advertising’s magnificent double-sided high-resolution digital billboard outside Hoyts in Link Drive Wairau Park!

Thank you so much, Digital Advertising! 💘

DBAdvertisingNZ Facebook page
DBAdvertisingNZ website

 
@DBAdvertisingNZ
#digitaladvertising
#digitalbillboardadvertising
#nameinlights
#workingfromhomesince2009
#covid-19

12 May 2020

My Virtual Assistant is thrilled to be part of Support NZ Local and click.kiwi.

Let's spread the word! 

click.kiwi is made up of a group of passionate Kiwis with over 11 million social media followers who have banded together to support Kiwi businesses.

They are letting people know about small/medium-sized businesses via social media, to send customers directly to the business's website or social pages.

"We all want New Zealanders to succeed now more than ever. With all your locals on one website, we’ve made it easy."

Support Local

Click.Kiwi


#SupportNZLocal
#click.kiwi
#covid-19

07 May 2020

My Virtual Assistant is super-proud to be part of the new Shop Howick initiation.

Let's get New Zealand's economy moving again and start by shopping local.

Shop Local Shop Howick!

#shoplocalshophowick
#covid-19

13 March 2020

My Virtual Assistant celebrates ELEVEN YEARS IN BUSINESS!

Marion Jackson (left) from My Virtual Assistant, celebrates 11 years in business with fellow members of the Venus Howick networking group.

31 January 2020

My Virtual Assistant became a Verified Member of the Virtual Assistant Network New Zealand.

The VANNZ Directory matches busy entrepreneurs, start-ups, and growing teams with New Zealand-based independent virtual assistants and virtual assistant agencies.

11 October 2019

My Virtual Assistant was invited to join the Virtual Assistant Network of New Zealand and is proud to be included in the new VANNZ Directory.

"Whether it's creating a brand new website for your business, a complete revamp of your existing website, taking care of regular website updates, or something else, like communicating with your customers via online newsletters, or creating beautiful brochures and flyers to showcase your business, My Virtual Assistant offers valuable business support to business owners just like YOU!"

24 April 2019

My Virtual Assistant is featured on the Venus Network NZ Instagram page.

#womancrushwednesday

13 March 2019

My Virtual Assistant celebrates TEN YEARS IN BUSINESS!

Wow! That's a whole decade!

15 October 2018

My Virtual Assistant joined the land of Instagram!

Click on the Instagram icon to connect, network, or simply follow what My Virtual Assistant is up to.

11 October 2018

On 11 October, My Virtual Assistant joined a powerful community of women to gather at Shed 10 in Auckland City for the first-ever Femmepire Summit.

With a fabulous and inspirational line-up of speakers, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, music, wine, and donuts, it was a not-to-be-missed event for women from all walks of life at different stages of their careers, as well as being a great way to connect with like-minded business owners (men were welcome to attend too!)

22 August 2018

My Virtual Assistant is honoured to be accepted as one of the Superhero Women in Business and be part of the #empowerwomenwithkissmovement!


Kiss Branding and Design in Melbourne, Australia, set off into the land of Social Media and put the call out to all Superhero Women in Business, otherwise known as the #empowerwomenwithakissmovement! 
 
The response they got was incredible. 

Women from all over the globe saw the smoke signals that only superheroes can see and compiled their stories, all with a common drive behind them… to share their unique story with all the land in hopes of Empowering other women who just may read their story and relate to it.

It might be their story that helps a superhero-in-the-making get out of bed and keep going… striving toward their dreams and goals for the future.

10 August 2018

My Virtual Assistant launches a brand sparkling new website for... My Virtual Assistant!

The intention is for clients/potential clients to enjoy a positive experience right from the moment they visit the website for the very first time and preserve this experience when they are working with My Virtual Assistant.

29 March 2018

My Virtual Assistant interview and business story is featured on Venus Business Women's Network website.

13 March 2018

My Virtual Assistant celebrates nine years in business!

21 June 2017

My Virtual Assistant is a proud sponsor of the Burn Support Group Charitable Trust Inc.

Burns are traumatic injuries for both survivors and their families/whanau.

Burn survivors can be faced with many losses – their usual physical appearance, sometimes their home, income, and perhaps they are also grieving the loss of a family member or colleague involved in a fire. Therefore, a multiple grief situation is not uncommon. This is often experienced whilst also enduring a long hospitalisation period.

The multiple emotions felt by burn survivors and the need for care on many levels was the reason that founder, Delwyn Tait, felt there was a very real need to not only augment hospital care for burns survivors but also particularly support survivors and their families throughout the rehabilitative phase of a burn injury.

www.burns.org.nz

01 May 2017

My Virtual Assistant is thrilled to be on the Management Team (again!) for Season 3 of The Cath Vincent Show. 

"A superbly effortless experience!

I HIGHLY recommend My Virtual Assistant if you want to achieve a lot to a high standard in a short amount of time."

Cath Vincent
Television Show Host and award-winning speaker

13 March 2017

My Virtual Assistant celebrates eight years in business!

08 September 2016

The 60th website created by My Virtual Assistant goes live!

Barbara (left) and Katie from Creations Hair Design are proud owners of the 60th website created by Marion Jackson (centre) from My Virtual Assistant.

13 March 2016

My Virtual Assistant celebrates seven years in business!

And nope, I haven't got the 'seven-year itch'!

05 August 2015

My Virtual Assistant launches brand new logo.

Same brand colours, with a classic new look.

May 2015

My Virtual Assistant is a very proud sponsor of 'Raise It' for Hilz. 

This is a fundraising event for gastro-intestinal cancer, to be held on Saturday 22 August 2015.

My Virtual Assistant takes care of the website and various social media for this very worthy cause.

April 2015

My Virtual Assistant is thrilled to be on the Mangement Team for Season 2 of The Cath Vincent Show. 

My Virtual Assistant takes care of social media for The Cath Vincent Show, and created/maintains the website for the television series.

End credits on The Cath Vincent Show - Wake Up You Wow
End credits on The Cath Vincent Show - Wake Up You Wow

The Cath Vincent Show - Season 2
Sky Television's Face TV (channel 83)
Mondays at 7.30pm, from 4 May 2015

www.thecathvincentshow.com

TV show host, Cath Vincent, with Marion Jackson from My Virtual Assistant, at the Season 2 Launch Concert for The Cath Vincent Show.
TV show host, Cath Vincent, with Marion Jackson from My Virtual Assistant, at the Season 2 Launch Concert for The Cath Vincent Show.

23 March 2015

Marion Jackson from My Virtual Assistant is interviewed by television show host, Cath Vincent, from The Cath Vincent Show.

Season 2, Episode 2 of The Cath Vincent Show airs on FaceTV (Sky Channel 83), on 11 May 2015.

13 March 2015

My Virtual Assistant celebrates six years in business!

October 2014

My Virtual Assistant is thrilled to be on the Mangement Team for Season 1 of The Cath Vincent Show.

The Cath Vincent Show is an uplifting weekly TV show for anyone who knows they have untapped potential and wants tips and inspiring stories to help them live better professional and personal lives.  ‘Oprah meets Ellen – and crashes into Graham Norton’! New Zealand is crying out for a show like this.

Hosted by award-winning professional speaker Cath Vincent, each studio-based show consists of three interviews and a live music slot.  Interview topics will include anything and everything that will contribute to long-term success and boost energy levels, confidence and motivation on a daily basis.  Health, wealth, fulfilment and fun will be coupled with a business focus that draws on the expertise of inspirational and successful people.

My Virtual Assistant takes care of social media for  The Cath Vincent Show, and also created and maintains the website for the television series.

End credits on The Cath Vincent Show - Wake Up You Wow
End credits on The Cath Vincent Show - Wake Up You Wow

The Cath Vincent Show - Season 1
Sky Television's Face TV (channel 83)
Mondays at 7.30pm, from 6 October 2014

www.thecathvincentshow.com

"It's a wrap!"  Filming of the first episode of The Cath Vincent Show has been completed.
"It's a wrap!"  Filming of the first episode of The Cath Vincent Show has been completed.

Marion Jackson from My Virtual Assistant, third from the right (red top) and Cath Vincent, seated, front right (blue jacket).

25 July 2014

The 40th website created by My Virtual Assistant goes live!


For more information about getting an affordable website for your business, please call My Virtual Assistant on 0274 820 818 or email here.

13 January 2014

Marion Jackson from My Virtual Assistant featured in the Second Edition book written by Professor Lauri J Smedley, of Sacramento City College, Sacramento, California, USA:  Virtual Entrepreneurship: Creating and Operating a Home-based Online Business, 2nd Ed. (ACADEMIC EDITION)

My Virtual Assistant is featured on pages 92, 97, 221, 230 and 341 of this book.

Have you ever wanted to create and operate your own home-based online business? If so, you've come to the right place. Even if you are just thinking about doing so, this book will help you to determine whether owning and operating a virtual business is right for you.

This book is based on more than three years of research on hundreds of home-based virtual entrepreneurs from around the world. Professor Smedley's "Virtual Entrepreneurship: Creating and Operating a Home-based Online Business" will take you from idea to completion of your online business start-up goals. Learn from other practicing virtual entrepreneurs and college professors as you read this book.

Topics include: Understanding Virtual Entrepreneurship, Skills Assessments, Getting Started, Virtual Assisting, Writing a Business Plan, Promotion and Marketing, Working Online, Operating Tools and Tips, Financial Planning for Home-based Online Service and Retail Businesses, Legal Considerations, Maintaining Balance, and Expert Advice from Practicing Virtual Entrepreneurs. Also included are business documents and sample business plans for an online service business and an online retail business.

Virtual Entrepreneurship has been adopted by several colleges in the United States and has been read by individuals in various parts of the world. Included are more than 500 links to additional resources that you will find invaluable as you begin to plan and operate your home-based online business. This Academic Edition includes homework assignments at the end of each chapter that is ideal for college courses. If you are looking for a book to read on your own, consider the Standard Edition, which does not include any homework assignments. There is also a Virtual Entrepreneurship Financial Plan Templates CD that can be used with or without the book.

11 December 2013

My Virtual Assistant is extremely proud to be a sponsor of South Pacific Animal Welfare (SPAW).

SPAW is an animal aid organisation working on Pacific Islands, which recruits industry professionals and works with local agencies to run free veterinary care and spay/neuter clinics within communities on our neighbouring Pacific Islands.

SPAW is a NZ-based registered charity.



My Virtual Assistant is assisting SPAW with their communications requirements.

28 January 2013

My Virtual Assistant profile article featured in the January/February 2013 issue of 'Financial & Business Advisor Journal, New Zealand'.


21 September 2012

Virtual Assistant industry article in National Business Review (featuring Marion Jackson from My Virtual Assistant.)

"Office Help Goes Virtual" - The PA is dead, long live the VA!

28 August 2012

Marion Jackson from My Virtual Assistant is the RUNNER UP for 'Virtual Assistant of the Year Award 2012', at the Virtual Assistant Conference on 28 & 29 August 2012 in Wellington, New Zealand.

This is the first time an award has been offered to Virtual Service Providers in New Zealand.  Two finalists were shortlisted from all the nominations received.

This award is special in the aspect that all the nominations came from clients and, at the same time, the finalists received great feedback about their service to these clients.

The judges this year were John Palmer from Bemyva.com and Larissa Paris from Xero.com.

Carole Unkovich (left) presents Marion Jackson with 'Runner Up' Virtual Assistant of the Year Award 2012.
Carole Unkovich (left) presents Marion Jackson with 'Runner Up' Virtual Assistant of the Year Award 2012.


22 August 2012

My Virtual Assistant is a FINALIST for Virtual Service Provider of the Year Award 2012.

03 July 2012

My Virtual Assistant is a NOMINEE for Virtual Service Provider of the Year Award 2012.

This award is open to all individuals who offer virtual services within New Zealand and a winner will be acknowledged at a Gala Dinner, as part of a Virtual Assistant Conference, to be held in Wellington at the end of August 2012.

09 May 2012

Marion Jackson from My Virtual Assistant  was asked to contribute to business magazine, "Do You Know Jack?"

'Do You Know Jack?' magazine focused on small business success, growth and operation in New Zealand.

Articles are educational in nature and provide written information by experts in their field from accounting, to design, to marketing and HR. 

05 May 2011

Marion Jackson from My Virtual Assistant was asked to contribute to the content of a new book called "The VA Business."  (Refer page 91 of the book.)

THE VA BUSINESS by Michelle Dale

What Every Business Owner Should Know About Doing Business From Virtually Anywhere “The Virtually Anywhere Business” is dedicated to building the foundation and understanding of what working online really means.

The book has been written from a unique perspective, and includes contributions from virtual assistants, and clients who use virtual assistants. The book is written by Michelle Dale, and includes a series of personal experiences and fact-based advice from years of working entirely online and travelling as a digital nomad.

"The VA Business" covers the four primary online business essentials, remote working, virtual assistants, online marketing and business success. If you have any inclination what-so-ever to work online, earning a full-time income, and you want to know the facts, then this book is a must read.

19 March 2011

HUGE SUCCESS FOR END OF SUMMER CHARITY CONCERT

Outdoor music concert, A Summer Wrap @ Valley de Sol, held at Chris and Tony Bull’s property in Howick, Auckland, on Saturday 19 March was a sellout.

Around 250 people enjoyed a lovely afternoon within the beautiful, private grounds of Valley de Sol, whilst listening to a selection of talented performers, including fabulous music duo Wilde and Rich, Courtney Janssen and Chloe Bartlett.  All of the entertainers gave up their time for free.

The aim of the concert was to celebrate the last days of summer, whilst raising as much money as possible for Hospice South Auckland and the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.  The concert raised $22,159.00 which will be split evenly between the two charities.

Fundraiser, BNI member and venue host, Christine Bull said:  “We are completely overwhelmed and absolutely delighted with the success of the concert, not just because of the money raised for Hospice and Christchurch, but because the event involved more than 60 local businesses who generously offered donations and support.”

The concert helped raise awareness of Hospice South Auckland, which offers inpatient facilities where people go for respite care, symptom and pain management, or during their last days.  Hospice services are completely free of charge and rely on the generosity of the people in the community for donations to help meet costs.
A Summer Wrap @ Valley de Sol was organised by Howick’s BNI Business Brunch, which is a group of 16 business owners who get together every week to network and promote their businesses.

My Virtual Assistant created a temporary website to help promote this concert.

BNI Business Brunch members present a cheque for $11,079.50 to Hospice South Auckland.
BNI Business Brunch members present a cheque for $11,079.50 to Hospice South Auckland.

From left: Anne Faulkner (Faulkner Construction), Christine Bull (Inner Concepts), Jennifer Kent (Hospice), Ian Taylor (Ray White) and Marion Jackson (My Virtual Assistant).

29 March 2011

CURLY FROM SHIRLEY'S BOOK LAUNCH

My Virtual Assistant was proud to be part of Curly from Shirley, the Christchurch Dog's book launch in Ponsonby, Auckland, last night.

On Monday 28th March, just four weeks after the idea for the Curly book first came about, the book was officially launched in Christchurch and Auckland.

In Christchurch, Emma Pullar the author, was on hand to sign picture book 'Curly from Shirley, the Christchurch Dog', while musical sensations, Christchurch Bob and his mum Julie Gaudin, entertained with the song of Curly from Shirley.

While in Auckland, it was the turn of illustrator Victoria M. Azaro, designer Cheryl Rowe and publisher Jill Marshall to talk about Curly. 

A great time was had by all, and you can now buy 'Curly from Shirley the Christchurch Dog', from New Zealand bookstores and from Curly's website www.curlyfromshirley.com, where you can also purchase the ebook of Curly and the fantastic song.

My Virtual Assistant created Curly From Shirley's website.

Bob and his mum, Julie sing, while Emma signs.
Bob and his mum, Julie sing, while Emma signs.

13 October 2010

Marion Jackson from My Virtual Assistant featured in a book written by Professor Lauri J Smedley, of Sacramento City College, Sacramento, California, USA:  "Virtual Entrepreneurship - Creating and Operating a Home-based Online Business."


"Promotional Reward Programes", extract on page 97:

"Marion Jackson owns and operates My Virtual Assistant, an online personal assistant business.  She promotes her business via monthly electronic newsletter. Jackson has also sent out mailers that include her photo and a lollipop inside.  Jackson reports that she has had a lot of positive feedback regarding the lollipops." - Marion Jackson, My Virtual Assistant


"Research", extract from page 210:

"Go for it!  But first, do tons and tons of research.  Talk to lots of people who have their own businesses, and work in the 'real world' first if you can because you need to learn how to communicate with people from all walks of life.  Read as much as you can and become and expert in your field.  It's important to find a 'point of difference' in your 'virtual world'.  Don't feel you have to conform to and follow what everyone else is doing. Do lots of research:  read... and attend all sorts of seminars whenever you can, talk to people, and learn as much as you can before you even think about launching your virtual business.  Then, when  you think you are ready, go for it!  By then you will be armed with lots of knowledge, be able to make your own educated decisions, and let your gut instincts take over.  Don't be afraid, and always remember to have fun along the way!" - Marion Jackson, My Virtual Assistant

03 March 2011
Press Release

No Reason Not To Have A Website

With the arrival of free ‘template websites’, there is now very little reason for a small to medium sized business not to have their own website.

Template websites are pre-designed and allow you to add your own content – everything from text and images, right through to sound and movies, enabling you to customise your website in almost any way you like.

A web presence is crucial for any small business and offers far more flexibility than a Facebook or Twitter page.  Every business needs custom branding and to create an identity, and template websites provide this opportunity.

However, even though template websites are generally easy to use, not everyone has the flair, creativity or time to set one up.

Marion Jackson, Director of My Virtual Assistant says:  “Your website needs to communicate the unique tone, feeling and mood of your business and time needs to be spent on developing an overall aesthetic experience for your visitors.”

A huge part of the appeal of a template website means no longer having to call a web designer to correct every grammatical error and photo upload.  Being able to update your website whenever you wish also means it is easy to keep content fresh and relevant.

These days, one of the first things that a customer or another business does before they consider dealing with you, is look you up on your website.  So, what does it say to them if you don’t even have a website?

 
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1103/S00153/no-reason-not-to-have-a-website.htm

09 September 2010

My Virtual Assistant featured on Business Blogs website.

'12 Tips to Help Your Business Succeed. (Believe in yourself!)'

12 August 2010

My Virtual Assistant featured on Bizoomi website.

31 May 2010

My Virtual Assistant featured in "Woman in Business" section of Howick & Pakuranga Times Newspaper.

11 March 2010
Press Release

Virtual Assistant Service Celebrates First Birthday


Online Personal Assistant Service, ‘My Virtual Assistant’, is celebrating one year in business this month.

“It’s always been my goal to have my own business and being able to work from home is the icing on the cake,” said Marion Jackson, Director of My Virtual Assistant.

Known for her personal service and attention to detail, Marion attributes her honesty, work ethic and friendly personality as part of her success.  She is an accomplished Executive Assistant, with 26 years ‘real’ world experience, who has identified a gap in the local New Zealand market for flexible office support.

My Virtual Assistant offers outsourced administrative services to business owners, both locally and overseas, and is dedicated to helping save valuable time and money, often associated with hiring onsite staff.

18 January 2010
Press Release

When Employing Staff Is Not An Option

As New Zealand begins to ease its way out of the recession, many business owners are apprehensive about leaping in and employing new staff.

Owners of small to mid-size businesses may not be able to justify employing the same number of staff as they had prior to the recession.  However, as the New Year kicks off and business starts to pick up, many remaining staff members may be required to take on the extra work caused by the redundancies of the past year.  This can lead to decreased productivity and low morale.

For business owners who want to get back to where they were before the recession or even grow their business, employing staff may not be an option.  Instead, the answer could lie in outsourcing.

Marion Jackson, owner and operator of ‘My Virtual Assistant’, an online personal assistant service located in Auckland, says:  “Taking the pressure off your team and outsourcing work can be the first step to getting things back on track for many companies, especially smaller businesses.”

“Partnering with a Virtual Assistant means you don’t have to provide valuable office space, training or equipment, because a Virtual Assistant operates from their own premises.”

A Virtual Assistant has usually gained experience from working in the ‘real’ world for a number of years and business owners will find they are enthusiastic, reliable and highly skilled.  A Virtual Assistant will only work when there is work to be done.  This means business owners don’t have to scratch around finding work for them to do in order to justify their employment, like you might with an actual onsite employee.  Other benefits include not having to pay for holiday or sick leave.

Outsourcing non-revenue generating assignments or time consuming administration tasks to a Virtual Assistant is an effective way of increasing results and improving productivity.  Having a reliable service to count on, such as ‘My Virtual Assistant’, will help business owners get through the down and up times in business, and in many cases, can lead to a long term, beneficial partnership and ultimate business success.

Even though a Virtual Assistant can be used for a ‘one off’ project, in order to make a really effective change, building rapport and passing on regular assignments could result in a permanent and cost effective way of conducting business.

03 August 2009
Press Release

Real Estate Agents Can Benefit From Working With A Virtual Assistant

Real Estate agents are arguably some of the busiest people in the business world, needing to spend valuable time on marketing themselves, marketing their listings, working directly with clients and following up after a sale.  

The more successful a Real Estate agent is, the more administrative tasks they create and the more time they spend on administrative tasks, meaning there is less time to generate new revenue.
Too much administrative work can become exhausting and time consuming.  It can take away from a Real Estate agent’s bottom line and prevent them from concentrating on what they do best... working with clients and selling property.

If a Real Estate professional doesn’t seek the help of an assistant, they will have to spend time being the assistant as well.  This is when working with a Virtual Assistant (VA) can be highly advantageous.

A Virtual Assistant is an extremely valuable business tool for the most successful Real Estate agent’s in the industry.  Imagine having your own assistant who is ready to work for you, but only when you need them?

Marion Jackson, Director of My Virtual Assistant, in Auckland, says:  “Even if a Real Estate office already has an in-house assistant, there will be times when an agent needs extra help.  Working with a Virtual Assistant means having access to an off-site, independent contractor, who can save a significant amount in time and money.”

Partnering with a Virtual Assistant reduces stress, protects cash flow, eliminates administrative hassles and enables Real Estate professionals to find the success they originally set out to achieve.

A Virtual Assistant provides all the advantages of outsourcing – there are no employee taxes to think about, no sick leave or vacation time to pay for and no equipment or office space to provide.  A Virtual Assistant will only charge for the hours worked, which means if things aren’t so busy then money isn’t wasted on ‘downtime’.

Getting support from a Virtual Assistant can enable savvy Real Estate professionals to stay on top of the competition and get ahead in their industry.

________________________

Marion Jackson, owner and operator of Auckland based company, My Virtual Assistant, says:  “The online solution is a popular and fast growing trend, what with things like virtual supermarket shopping, travel reservations and banking already being an acceptable and practical part of our daily lives.  So it makes sense that it should be a relevant part of our business world, too.”

Many Virtual Assistant’s (commonly known as VA’s) started out as corporate professionals, having spent a number of years working in the ‘real’ world and were looking for a flexible work-from-home solution.  However, the Virtual Assistant industry in New Zealand is becoming a thriving, extremely valuable and very affordable resource for companies feeling the pinch in these uncertain times.

Not only can a company save significant costs when working with a Virtual Assistant, they will also find that VA’s are efficient, knowledgeable, experienced, very dedicated and highly motivated people.  Because VA’s run their own businesses, they want to do a great job for their clients.  Neither the location of a company or a VA is a barrier, because everything can be done online.

http://scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0905/S00624.htm

http://www.voxy.co.nz/business/no-better-time-hire-virtual-assistant/1070/14631

21 May 2009
Press Release

No Better Time To Work With A Virtual Assistant

With the recession causing many job redundancies, there has never been a better time to start working with a Virtual Assistant, than right now.

Even though many small businesses and large corporations have been forced to reduce their on-site staff numbers, doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to be done.  The trick is to make the most of remaining employees and to reduce costs by outsourcing wherever possible.  That’s where a Virtual Assistant steps in.

Virtual Assistant’s can dramatically help almost any business grow, create marketplace competition and contribute to keeping companies afloat.  Business savvy companies will be ready, waiting and already placed ahead of their competitors when the economy starts to pick up again.  Enlisting the support of a Virtual Assistant now can increase a company’s resilience ensuring they come out the other side unscathed.

20 April 2009
Press Release

Virtual Help For Small Business Owners

There is a huge benefit to small business owners in getting support from a Virtual Assistant.

It’s obvious really.  The more things you do yourself, the less time you have to devote to growing your business.  All those administrative tasks do nothing but drain energy and waste the time of someone who owns their own business.

“Imagine having access to a skilled professional who could take care of all the day-to-day stuff”, says Marion Jackson, owner and operator of My Virtual Assistant, a home-based, online personal assistant service.

“Just think how much more efficient and profitable you could be if you were able to spend your time on all those things that could effectively grow your business.  And think how much happier you would be not having to look at that ever-growing pile of paperwork in the corner!”

A small business owner should be spending the majority of their time on activities that create profit and value.  Balancing time between planning, marketing, networking and on-time delivery of revenue-producing products and/or services would be far more effective than wading through all that daily, income-draining admin work.

Many small business owners continue to struggle on by themselves, doing work they hate or don’t do very well.  Less time is spent with family and friends, because personal time is often consumed trying to keep up with the more mundane tasks.   Every minute spent on routine administrative tasks negatively impacts your business in a number of critical areas.  Most importantly, knowledge and expertise are being directed towards areas that while necessary and important, do not lead to the overall growth and long-term sustainability of a small business.

18 March 2009
Press Release

My Virtual Assistant Opens 'Virtual Doors'

My Virtual Assistant recently opened its ‘virtual doors’ to help businesses who are drowning in paperwork.

More and more companies are realising the need to outsource work and let a virtual assistant help out when things get busy, so they can focus on what they do best… running their business.

It doesn't matter whether you are an individual, small business owner, part of a large corporation, or even where you are located in New Zealand, if you have a 'one off' project or need help with regular on-going assignments, My Virtual Assistant is available to take care of the details, so you don’t have to.

“It’s all about respecting client’s needs and maintaining standards,” says Marion Jackson, owner and operator of a new online, home-based company, My Virtual Assistant – Your Online Personal Assistant Service.

“Many companies require extra help at various times throughout the year, whether it’s for a specific project or on-going assignments and this is when hiring a Virtual Assistant is ideal.  Plus the location of a company isn’t an issue and that’s the beauty of ‘virtual’ assistance, because everything is done online.”

Extremely popular in the USA, UK and Australia, Virtual Assistants (VA’s as they commonly referred to) provide assistance to businesses who cannot afford or do not have enough work to sustain an in-house worker.

“It makes sense to hire a VA right now, especially during these economic times, what with redundancies being made and companies having to keep costs down”, says Ms Jackson.

Hiring a VA means you have access to an off-site, independent contractor who will save significant costs in employee salaries, staff benefits and office space.

‘My Virtual Assistant’ ultimately offers the benefits of office support without the significant cost of employing an extra member of staff.  Tailored to suit the needs of clients, ‘My Virtual Assistant’ provides a range of services, including word processing, travel reservations, proof reading, research, marketing, etc.

 

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