How to Grow and Scale Your Design Business with a VA

Summary

In this webinar, Jason interviews Danae, the owner of a virtual assistant (VA) firm specializing in interior design support. Danae explains how her team of experienced VAs assists with tasks like 3D rendering, drafting, and administrative work, allowing designers to scale their businesses. She discusses the benefits of VAs, including cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and the ability to handle overflow work. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about VAs, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and professionalism. Danae shares her firm's approach to matching designers with the right VAs based on their specific needs and preferences, ensuring a seamless and productive collaboration.

Takeaways

• 😀 The webinar discusses leveraging Virtual Assistants (VAs) to enhance design businesses, focusing on interior design.
• 📞 The guest speaker, Danae, joins via phone due to technical issues and introduces her role as a lead VA for designers.
• 🛠️ Services offered by Danae's VA firm include 3D renders, drafting, sourcing, and administrative tasks, tailored to interior designers' needs.
• 💼 VAs on Danae's team have several years of experience in interior design and are matched based on the designer's specific requirements and platforms.
• 💵 Pricing for services is transparent, with admin tasks at $40/hour and design work like 3D renders at $65/hour, on an as-needed basis without minimums.
• 🔄 VAs can assist with a variety of tasks including bookkeeping, marketing, and online business management, helping designers streamline operations.
• 🌱 Working with VAs allows designers to take on more clients, thereby increasing revenue and business growth.
• 🔗 Designers typically work with the same VA for long-term relationships, ensuring consistency and familiarity with their business.
• 🗓️ VAs are available across various U.S. time zones, and the matching process considers the designer's preferred working hours.
• 💼 The VA firm's success is built on trust and communication, aiming to alleviate designers' workload and allow them to focus on core business activities.

Q & A

What is the primary service offered by the virtual assistants (VAs) for interior designers?

The primary services offered by the VAs include 3D renders, drafting, sourcing, and admin work. These are the most popular services that help interior designers with their day-to-day tasks.

How does the VA firm match designers with virtual assistants?

The VA firm matches designers with virtual assistants based on the specific needs of the designer, the platforms and programs they use, and the expertise required. They also consider time zones and communication styles to ensure a good fit.

What is the cost structure for the services provided by the VA firm?

The cost structure is based on flat hourly rates. Admin services are charged at $40 an hour, while 3D renders, CAD drafting, and other design-related services are at $65 an hour.

Are there any minimum time commitments or contracts required when hiring a VA from this firm?

No, there are no minimum time commitments or contracts. The service is provided on an as-needed basis, allowing for flexibility.

How does the VA firm ensure that virtual assistants are up-to-date with the latest technology and software?

The VAs are matched based on their expertise with specific programs, and they are responsible for keeping up with updates and changes in their respective fields. The firm ensures they are knowledgeable about the latest technology.

What happens if a VA needs to take time off or is unavailable?

If a VA needs to take time off, they communicate this with the client and the firm. The firm then ensures a smooth transition by either having the VA train a temporary replacement or by providing another VA who is already up to speed on the client's needs.

How long does it typically take for a designer to get acclimated to working with a new VA?

The acclimation process is very quick, often following a 15-20 minute introductory call. The VAs are experienced and are able to start working effectively with the designer almost immediately.

Can designers work with the same VA on an ongoing basis even though the service is as-needed?

Yes, designers can work with the same VA on an ongoing basis. The firm matches VAs with designers for long-term business relationships, allowing for continuity and familiarity.

What are some misconceptions about VAs that the firm aims to dispel?

Some misconceptions include VAs not taking their jobs seriously or being non-communicative. The firm's VAs are professional, proactive communicators who treat their work as a career, not a side gig.

How does the firm handle sensitive information such as social media logins or backend office access?

The firm has security measures in place, including encrypted communication and legal contracts that protect sensitive information. They prioritize security and have not experienced any breaches since their establishment in 2009.