Paula Dodds - TheVirtualChoice.com

Name: Paula Dodds

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a WAHM to two adorable little girls: Brady, age 5 (after 9-15-05, age 6),
and Emma, age 3. I work from my home office as a Virtual Assistant, focusing
mainly on Writing and Editing, but doing a variety of administrative tasks for
small/home-based businesses. I also am a consultant for Kat’s Coffees & More.

What is your business name and web address:
My Virtual Assistant business is run under my own name and my site is at
www.TheVirtualChoice.com.
My Kat’s sales site can be viewed at:
www.TheCoffeeNut.com.

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
Having my first daughter inspired me. I went “back to work,” helping the company
my husband worked at with a project they needed extra hands for. It lasted four
days (not even one full week). I couldn’t be away from my daughter! So I found a
job working from home and then expanded it into my own biz.

Tell us a little about your business:
I do a lot of web content writing and writing articles. I also
edit/type/proofread manuscripts and texts for a variety of authors. I get to
read a lot of interesting stuff!
I still offer my original services, too. Basically, I just take care of the
administrative “burden” that weighs small and home-based business owners down. I
follow up with their customers, answer emails (occasionally phone calls), print
information, organize direct mailings, coordinate their bookkeeping with their
accountants, interview new staff… Okay, I am a Virtual Girl Friday!

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women who are
interested in working from home:
DO IT! But first, do your research, find something you’re good at and you enjoy,
and have a financial “cushion” or some other source of income. Join groups
online/locally with other women who are looking to work from home and who
already work from/at home. Ask ALL of your questions!

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
The most effective advertising method for me has been word-of-mouth and customer
service. It’s like the old business saying about upsetting one customer/client
and they’ll tell 10 people, make one happy and they’ll tell three to five
people. If you keep your clients and customers happy, they will promote you.
One great additional tip about keeping them happy: (shh, BIG secret) Find a way
to cross-promote whatever you’re offering with whatever they are!

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:

After our second daughter was born, I had to go back into the hospital for
another surgery. I took on a small contract after my c-section but before my
gall bladder removal, and I ended up making SOO many mistakes on it. I really
ticked off that client and he hasn’t been back since. From that experience, I
learned that moms and business women DO need to take time for themselves.
Everything really does fall apart if you don’t. It’s much better for your
business (and your finances) to take a little time each day and really let
yourself heal if you’ve been sick or under the weather.