My name is Kim Atkins, from Kim Atkins Virtual Assistant Services. My expertise lies in social media creation, management, and copy. Ensuring that you are utilising language to garner an organic audience. I am also a teacher; therefore, I excel at time pressure administration tasks including inbox and diary management. Overall, I am multiskilled and have worked on various freelance projects over the years. Being a virtual assistant allows me to work on many projects with many people.
Who or what inspired you to become a VA?
I was inspired to become a VA as I was on maternity leave and wanted to have a better work life balance when the time came to return to work. I came across a VA mentor on TikTok, so I sought out her work on the internet and here we are.
Have you had any support starting up as a VA (mentor/family/network/financial)?
I have had plenty of familial support and I am part of a VA mentoring group, so this has all helped me in my VA journey.
What has been your highlight since starting your business?
Meeting lots of new business owners. I am so enthralled by the business world. Having come from the education world, it’s so exciting working with other business owners in support of their endeavours.
What was your biggest challenge?
Learning all the lingo. For example, a CRM and SEO optimisation. These were all new acronyms and I have had to learn a lot of new systems and undertake some training to use social media with a business mindset.
What advice would you offer other new or aspiring VAs?
Just do it. Any action is better than no action.
What tools/apps/software can’t you live without?
Canva and google.
Were there any times you wanted to give up? What kept you going?
Late at night when I was up with the baby, but I had to work on my business the next day to ensure I was reaching my target audience and linking up with ideal clients.
What three words would you use to describe yourself, and why?
Tenacious – because I am unlikely to give up.
Diligent – It must be the teacher in me, but I am conscientious with regards to all the work that I undertake.
Amiable – I will adapt to all my clients; you meet them at their level and work to that to ensure good working relationships.
What has surprised you about becoming a VA?
How supportive the community is. No one is out to get one another’s clients and if you’re stuck, the community will rally to help support you.
What is the biggest misconception you had about being a VA before you became one?
That it was easy. No really, I thought it would be. It’s hard work, but it is rewarding.
Is there anything you would change about your VA journey?
I wish I had started it sooner.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Reading and learning. I am doing my doctorate and I love education; I am an eternal learner.
Who would you most like to meet, and why? What would you tell them?
Ooh, that’s a toughie. I would love to meet Tom Hanks and ask him lots of questions about typewriters. I would tell him I envy his collection.
What business book / podcast have you read / listened to most recently? Would you recommend it?
“The Body Keeps the Score'' by Bessel van Der Kolk. This book has transformed my view of mental health. After listening to Prince Harry's interview with the author, this book had me transfixed. It is a must read for everyone to understand how humans work through life, trauma and relationships. I think to work with humans, you should attempt to understand them.
What is next for you and your business?
I am learning digital marketing, so I am hoping I can move into that field and add it to my list of services.
What is the ultimate goal for your business?
I would like to become a local agency as I know lots of other people who would benefit from this type of work as their main source of income.
Instagram: @kimatkins_vaservices
Website: www.kimatkins.co.uk
This blog was prepared or accomplished by Kim Atkins in their personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this blog are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kayleigh Johnstone or COZ PR.