RV’s Motivated Me To Become A Virtual Assistant
Back in 2004 I watched a special on HGTV about the luxury motor coach and RV trade. At the time I was working a 9 to 5 day job and was not getting career satisfaction. After I saw that show on HGTV it answered a question which was nagging me for months. “What type of business could I start that would make use of my 20+ years as an Executive Assistant”? That’s how my company started.
I thought to myself that those “RV full timers” must need someone back home to collect and sort their mail, scan the important mail and email it to them, plus a myriad of other tasks, such as:
- Handle their voicemail
- Administer any construction projects that they are working on back home or preparing for in the future
- Help them research, create and edit posts for their regular or RV themed blog
- Make restaurant, theatre and special event registrations
- Get driving directions
- Assist them in the research of various Satellite internet providers and TV providers
- Make repair and maintenance calls for the RV, and keep an organized computer and/or paper log of such events
- Organize conference calls and webinars, so that you can stay in touch with friends, family and even virtual co-workers!
The thought occurred to me that many people may not embark on such travel journeys, because they don’t believe that things can be taken care of at home in a professional and efficient manner.
Quite frankly, I thought of “virtual working” before I actually knew there were individuals called “Virtual Assistants”! It just seemed like a great idea for a business to me and a great need for my future services, based on what I saw on HGTV. It was also a great excuse to incorporate my love of Mac computers with my business.
Today, with tools such as broadband air cards, e-fax services, free wireless at many public venues, plus the iPhone, Blackberry, etc, there is no reason not to take your work with you.
However, the point of RV travel is rest and relaxation. There may be times when you don’t want to be hooked up to computers, etc. So having a trusted advisor such as a Virtual Assistant can help you to truly take time and smell the roses. Today, many Virtual Assistants have whole virtual teams, so even if a few of them are traveling down the road in an RV themselves, the other half of the team is based at home to carry out certain functions such as mail collection, banking, working with printers, etc.
It also may aide in quelling certain fears of taking off on the road. Knowing that there is a “home based” administrator handling your needs, even if it is a virtual “home base”; can make ones travels on the road even more enjoyable than they already are.
Are you an RV owner or full timer who is curious about how a Virtual Assistant like Taryn Merrick can enhance your life and productivity?
Author bio: Taryn Merrick is a Professional Mac Virtual Assistant, Social Media Virtual Assistant and Eco Virtual Assistant. As Principal of Merrick Management And Media Services, she has over 20 years of administrative management experience. Taryn works to promote the Virtual Assistant industry and to make it stand out as a true profession of excellence. Her style is easy going, yet precise, with emphasis placed on exceeding customer expectations, client communication and satisfaction.
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Tags: mac os x, RV, skilled business professionals, Virtual Assistance, Virtual Assistant, virtual assistants
Jun 11, 2009
Taryn,
What a unique niche/service you have created. I have been networking online with many others VAs for the good part of a year now and I have never heard of any one else providing this type of service! Real neat!
Jun 11, 2009
Kathy: Thanks for your comments! There are a few other Virtual Assistants who work when they are on the road and RV’ing. I don’t do this full time, only some of the time, but I love it!
Jun 18, 2009
I started as a VA more than 10 years ago. At the time I was still working in a large law firm as a paralegal — having spent 30+ years in the legal field, former director of a nonprofit agency, etc. My idea was to “retire” to full-time RVing and and work as a VA. Two years ago I set out on my journey with a vintage 33′ Holiday Rambler travel trailer. It has been wonderful. I support several attorneys and a couple of authors and motivational speakers. My 2 Giant Schnauzers, 2 small parrots and I love the freedom our cozy home and downsizing allowed me to get rid of a lot of clutter. I am in the process of remodeling: having a an office built-in over the other twin bed, having the kitchen updated and a new pantry built-in, and replacing carpet and linoleum with bamboo flooring. This winter I replaced the furnace and AC.
I work off an air card which provides service as quick (if not quicker) than many land-based cables I’ve used in the past. I’m currently in the Mid-West which allows me to service my SoCal clients (my last 20 years were spent in San Diego County) overnight and my East Coast clients in the evenings. Thus I, a confirmed Night Owl, no longer need to rise at 5AM with the roosters. My 90 minute commute has been reduced to 9 minutes (the length of time it takes me to let the dogs potty and make coffee!).
When I first started talking about full-time RVing 10 years ago all my friends thought I was crazy. Now they are totally amazed that I’ve made a successful transition. It’s all about desire. If you truly want something enough, you can make it happen. Good luck to you in whatever direction you go.