Physical Diaries and Planners: Helping Virtual Assistants Become Business Owners
In our digital world, we shouldn’t overlook the value of a physical planner, especially for Virtual Assistants (VAs) aiming to grow their business and really stand in the shoes of being the business owner. The MY PA Planner, found at mypaplanner.com, is a brilliant tool designed to help entrepreneurs, including VAs, organise their business and life effectively.
I am often asked what do I use to help me run the VA Training Academy and the wider VACT Limited – and it is a a physical planner. Over the years I have used many different planners but one I have come back to several years in a row is the MY PA Planner.
Why Physical Planners Work Well for VAs
Physical planners offer some great benefits that digital options often miss:
1. Clear Focus: A physical planner gives you a distraction-free space to concentrate on your goals and tasks without notifications popping up or the temptation to do multiple things at once.
2. Easy to Customise: Unlike fixed digital apps, a physical planner lets you set up layouts your way, add personal touches, and change your planning style to suit you.
3. Visual Reminder: Having a physical planner on your desk reminds you of your goals and commitments, helping you stay focused and motivated.
How the MY PA Planner Helps VAs Become Business Owners
The MY PA Planner is made with entrepreneurs in mind, making it a great choice for VAs who want to start their own business. Here’s how it can help:
Business Planning Made Simple
The planner includes a business plan template, which guides VAs through the process of planning and starting their own business. This is really useful if you’re thinking about moving from being a VA to running your own VA agency or similar business.
Setting Goals and Managing Time
With sections for yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily goal-setting, the MY PA Planner helps VAs prioritise tasks and manage time well. This organised approach is key for balancing client work with growing your own business.
Everything in One Place
As an all-in-one business planner, MY PA Planner includes useful tools like a time management system, project planner, and social media planner. These features are great for VAs managing several clients while growing their own business.
Keeping Track of Finances
The planner has monthly profit and loss and cash flow sections, helping VAs keep an eye on their finances as they start their own business. This financial awareness is important for growing a business that lasts.
Personal Growth
MY PA Planner isn’t just about business. It includes sections for gratitude journaling and habit tracking. These parts support the personal growth and wellbeing that’s needed for successful business ownership.
Making the Move to Business Owner
For VAs looking to become business owners, the MY PA Planner offers a structured way to make this change. Its features support:
1. Creating a Vision: Use the Life & Vision planner to map out your long-term goals as a business owner.
2. Planning Your Strategy: Use the business plan template to outline your services, who you want to work with, and how you’ll grow.
3. Making the Most of Your Time: Use the time-blocking feature to balance client work with growing your business.
4. Learning New Skills: Track your progress in learning new skills you’ll need as a business owner.
5. Growing Your Network: Use the connection pages to plan networking and keep track of important contacts.
By using the MY PA Planner regularly, Virtual Assistants can work steadily towards becoming business owners, making sure they don’t miss any important steps along the way.
The journey from Virtual Assistant to business owner can be challenging, but it’s also rewarding. With good tools like the MY PA Planner, VAs can organise their thoughts, plan their actions, and keep track of their progress effectively. This physical planner isn’t just for scheduling; it’s a comprehensive business companion, supporting VAs at every stage as they build and grow their own successful businesses.
