What is the difference between working with a VA with a broad range of skills and knowledge across different business areas – and working with a VA who knows your industry or niche well? A talented community of Virtual Assistants is out there, ready to support any business that needs more generic business support, online business management, tech set-up & support and beyond. However, working with people who have specialised knowledge in your industry is a distinct advantage.
For example, as a Canine VA®, I work with many clients in the Canine industry. Some are trainers, others are groomers, and others run courses for their clients to serve their canine community better. Others need regular emails and newsletters sent to their audience to keep them updated with the latest canine news. Some people need their lives organised around their business so they can get on with the things that are the most important to them – like having a life, spending time with family (human and furry alike!), and running a business around the life they’ve always wanted and dreamed of.
But how do you look for, find, and choose someone in a niche or an expert in your industry?
Let’s look at some key elements of what to look out for, whether you’re looking for a VA in your industry or not – and I’ll draw on some of my experiences with that.
What should you look for when you're looking for a VA who niches in your industry?
Industry-specific expertise: a VA who brings a wealth of knowledge specific to your industry means they’re already familiar with the jargon, trends, and best practices. This speeds up onboarding and increases efficiency from day one.
Tailored Solutions: because we understand your industry’s unique challenges and opportunities, a specialised VA can offer tailored solutions that are more effective and efficient than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Better Customer Interaction: Someone with in-depth knowledge of the industry who can communicate more effectively with your clients will provide more informed responses and build trust through their expertise and knowledge of your industry.
Strategic Insight: Those of us who focus on a specific industry can provide valuable insights that help you stay ahead of the competition. They can spot trends, conduct research, and suggest new strategies or improvements based on their specialised knowledge of your area of business and the technology or ways of working that will be best for you.
Cost Efficiency: working which a niche VA means you spend less time and resources on training us about the industry specifics or every little nook and cranny of your business. Their existing knowledge helps them to hit the ground running, reducing the learning curve and saving money.
Enhanced Brand Voice: someone who understands the nuances of your industry can help maintain and enhance your brand voice, ensuring that all communications are on-brand and resonate with your target audience.
Networking opportunities: VAs immersed in a particular field more than often have their network of industry contacts, which can open up new opportunities for collaborations, partnerships, and growth for your business and go to general business groups and canine specific ones. Do a bit of research of what might be in your area and go along to meet people. It’s not as scary as it sounds, and you never know who you might meet.
Word of mouth: the best way to gain business is through repeat business or referrals. If you are part of a community of like-minded people, remember to get to know them and do so with integrity. When you get to know people, they will be able to recommend connections for you—and that will include people who are great at supporting businesses.
Attend events: I attend Crufts each year and often meet with clients and talk to people who may become clients. Going to industry-led events is a great way to keep up with those people you’ve got to know, gain an even better understanding of what’s going on in your area of business, and build real relationships. I’m not the only VA who attends this (and other) events, so check them out and ask people who they know.
Focused marketing: we, as VAs, will be able to assist in developing and implementing marketing strategies that are proven to work within your industry, reaching the right people with the right message at the right time.
Resource management: our industry focus (ie, being a part of the VA industry) enables us to recommend the best tools, technologies, and resources that are specifically beneficial for your business needs. If we can’t do something, we will know someone who can.
Join the right groups: similar to networking and word of mouth, if you’re already online, search for groups online. There are plenty of canine groups out there, and if you’re a business owner, you can get involved. If you’re not sure how to find the right groups, ask around. I’m a member of several canine groups, and they’re thriving communities.
Passion and Commitment: VAs who niche down do so because we are passionate about the area we serve. This passion translates into a higher commitment and enthusiasm for your business success. It’s a natural extension of who we are in our business area and the passion that drives us, ensuring we keep ahead of the curve.
Getting the best support for you and your business
I have a passion and love for dogs and the canine industry. I have had dogs for as long as I can remember and used to be a trainer myself. When I left corporate life to start my business, I realised it was the perfect opportunity to start my business how I wanted to – or what was the point? I wanted to bring my experience of years of being an executive assistant from my corporate days together with my love of dogs and the canine world because I understand the industry and its challenges, I understand the passion that people have for their beloved dogs – and I understand what it’s like to run a business.
You don’t have to spend hours explaining your techniques and methods to me because I get it. You don’t have to teach me anything about the canine industry because I understand it inside out.
I stay up-to-date with regulations and advocate for animal rights and welfare, which is crucial for the canine industry. Because I’m knowledgeable in these areas, it can ensure your business complies with laws and supports advocacy efforts, enhancing your brand’s reputation.
While I may not possess every skill you need for a very particular part of your business, because I’m a member of a thriving and collaborative VA community, I collaborate, work with or can recommend people who would be perfect for your business. We work together to find the right solutions for your business transformations.
If you’d like to find out more about what it’s like working with me, get in touch for a discovery call:
https://thecanineva.co.uk/contact-us/
If you’d like to brainstorm or brain-dump some ideas so we can work out what’s best for you and your business, you can book a power hour , more information here.
Other pet specific businesses, I work with or recommend
There are several businesses that specialise within the pet/canine industry that you may be interested in or need their services. Here are just a few of them.
