When you operate a business online one of your most important assets is your computer – it’s where all your data is stored. Everything you’ve set up, your systems, client information, database of contacts, history of things that have taken place, everything, it’s a very important part of your Virtual Assistant business.
So, why would people risk this and not back up their systems on a regular basis? The absolute minimum should be weekly but I would recommend daily, especially if your computer is in use daily. And this would include all of your My Documents folder, any other folders outside that with client/business information, your accounting program, Outlook or whichever email program you use and so on.
I don’t mean back up your software – you should have the original disks for that anyway, and perhaps separate backup disks also. But I do mean back up what changes regularly and do it religiously. DO NOT FORGET. Don’t let it be shoved aside. A good backup system is your insurance for your Virtual Assistant business – otherwise, if you lose it, you may as well pack up and go and do something else, because you can effectively lose your business. I’ve heard of some people who have taken a good 6 months to get back to where they were before, because they didn’t have a backup system and lost everything when they lost their computer. Imagine the money lost because they couldn\’t recharge for the time spent in replacing everything?
There are many options available these days: CD burning, external drive systems, tape back up, online file storage – explore what’s available and select what best suits you. Even backing up to a second computer (perhaps a laptop) is better than no back up system at all.
Don’t risk your VA business – back up!
About the Author
Kathie M. Thomas, AFAIOP, MVA, ASO is the founder of “A Clayton’s Secretary”, a Virtual Assistant Network with members in many countries. Dedicated to teaching others about operating business over the Internet, Kathie is a multiple award winner as both a Secretary and Virtual Business Operator, and has over 30 years’ experience in the secretarial/administrative field. She registered her business in March 1994 and is one of the senior VAs who launched the industry globally. http://www.vadirectory.net.
