All Episodes

October 18, 2023 38 mins

Hi everyone.

Before we move on to this episode, I have some exciting news to share with you! We are now holding live Looking Forward® Encore "Ask Me Anything" events where you get to ask guest experts who've been on the podcast YOUR questions. Our second event, to be held at noon ET on Wed., October 25th, will feature Loren McDonald, who will take questions about OPPORTUNITIES in the electric vehicle industry. If you've heard Loren on the Looking Forward podcast, you know he's a recognized expert on global opportunities in the EV space! You can join us by registering here. https://jeff-ostroff.com/lf-live-events

Now on to the episode. Did you know the demand for personal virtual assistants (PVA) is growing worldwide? More importantly, do you know how to succeed as a personal virtual assistant, or how to choose a PVA… if that’s one of your organization's needs? My guest expert, Melissa Smith, is an expert on all things related to PVAs.

On this episode, Melissa speaks about (1) what distinguishes a PVA from a consultant or other type of freelancer, (2) what are the kinds of duties a PVA can take on, and (3) what are some things that have changed the landscape for PVAs-- and those who hire them-- since Melissa's last appearance on Looking Forward®, nearly 3 years ago.

Melissa then spends a lot of time telling you where some of the global opportunities lie for PVAs... and how to go about finding them. And she offers you a multitude of tips, whether you are looking to succeed as a PVA or to hire one.

Now a little bit more about Melissa. Melissa Smith is the founder of The PVA, a firm that matches clients with the right virtual assistants. She is also the best-selling author of two books, Hire The Right Virtual Assistant and Become a Successful Virtual Assistant. Additionally, Melissa also mentors for Remote-how Academy, the first global, online education and individual certification program. 

Drawing from her experience while working on five different continents, Melissa truly understands how to operate a successful virtual business. Melissa has been featured by ABC, NBC, CBS, Entrepreneur, Forbes, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. News & World Report. Most recently Melissa was named Top Virtual Assistant Consultant of the Year, a Top 10 Most Inspiring Woman in Business 2022, one of the top 100 Dynamic Leaders, and a trailblazing female entrepreneur to watch in 2021.

Now a few words about a special deal you can get just by being a Looking Forward® listener!

Do you make podcasts, video courses, or other content? That means you need your own engaging website and mobile app for everything you make… and SupaPass can help. Turn your followers into super fans and paid customers. Elevate your brand with your own stunning website and mobile app. And with SupaPass it’s never been easier.

SupaPass is the most powerful content app maker on the market and NOW you can try it for free. Or like me, you can be on one of their other plans. In fact, enter code LOOKINGFORWARD and get a 10% lifetime...

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Fudd Around And Find Out

Fudd Around And Find Out

UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.