Having a team of highly-qualified, go-getting and charismatic PA’s makes each day very easy. This week we thought we could introduce you to another one of our highly-qualified PA’s, Taryn Petersen. Having a virtual PA (VA) is something we believe your life should not only have, but it is something you need. And we are not just saying it. We believe that making your life simpler allows you the ability to do more with the free time you never thought you could have, and that’s where our incredible VA’s play a role. Here is an insight into the people that make us the team we are!
Name: Taryn Petersen
Location: Cape Town
Meet Taryn:
What is the best thing about being a PA for Outsourcery?
The constant learning and growing. Every day we learn something new, whether it’s from a client or someone on the team. We’re always learning and can apply this to the work we do for our clients.
How long have you worked with Outsourcery for?
Almost 11 months now! It is actually crazy to think how fast time flies.
What are your key strengths that your pride yourself in?
I’m a quick learner, love trying new things and being organised.
Do you have clients who travel a lot? If so what do you help them with primarily?
My clients don’t travel often but I am always helping to arrange travel for events and meetings. These would normally include some international and national flight & accommodation research and bookings, hotel transfers/car hire arrangements, researching and applying for visas and setting up itineraries.
When delegating, what do you think is the most important thing to remember?
It’s good to let go, especially when you’re a control freak. You’ll realise that things actually do get better once you delegate and trust someone else to help take care of things.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as a PA?
My biggest challenge was dealing with the fact that I didn’t have all the answers when I first started in this role.
How did you overcome those challenges?
We can often be very hard on ourselves and we set high expectations. I had to work through the fact and accept that I would eventually learn the things I didn’t know and that it was okay to not know. I gave myself time, asked questions and used my friend Google. I’m still learning!
What is the best part of your day?
Interacting with the team. We have really awesome people on our team and there’s always laughs, challenging and lots of help going around.
What is the best advice you can give to any other PA?
No matter what your background is, you won’t know everything from the get go. So give yourself some time and breathe! Experience comes with time.
How do you keep track of all of your work?
I love having an organised day. So I use my diary and task management tools quite religiously to ensure I stay on top of things.
What is your favourite meal of the day, and why?
Lunch! I get to enjoy a yummy meal and some fresh air (most days).
