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. ostroff.com/lf-live-events">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 how.com/">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 discount on any of their plans. Go to SupaPass.com

I invite you to LISTEN, ENJOY, LEARN, LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE this episode! NOTE: We may include your comment with attribution, of course, on our website. And please subscribe to Looking Forward®: Opportunities for Job, Career, Business, and Investment Seekers, too!

If you are interested in sponsoring 3 episodes of Looking Forward-- or distributing our content-- please let us know. (Give a listen to what I have to say about SupaPass. We can do something like that to promote your organization or upcoming major event!)

**You’ll find more information about me and my business, Jeff Ostroff & Associates, LLC, in the middle of this episode and by visiting ostroff.com/">https://www.jeff-ostroff.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-ostroff-8142647/

On the website, you can also contact us about the various marketing and communications services we offer, such as (1) podcast hosting, creation, consulting, and column writing, (2) professional voice overs, (3) B2B/B2C interviewing for individuals and businesses looking to promote themselves or better understand their competitors, customers, and prospects, (4) "Voices in the Spotlight," our new show specifically intended to help you promote your business, its products or services, and (5) senior marketing assistance. (Hey, I've actually written a book about that!) You can also reach me at ostroff.com">jeff@jeff-ostroff.com

Looking Forward® is THE podcast about the OPPORTUNITIES created by global trends, now and into the future, and how YOU might capitalize on those: Think... jobs, careers, business start-ups, entrepreneurial ventures, freelancing, investments, and life enrichment.

Guests are experts in their field, and most are C-suite executives, household names, authors, and/or from prestigious universities or similar organizations.