Become a Virtual Assistant

Become a Virtual Assistant

Have you ever thought about whether you have the skills to become a Virtual Assistant?

Okay, wind back a step, do you know what a Virtual Assistant is and what they do?

A “Virtual Assistant” (or VA) is a person who takes on part of the workload of a business whilst working remotely, usually from their home or home office. VA’s can work exclusively for one business or provide services for a number of businesses as a sort of “portfolio” offering. 

See the Wikipedia definition of virtual assistance here

Note that the term “Administrative Consultant” is also becoming more popular these days to describe what is essentially the same role (but probably describes the role a little better)

In short, Virtual Assistants (or Administrative Consultants) can perform a lot of the administrative tasks surrounding a business which may include handling phone call, dealing with emails, data entry, accounting tasks, and generally handling any number of business related assignments. Think of it as a “remote administrator” and you will likely get the ideas of what a virtual assistant does.

All of this support allows the business owner the time to concentrate on the more critical aspects of running their business. It’s a bit like a secretary, PA or assistant in a real office, but performed virtually!

So the big question is that if you were to become a virtual assistant would there be any work for you?

Why Become a Virtual Assistant?

So why become an administrative consultant, and more importantly would there be any work for you? ie: Is there really a demand for the service?
Well, consider the fact that there are genuinely only 24 hours in a day of which with the most ardent workaholic would maybe work at most 16.

There are more and more one or two person businesses springing up day by day who simply cannot handle all the administrative tasks required to run a business. And that is just at the small business end.

In addition, many larger corporations are encouraging their workers to “telecommute” and effectively work away from the office. This could be an ideal situation for a Virtual Assistant, especially one who would ideally like salaried employment.

In short, people need help to run a business, especially when it comes down to the time consuming administrative stuff and that is where a VA would come in. Businesses are also trying to cut cost and reduce their office space costs. Put the two requirements together and you have the need for virtual administration.

And from your point of view, one of the best aspects of being a virtual assistant is that there are so many different tasks which can be covered from basic secretarial work right through to handling of payroll and accounts. The job can be very fluid if you want it to be and is unlikely to get routine. Most virtual assistants have multiple clients at any given time, so their work schedule is always full.

Tools You Will Need When You Become a Virtual Assistant

The successful VA will need to be able to work on a wide variety of tasks, and will need equipment and tools to be able to perform the role

Here’s my list of things you will definitely need

• A Good (reliable) Computer or Laptop.. make sure it is dedicated for your use and is not the “family laptop”
  
• A High Speed Internet Connection – With a good, reliable, responsive service provider
• A Separate Land Phone Line – connected to a corded phone.  This is essential if you are handling or discussing  “sensitive information” over the telephone as it is much more secure than a cordless phone or mobile
• Microsoft Office Software – most businesses these days use MS-Office so it is a good idea to invest in this powerful suite of business applications.  Office includes Word, Excel and Powerpoint which are essential these days.  The free OpenOffice provides some of the functionality but really you do need to invest in MS-Office
• Antivirus Software – I recommend AVG but Norton is just as effective
• A Good Reliable Printer – in case you need to print anything out but please do bear in mind confidentiality implications if you are printing, especially if printout is easily accessible by family members
• A Shredder – see above
• An Office Space – ideally some  space in your house to act as an office area with a desk and comfy office chair and space for any filing materials (or at the very least a quiet area away from family noise whilst you are working)

And that’s it really.  You may need extra software, training, a headset etc depending on the sort of work you are doing but the above list should at least get you going.

Promoting Yourself as a Virtual Assistant

Now that you have all of the necessary things in place to actually offer yourself as a service provider to other businesses you need to get out there and promote yourself.

First of all you need some sort of web presence so that you can point potential clients and detail the services you have to offer.

Your own website is best for this, there are many free web service providers who will provide a basic business website.  I will write a post very soon about how to get a website setup (it is a recurring theme!).

Setup a Facebook profile, a LinkedIn profile and get yourself up on Twitter to help spread the word about your business

Then. go to The Administrative Consultants Association.. (formerly the “Virtual Assistants Chamber of Commerce”… they have lots and lots of advice, guides, information including sample contract forms, and a complete business pack. Some of it is free, some of it is paid but if you are serious about getting an Administrative Consultant/VA business off the ground I suggest you at least check it out. They run a very good forum too…. the ACA will definitely start you off on the right foot.

Click here to visit Administrative Consultants Association.

Remember, you will want to promote your new virtual assistant business at any given chance or opportunity.  This is what you do, your career.  If anybody asks you at a social gathering “what do you do?” be prepared to explain in some detail.  You never know where a chance encounter can lead.

Above all, don’t  be afraid to spread the word that you are in “in business to help other businesses”.

Use classified ads in your local area and nationally – remember you could be performing a role for anyone, anywhere in the world, so also use online ads as well.  You are not restricted by geography in any way!

Get creative when it comes to promoting your virtual assistant business -  here are some ideas

• Use international classified sites on the Internet such as Craigslist and USFreeads.
• Join small business forums and add a link to your forum signature
• Twitter about your business
• Setup a blog and blog about business ideas, or “life as a Virtual assistant” … just keep it professional
• Get business card and flyers made up and distribute them
• Put a link in your email signature
• Seek out jobsites and put an advert up
• Go to Fiverr.com and offer small administrative pieces of work for $5
• Get a car sticker made for your car
• If you have past administrative experience get a CV made up and post to monster.com and similar sites
• Offer your services at freelancing sites such as  ELance.Com or ODesk
• Be prepared to offer your services at a reduced rate initially to build up your portfolio
• There are lots of things you can do for webmasters such as website submissions, link building, social bookmarking – consider offering these services as part of your portfolio
• Network virtually
• Network locally and tell everyone you have become a virtual assistant
• ….. just get out there!

Think creatively and look at everything as an opportunity for your new business to make itself known, and you will soon reap the rewards of your effort

In conclusion , being a virtual assistant is a very rewarding career for those who are business minded and have a knack for keeping things organized.

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Loads of Work From Home Ideas

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Become a Virtual Assistant Today!