If you're thinking of becoming a Virtual Assistant, then this article is for you. Let me tell you now, being a Virtual Assistant is not a get rich quick game. It is a job. It just happens to be a job where you are your own boss. There are many advantages to being a self-employed professional but it does take hard work. If you really want to succeed, you must be completely dedicated to making it work!
This article is not intended to give you a step-by-step guide to becoming a Virtual Assistant. I have included many resources that will do that. I just want to explain a business that many people find enjoyable. A Virtual Assistant business is fairly easy to start and it doesn't require a lot of money. It is the perfect job for many stay-at-home moms. However, it is not a business just for moms.
"Just tired of the corporate rat-race"
This business lends itself to many professionals who are just tired of the corporate rat-race and tired of the long daily commute to work and back home. Being stuck in traffic is no picnic - especially with gasoline prices at all time highs. "I needed a change", says Ms. Joni Snowden who started her VA business (A Novel Space) a little over a year ago. VA is the abbreviation most people use when speaking about this industry. "I grew tired of fighting for a decent raise every year, so I took matters into my own hands", says Ms. Snowden.
"I Am The Boss"
As a self-employed professional, a VA sets their own hours - usually. There may be times when you have to work a little later or maybe even a Saturday morning to meet a client's rushed deadline. For the most part, you set your own hours that are convenient for you. Remember though, if you want to succeed, you must be completely dedicated to making it work. Meeting client's deadlines are very important! Ms. Snowden stated, "One of the most important aspects of my business is having the flexibility to change things, if necessary. Before, I was always subject to what my employer wanted; now I am the employer."
You Do What?
One of the obstacles when starting a new VA business is making business owners and prospective clients understand exactly what you do and what you can offer them. It is called Virtual Assistant because most of the work is done from your office, not theirs, using the internet, email, phone, and a fax machine. As with any business, it helps to be patient and to have some selling skills. Proving to a client that you can save them money and produce better results than an employee is a technique that you will need to become good at. Again, there are resources here that will teach you every aspect of the VA business.
Do I Need any Special Skills?
* Discipline! You should work as hard for yourself as you did for your previous employer (maybe harder).
* Tenacity! Don't quit! Keep working until you get it right.
* Time Management. You set your own schedule but you should set your schedule and then work it as if you had to report to someone else at the end of the day. Learn to manage interuptions from kids, neighbors or relatives.
* Organization. You must be extremely organized. Plan your work and then work your plan.
* Good Communication Skills. You must be able to meet people, not be shy. You must have good telephone etiquette. You must have good writing skills.
* Technology Know-How. Let's face it - technology is how this business came to life. You must know how to use today's computers proficiently and know how to use many software programs - or get the training.
Virtual Assistant - The Series
Virtual Assistant - The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought-After V A sets the stage for starting, operating, and growing a successful and PROFITABLE Virtual Assistant Business. This book has already helped thousands of administrative assistants, word processors, and other office professionals realize their dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.
The book covers all the business nuts and bolts including business and financial planning, pricing your services, billing, and setting up your business. Plus, it offers information on creating your website, daily operational procedures and most importantly, how and where to find clients. Discover how to put your existing skills to work for clients around the globe and apply them across many different industries.
Still working full time? You can still do it! We'll show you how to ease into your practice while working full-time AND continuing to care for your family.
Along with their personal experiences, the authors also include recommendations from virtual assistants across the land. These are the real pros that are now running successful businesses. You will find their suggestions in the "In Their Own Words" section at the end of each chapter and featured throughout the book. This will enable you to see how others are making their businesses successful and provide you with a blueprint on how to do the same with yours.
Cited as a "must have tool" for the V A industry, Virtual Assistant - The Series is currently used as training material for V A courses including: Virtual Assistance U, an online training center for virtual professional; Red Deer College's V A Certification Program (in Canada); and other higher level learning organizations and colleges who are recognizing the potential for growth and continued education in the V A industry.
Do I Need Special Training?
"Only if you plan to offer services that you have little or no experience in", stated Ms. Snowden. In your career, if you have worked as an administrative assistant or office coordinator, you should be able to do this business. Also, you should be able to "think on your feet". Learn your clients businesses really well and be able to suggest projects that you could do for them.
How Do I Get Clients?
Make a list of the businesses and professional offices in your area. Contact them and sell them on what you do. (For a list of people who need your service, see "Who Needs A Virtual Assistant" at the bottom of the first column of this page) Also, don't be afraid to ask for referrals from your satisfied clients.
RESOURCES
Here are many great references and resources that I have found.
* www.anovelspace.com - Ms Joni Snowden. Special thanks for help in compiling this article!
* www.ivaa.org - International Virtual Assistants Association: Great information and membership to meet other VA's
* www.allianceforvirtualbiz.com - A VA Mentoring Program, VA Seminars, and great forms. You have to get their "Pricing Worksheet"
