How to Become a Virtual Assistant 1-2-3
So What is a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant (VA) is an entrepreneur who provides administrative, technical or marketing assistance to
clients from a remote location, usually a home office. A few years of office experience is expected, and
workers take jobs on a long-term contract basis for customers. They communicate via phone, fax or internet
services and sometimes may not meet the client in person.
If you run your own virtual assistant business, you want to have your own website where prospects can review
information about your company's background and services. You always want to be professional, finish jobs
efficiently and meet the expectations of the client. Become the individual you would like to hire, because the
"product" you are selling to your customers is yourself.
Write down a list of the services you offer, describe how you operate on the job and what you expect from
the client. Always listen carefully and ask questions when needed and show the customer that you care, that
they can trust you and that you can manage their projects professionally. Have professional business forms with you so you can
demonstrate your expertise. You can develop a truly great client relationship this way. As you complete jobs,
gather testimonials from clients that you can use in your company literature and your website.
What Equipment Do I Need and Where Do I Get It?
RingCentral offers an affordable
phone and fax service that you can get through your computer. There is no need to buy and set up equipment.
To complete administrative projects, you will need word document software, an email program for efficient
communication purposes, and possibly other software programs to handle tasks you manage for your clients.
CircuitCity.com is a good
budget resource for office equipment, software and other electronic items. I have found that they
consistently have the best prices and fast service.
What About Virtual Assistant Training?
You do not need to be certified to
operate your own virtual assistant business. Nonetheless, certification is a great asset when prospects
are deciding whether to do business with you or someone else. A certificate shows that you are
knowledgeable and have the skills to get jobs done. Below are high-value VA training resources:
-
VA Classroom
VA Classroom doesn't just offer the standard training for virtual assistants. They put you "ahead of
the competition" by offering three different training programs:
- Social Media Marketing
Specialist
Learn the skills needed for the most "in-demand" services today: Online Video Marketing, Social
Network Profile Management, Twitter and Facebook Marketing, Social Media Strategy and Online
Reputation Management.
- Internet Marketing
Learn the latest internet marketing skills so you can provide your clients with the latest services
they want. The information you learn can also assist you in marketing your own services...
- Virtual Event
Marketing
Find out how you can manage virtual meetings, presentations and conferences for your clients - they
will be impressed.
- Assist U Virtual Assistant Training
This is a comprehensive 20-week training program. You learn in both classes and one-on-one coaching
sessions. You will also find out how to start your own virtual assistant practice work with clients.
How to Become a Virtual Assistant
Why go your employer's office everyday when you can
work from the comfort of your own home doing the same thing - virtually? Not only are entrepreneurs
finding this a flexible and enjoyable home-based business, but employers can save money on hiring expenses
and providing office space.
Virtual assistants do a variety of tasks, depending on the needs
of their clients. These jobs can include appointment setting, customer service, database management, website
design, word processing, project management, event planning, desktop publishing, travel arrangements, public
relations, writing and more. As you can see, virtual assistants do more than just administrative
work.
VA expert Kathy Goughenour grew her virtual assistant business to over $100,000 a year, and she shares her
secrets to success (along with 12 other VA Professionals) in the Become a Virtual Assistant
start-up guide.
See what you get
>>
Step-by-Step System to Get Started: How to do a
client consultation with new clients to find out their needs, and multiple services that you can
provide them.
- Specific Guidelines to Follow: How to price your services, invoice clients and what to include
in job contracts (including sample invoices and contracts you can use).
- Low-Cost Marketing: freelance marketplaces, networking and getting free referrals, free
promotional opportunities and even how to get VA work through staffing agencies.
Start Your Virtual Assistant Business
How do Virtual Assistants Find Clients and Jobs?
VAs can work with large corporations, small companies or individuals. You can work full-time or part-time,
arranging a schedule that works both for you and your client(s).
The Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce states that VAs charge between $35 and $70 per hour for their
services. If you are unsure of what to charge, see what the going rate is in your city. Charge less if you have
less experience and credentials, more if you are more.
- eMarketing Essentials
for Virtual Assistants
Online job sites can be a good resource for work, but you may not want to rely on them. Online Business
Manager Lisa Wells knows how to get customers without using job sites. She helps VAs grow their income
with minimal effort and advertising cost. (*Recommended on the Virtual Assistant Forums*)
- Indeed
Use Indeed's online job listing search engine to find work by job type, name or location.
- VirtualAssistants.com
They have an online "database" of jobs for virtual assistants and other home-based administrative work.
They also have a work at home newsletter [free].
- Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce
This group has a directory that can help you find work. You can become a member and post your business
contact data for employers to view. FlexJobs provides information on telecommuting and online jobs. The site has
freelance projects listed and also full-time work.
Resources for Virtual Assistants
4,500+ Professionally-Written Business,
Sales and Marketing Letters
Instantly professionalize your business with minimal effort using foolproof sample business letters and writing
guidelines. You'll get more done in less time with this cutting-edge software that we think is absolutely cool!
An asset to any virtual assistant business.
