Become a Virtual Assistant
Becoming A Virtual Assistant: Is It For You?
Not too long ago, I bumped into a friend who was just about beside herself because she had just lost her job. Her husband had recently taken a cut in pay and was facing layoffs too. They have three kids to raise, bills to pay - just like we all do ...
Now I knew that she had been working for a construction company as an assistant in their office. You would not believe how her eyes lit up as I gently suggested that she might want to look into becoming a virtual assistant and working at home instead. Naturally, she had plenty of questions - wouldn't you?
It's not something to take lightly - venturing into the home business realm after you've been working a JOB for years.
This kind of situation is seen more and more often these days. The current economic lows are really hurting families. So I thought I'd share some of the questions that my friend asked and some shortish answers.
Not too long ago, I bumped into a friend who was just about beside herself because she had just lost her job. Her husband had recently taken a cut in pay and was facing layoffs too. They have three kids to raise, bills to pay - just like we all do ...
Now I knew that she had been working for a construction company as an assistant in their office. You would not believe how her eyes lit up as I gently suggested that she might want to look into becoming a virtual assistant and working at home instead. Naturally, she had plenty of questions - wouldn't you?
It's not something to take lightly - venturing into the home business realm after you've been working a JOB for years.
This kind of situation is seen more and more often these days. The current economic lows are really hurting families. So I thought I'd share some of the questions that my friend asked and some shortish answers.
“Want To Be A Virtual Assistant But Think You Don't Have The Necessary Skills?...Think Again!!”
Become a Virtual Assistant ~ What is a Virtual Assistant?
A VA or virtual assistant is a person who is self-employed and usually works from home. People who become a virtual assistant help other businesses - generally with their administrative tasks.
Basically, becoming a virtual assistant means you're an office assistant who never has to actually "go" to your client's office :) And sometimes, business owners have specific jobs that their virtual assistants will just be in charge of. These can potentially require more skill (and therefore more money).
Basically, becoming a virtual assistant means you're an office assistant who never has to actually "go" to your client's office :) And sometimes, business owners have specific jobs that their virtual assistants will just be in charge of. These can potentially require more skill (and therefore more money).
How to Become a Virtual Assistant - Getting Started Ideas
Becoming a Virtual Assistant ~ What Skills do I Need to Become a VA?
The basic skills a VA needs are office and business administration skills. A VA also needs to be highly organized, communicate effectively and pay careful attention to detail. Some clients look for additional technical skills, such as writing, marketing, social media, blog or website maintenance, and multimedia production - even podcasting!
The skill set you'll need as a VA depends on the type of clients you want to work with. Find out what they NEED and build your skills to respond effectively.
How to Become a Virtual Assistant - Get the Guide
This is the guide that will get your VA business up and running in no time. Who knows? Becoming a virtual assistant may be the next perfect "job" for you.
Become a Virtual Assistant ~ What Kinds of Work Does a VA Do?
People who become a virtual assistant commonly do office-related stuff, such as:
responding to emails
making travel arrangements
sending out faxes
researching and compiling information
business writing
typing up notes or transcribing audios
In addition, VAs nowadays are often expected to:
write and publish or schedule blog posts
work with autoresponders
rewrite private label rights content
optimize a website for search engines
create a slideshow presentation
update websites
set up social networking profiles/pages
create videos and publish them online
In addition, VAs nowadays are often expected to:
Become a Virtual Assistant ~ Is Being a VA a Good Option for Moms?
Oh yes! A lot of work at home Moms I know are VAs and they make good incomes from the comfort of their home, without having to leave their children in the care of others. Virtual assistance is a home business, which means it's flexible. You decide how many hours a day you want to work, on which days, what type of work you want to do, and even whom you will work with.
On the other hand, if you have small children, remember that occasionally you will need to be on the phone or webchat with a client, supplier or other associate. In this case you'll need somebody else looking after your small children so you can have some quiet and be able to focus on the call or chat.
On the other hand, if you have small children, remember that occasionally you will need to be on the phone or webchat with a client, supplier or other associate. In this case you'll need somebody else looking after your small children so you can have some quiet and be able to focus on the call or chat.
Important!
Become a Virtual Assistant - Bottom line? It pays.
VA's can charge anywhere $10-$50 an hour for their services, depending on the services they offer
Become a Virtual Assistant ~ How Much Money Can I Make as a VA?
The hourly rate of VAs depends on several factors. These include their skills and experience, whether they specialize in certain services or a particular industry, and any certifications they may have (those who are certified by recognized institutions charge higher fees). VA fees vary widely, ranging anywhere from around $15 to $70 per hour. So you can see, it's entirely possible for a VA to make a full-time income working at home.
Ok, I'm interested. Where do I begin?
You can try and figure everything out yourself, of course. But better yet, get the guidance of experienced VAs who have successful virtual assistance businesses. Two such VAs are Jen Houck and Nell Taliercio who have a combined experience of over 5 years in virtual assistance. They share their success stories and step-by-step tips in the Just Add Sweat Guide To Become A Virtual Assistant.
The guide includes:
an audio course on everything from setting up your VA business, to marketing your services and finding and keeping clients
a workbook to get you into action
5 videos teaching essential Internet skills
...and more.
Ok, I'm interested. Where do I begin?
You can try and figure everything out yourself, of course. But better yet, get the guidance of experienced VAs who have successful virtual assistance businesses. Two such VAs are Jen Houck and Nell Taliercio who have a combined experience of over 5 years in virtual assistance. They share their success stories and step-by-step tips in the Just Add Sweat Guide To Become A Virtual Assistant.
The guide includes:
by BeVirtual
I'm passionate about helping people who want to stay home and be with their family do exactly that. Becoming a virtual assistant is one very... more »
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