What Is A Virtual Assistant (VA) - Virtual Assistance is a recession-proof industry. In fact, VAs are getting busier because of the recession. Before I explain why, let’s first of all explore what a VA is:
A VA provides secretarial and admin support services from their own office with a variety of clients. They communicate using email, fax, phone and other web-based tools, without having to go into their clients’ offices. VAs are not employees, they are independent contractors.
VAs are thriving in these current economic times because they save businesses money. Clients do not have to pay for employee benefits such as sick pay, holiday pay, retirement benefits and insurance. They ‘only’ pay for work as and when it’s needed, by the hour. It’s much cheaper to use a VA than a ‘normal’ employee.
Just think of all the businesses out there that still need secretarial and admin help, even during a recession! It’s no wonder that Virtual Assistance is one of the fastest growing industries on the internet.
Businesses are actively looking for VAs to help them right now, so there has never been a better time to become a Virtual Assistant.
Your next question is likely to be ‘So how do I become a Virtual Assistant’ or ‘Where do I start’? The first logical step is to think about what services you can offer.
Just think of all the businesses out there that still need secretarial and admin help, even during a recession! It’s no wonder that Virtual Assistance is one of the fastest growing industries on the internet.
Businesses are actively looking for VAs to help them right now, so there has never been a better time to become a Virtual Assistant.
Your next question is likely to be ‘So how do I become a Virtual Assistant’ or ‘Where do I start’? The first logical step is to think about what services you can offer.
What to Offer
Don’t feel that you have to start by offering lots of different services. In fact, you can make good money as a VA by just offering one or two services. You can always add more later, as you build your confidence.
Think about your current and previous jobs and write down all your skills. Most office jobs involve tasks using a computer, so you probably have skills that you take for granted.
Don’t forget other skills such as being able to multi-task, being organized or being a good communicator. You’ll soon realize the value you can offer your clients!
Once you’ve had a look at your skills and interests, you’ll have a better idea of what services you could be offering now.
An essential skill for any Virtual Assistant is Microsoft Office. If you need to improve your skills in Word, Excel and Powerpoint, click here for a very reasonably priced training course that you can download and use at home.
Think about your current and previous jobs and write down all your skills. Most office jobs involve tasks using a computer, so you probably have skills that you take for granted.
Don’t forget other skills such as being able to multi-
An essential skill for any Virtual Assistant is Microsoft Office. If you need to improve your skills in Word, Excel and Powerpoint, click here for a very reasonably priced training course that you can download and use at home.
Have control over your life
You really do have control over your life as a VA.
Let’s look at an example:
If you already have a full- or part-time job, you can start by becoming a VA in your spare time. You don’t need to become a full-time VA straight away. In fact this would be a very smart way to get started, without giving up your day job immediately.
But won’t it be difficult to get clients if you’re only available in the evenings or on weekends? Absolutely not. There will always be clients that suit your lifestyle.
Of course, you might come across clients who want you to be available during the day and that’s fine. You just explain your current situation and they’ll either understand or look elsewhere. Just stay persistent and continue getting your name out there. Sooner or later, you’ll get your ideal clients – just remember that you have control over your life as a VA: you’re an independent contractor/business owner, not an employee.
Let’s look at an example:
If you already have a full-
Of course, you might come across clients who want you to be available during the day and that’s fine. You just explain your current situation and they’ll either understand or look elsewhere. Just stay persistent and continue getting your name out there. Sooner or later, you’ll get your ideal clients – just remember that you have control over your life as a VA: you’re an independent contractor/business owner, not an employee.
Getting Clients
One of the most important skills to master is marketing your VA services. Many people don’t like to ‘sell themselves’ but it’s actually very enjoyable once you know how. And really, it’s not about ‘selling yourself’ but letting people know how you can help them.
There are so many ways to market your VA business. Get professional business cards made and give them out to family and friends. They may need your services or know someone who does. Join small business forums on the internet and be helpful to other business owners. This is a great way of getting your name out there.
As well as marketing ideas, you need a marketing plan which includes who you will be marketing to and how you’re going to reach your target market. Your marketing plan will get you thinking about how you’re going to get your message across and convince prospects that they need you. When talking to potential clients, you’ll need to convey the actual benefits of your services, rather than just reeling off a list of your services.
There are so many ways to market your VA business. Get professional business cards made and give them out to family and friends. They may need your services or know someone who does. Join small business forums on the internet and be helpful to other business owners. This is a great way of getting your name out there.
As well as marketing ideas, you need a marketing plan which includes who you will be marketing to and how you’re going to reach your target market. Your marketing plan will get you thinking about how you’re going to get your message across and convince prospects that they need you. When talking to potential clients, you’ll need to convey the actual benefits of your services, rather than just reeling off a list of your services.
How To Set Your Hourly Rate
What hourly rate should I charge?’ There is no hard and fast rule about this. Every VA sets their own hourly rate depending on their location, the services they provide and their skills & experience.
Before you start your VA business, find out what other VAs in your area are charging. Some VAs post their hourly rates on their websites, so do some research and get an idea of current market rates.
If you’re located in London, you’ll need to charge more than someone who is for example based in Belfast or Liverpool, because of higher living costs. But don’t get discouraged because your rates are higher. There’ll always be clients who are willing to pay for a more ‘expensive’ VA based in their experience and location.
Getting Clients Without Leaving Your House
Can you really get clients without leaving your house? With your own website, people all over the UK can find you 24 hours a day. It is not difficult or expensive to set up a website. However there is a lot of information to consider to find what is right for you. If you would like more information on this please Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.
Becoming a Virtual Assistant can be very rewarding. But to be truly successful, you’ll need to nurture the right
MINDSET FOR SUCCESS.
Have true faith in yourself and your abilities. Develop an unshakeable belief that you will be successful and
YOU WILL BE.
MINDSET FOR SUCCESS.
Have true faith in yourself and your abilities. Develop an unshakeable belief that you will be successful and
YOU WILL BE.
Please contact us for more information or to answer any questions you may have
