How To Become A Virtual Assistant

Becoming a Virtual Assistant

There are a lot of things to consider when becoming a Virtual Assistant. You do not have to be a computer savvy to become one. Stay-at-home moms, retired employees, people who already have careers but want to change their career path or simply want to work at home, even out of school youths can consider this type of work or service. With the proper training, interest, motivation, patience, and perseverance, you can become one of the best.

In the internet world, some companies outsource VA's from any part of the world. Some of the advantages are companies or clients can pay for a cheaper rate than hiring an employee, plus, both parties can easily terminate any projects, tasks, or services mutually without breaching any contract unless you are hired by a company remotely.

Tips to Become a Virtual Assistant

Get a website. You can get a website or a domain for as a cheaper version in order for you to be visible. It will be easy for your potential clients to find you, and to also prove that you are a business person.

Get involved in Social Media. There are many types of social media platforms that you can choose from to sign up with. The popular ones where clients mostly hangout are; Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, and many others.

Hustle. Most people think that becoming a VA is an easy task. You need to think as a business person and adapt the "know-how-to" ways and tips in the online business to get the money roll in.

Network with other VA's. This is a good way in finding some insights on how to work with potential clients. You can share ideas and tips with online tasks, digital terms, and organize work schedules to name a few.

Learn more skills. The more skills you have, the more clients you will get. It also enhances your knowledge and will make you a better Virtual Assistant. One way is to enroll in Skills Development and Enhancement Program where you can learn basic training such as Content Writing, Email Management, Social Media management, and many more. In Davao City, Philippines, where I am from, enrolling at KOM Academy is a great opportunity to learn basic training.

Upgrade your acquired skills. Once you have learned basic skills and knowledge, you can choose to upgrade for you to improve. One example is, as a Graphics Designer or as Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist. As mentioned above, KOM Academy also offers Advanced Level Training Program. This will make you more competent in the VA world. 

Types of Virtual Assistant Jobs

VA's are independent professionals, where there will be no employer-employee relationship. They can offer a wide range of their services in accordance with their skills to business consumers and customers. Below are some of the types of VA jobs/services to offer.

. Content Writing

· Email Management

· Social Media Management

· Customer Service

· Online Bookkeeping

· Graphics Designing

· Web Management

Lists of Companies 

Virtual Assistants nowadays has changed substantially and attracts more newcomers in the industry. In finding jobs online, competition has become gradually high, that is why it is advisable to be more creative and upgrade your skills from time to time. Here are some companies where you can find potential clients.

• Upwork

• Belay (formerly known as eaHelp)

•  Zirtual

• Fancy Hands

• 24/7 Virtual Assistants

•  Virtual Office VA

Becoming a Virtual Assistant

What is Virtual Assistant?

A virtual assistant (VA) is a person who provides support services to other businesses from a remote location. It is the ability to work virtually due to technology improvements, such as high speed Internet, document sharing, and other advancements, made working remotely a reality.

Virtual assistants are especially in demand by entrepreneurs and online businesses that need help, but don't want to bring on staff in their location. However, many small and mid-size businesses use virtual support, especially in specific tasks such as social media management.

What do Virtual Assistants do?

Theoretically, a Virtual Assistant can do anything any other support staff does, except bring the coffee. (Although when home-delivery coffee is created, the VA will be able to do that too!). However, virtual support duties are not limited to clerical work. Many Virtual Assistants provide marketing, web design and other services. A basic list of services include:

·         Calendar management

·         Email management

·         Social media management

·         Appointment setting

·         Marketing and PR

·         Research

·         Writing

·         Graphic creation

·         Website management

·         Bookkeeping

·         Customer support

·         Project management

·         Travel booking

·         Customer service

Tips to become a virtual assistant

1. Get a website

People need to be able to find you, so a presence on the web is crucial. It gives you a more professional appearance, a chance to highlight some of your skills and an opportunity to explain your process.

Use my step-by-step guide to set up a website or a blog if you want to regularly add articles. (Note that the post title is “How to Start a Blog” but the same steps work to start a website with this one small tweak).

3. Get involved in social media with this tip

Possible social media platforms to pursue include Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Periscope, Blab, YouTube, Google+, LinkedIn or one of many others. It will be impossible to devote enough time to all of them, so, where to start? Focus your social media efforts wherever your potential clients hang out.

Relationships are key. Being involved in social media is one of the best ways to find clients and vice versa, especially until you are established and can rely on word of mouth.

4. Be helpful

Be very careful not to come across as spammy. Mass emails or “cold” emails to people that don’t know you are rarely successful. I understand the need to make an income, but take the time to offer useful information first. This might come in the form of really useful articles written on your blog, or it might come in the form of genuinely helpful (and respectful) advice to someone you meet online.

In my case, I casually offered some ideas to a friend on Twitter and it turned out to be the start of a working relationship that lasted quite a while.

5. Hustle

One of the most common misconceptions about working online is that it picks up quickly. This is usually not the case. This is a business. Just like any other business online or offline, it will require hustle. You can’t just build a website and watch the money roll in. Be proactive, enthusiastic and keep at it!

The nice thing about working online is that the barrier to entry is low and the cost to start is very reasonable. This allows you to make it a side hustle until you pick up enough steam to go full time.

6. Network with other VAs

Ask around, read great articles, do some googling and find people who are already VAs. Check out their websites, see what they offer and get an idea of how it might work for you. 

7. Work for a VA service

If finding your own clients is not your thing, you might consider working for a company that matches VAs with clients. For some, the help received from the company finding clients is worth sharing the profits.

Some companies to consider are Belay Solutions (formerly eaHelp) and Upwork. I’ver personally hired VAs from both. Priority VA or Fancy Hands. I don’t have personal experience with Priority VA or Fancy Hands, but have heard good things about them.

Sources:

https://www.thebalance.com › ... › Home Business › Home Business Toolbox

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