Virtual Assistants are oftentimes moms, like you and me, who want to work from home. A Virtual Assistant (or VA) can offer clients any number of services from their home-based location, rather than being at a traditional office. VAs can earn a nice income, charging somewhere in the area of $10 to $30 per hour, with specialized or more technical services ranging around $50 per hour.
Basic computer skills and office skills are good to have before considering becoming a Virtual Assistant. If you have knowledge in a specialized field, you may be able to fill a certain client’s needs and charge on the higher end of the pay scale. But, just about every type of service is in demand online, including customer support. As with any small business, you will have some start up costs to consider, but they are minimal. The purchase of a good computer, printer, and desk are, of course, the essential items that you’ll need. Just to get you started, we’ve listed a few tips.
Services You Will Offer
Before you start, decide which services are within your skill set or expertise. Do you love booking travel plans for people? Can you type extremely fast? Are your spreadsheet or word documents dead-on accurate all the time? Are you in your element talking to people on the phone? Can you troubleshoot mixed-up orders or information? Can you design a web page? In offering services to clients, you’ll need to decide what you are suited for, and develop a strategy for working with your clients that hire you.
Your Business Plan
Mapping out a business plan is crucial to the success of every Virtual Assistant. You’ll want to start with a simple overview of your business, with a mission statement, marketing plan, and financial plan. Your business plan is also an essential tool to check back every year to see how you’re progressing. (It gives you a chance to pat yourself on the back — or to regroup and to make some changes.)
Setting Up Your Home Office
Make sure you have a separate work area, free from background noise, with adequate space to keep your client information secure and organized. You’ll eventually want to invest in a good desk, a separate telephone line with answering machine, and a reliable computer and printer. As your business grows, you may want to expand your office to include a scanner, copier and fax, depending on the type of work you’re doing for clients.
Computer Software
When you decide which services to offer your clients, you will need the software programs required to perform those services. There are many software programs available to you at various price ranges to fit any budget. Be sure to purchase only well-known, reliable software programs. You will be upgrading your computer as necessary – as your business needs expand and grow. You’ll find that other VAs are your best information source for finding the latest and best software and support networks available.
Marketing Yourself Professionally
Having professionally-made address labels, business cards, and stationery is important to presenting yourself as a professional. You’ll also want a website or blog as a means to introducing yourself to the public and as a way to maintain contact with your clients. Be sure your website includes a list of the services you offer, your contact information, and, once you get established with a few clients, some testimonials. As a beginner, offering free services to certain clients will build rapport and your portfolio at the same time. You want your clients talking you up!
You can enjoy your new career and make good money in the process from home. Virtual Assistants are highly in demand in an uncertain economy. When a small business owner has the option of taking on the expense and commitment of a full-time employee verses opting for a Virtual Assistant as a consultant part-time, you can see why this opportunity is growing. Get started today.
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Setting up a Virtual Assistant Business is a fun and lucrative business to start with a minimum of money and equipment. Get step-by-step help by grabbing your Guide to Making Money as a Virtual Assistant.
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