How To Become A Virtual Assistant At Home
What is a work at home virtual assistant?
A virtual assistant is anyone who works out of their home office helping or assisting a business owner/company/CEO,etc. in various capacities remotely. For example, many virtual assistants handle phone calls, emails, make appointments, and other things like manage blog comments/forum posts for website/business owners. Virtual assistants also do many secretarial/administrative and bookkeeping duties. They also handle social networking for many companies. Basically, you do whatever needs to be done within your area of expertise.
A virtual assistant is an independent contractor and a business in and of itself.
How much does it cost to get started as a virtual assistant?
The cost to start a virtual assisting business is minimal if you already have a computer, internet connection, and phone. You will need to pay for a website which includes buying a domain name, renewing it yearly, and purchasing hosting (about $75 yearly). You will also need a way to collect payments. Paypal is my preferred method of invoicing customers. Remember that some or all of these costs can be small business deductions.
What equipment do I need to become a virtual assistant?
Really, all you need is a computer and internet connection to get started. This is assuming you already have a landline phone with long distance availability or a cell phone. You’ll also need an “official” website like I mentioned above. You will most likely also need various kind of software programs.
Bottom line & tips on becoming a virtual assistant:
1. You will need some secretarial experience, great typing skills, and you will also ALREADY need to be good with computers as well as well versed in all things internet/social networking.
2. To get clients, you need to be blogging, or at least actively involved in social networks such as twitter, facebook, and google+.
3. You do not need any type of virtual assistant training but a high school diploma is necessary and some college or a 2 year college degree is preferred.
4. Look for virtual assistant jobs on freelance websites
5. Ask around locally to see if anyone could use your services.
Who’s hiring virtual assistants online?
Many freelance websites like odesk, elance, freelancer, ifreelance, and guru have virtual assistant contracts to bid on every single day. You can also acquire your own clients. By following the tips above and being helpful you will get your first client in no time!
Helpful VA resources you’ll want to look through:
Now it’s your turn. What questions do you have about being a virtual assistant? Are you already a VA? Do you have helpful/important tips to add that I did not cover?
Amanda Compton
Hi, I have been working from home as a full time blogger and part time photographer since 2003. I am also the proud mother of two handsome little boys that are eleven and eight. My boys are my life, and they are the very reason I choose to work from home. If you find these resources helpful or interesting then feel free to subscribe to our feed, our newsletter, and network with me below. Further, if you are interested in finding legitimate jobs for stay at home moms then please visit our Work from Home Jobs List and our Stay at Home Mom Jobs resource. Thanks for stopping by!
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