Being a Virtual Assistant (VA) can be an excellent start for you if you are looking to have your own schedule and be your own boss.
Virtual Assistant is a stay-at-home position & lifestyle. You can work from home or anywhere in the world, the choice is yours. VAs usually work with solopreneurs and small business owners by providing administrative support; helping to manage day-to-day tasks and social media management. Some VAs may even specialize in areas such as marketing, content creation and graphic design. Many VAs are stay at home moms and military wives, like myself who have found tremendous success building a VA lifestyle. The freedom to have balance in your family and work schedule is the best part.
To become a VA you need to have good organizational, time management, and communication skills, as well as few simple tools to get you started. First, one of the most important is a functional computer with internet accessibility. A laptop is a great choice as it allows you to take it everywhere you travel. I use a laptop. However, if you currently only have a desktop, that is absolutely fine too until you can upgrade your equipment.
You’ll want to have a professional looking Facebook and/or Linkedin profile. This lets potential clients see you as a professional; not just someone working from home and will help you build credibility. Also have a professional email address, not [email protected]. Create a free email account through Gmail. It comes with many great features including a calendar and file sharing option.
As you are starting out, focus on creating a list of niche markets you want to work with. For example, if you have a background in health you can consider working with health and wellness coaches; if you’re a English major, you’ll be excellent working with authors, real estate agents, network marketing professionals helping them create content, proofreading and editing. Your opportunities are endless! I suggest you start with creating an ideal client list to get you started; this will help you find a niche market you can offer your services to.
Lastly, have some basic knowledge of programs or applications being used in the field of VAs. Email management support is one which is most commonly needed for any business owners. Task management, document creation and time tracking are some others you’ll need to know. One place to start if you’re already not familiar with is Google suite, i.e. Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, etc. This is a free platform that most entrepreneurs are using and it will be very helpful for you to become familiar with them.
As you can see, anyone can start working as a Virtual Assistant. All you need are few simple tools to get you started and the motivation to start. Don’t be afraid to take the leap; use your knowledge and skills to create your dream life. Come be a bossbabe!
