| A virtual assistant (VA) provides administrative, | | | | assistant business. However, a VA certificate |
| technical or marketing assistance to clients | | | | demonstrates your knowledge, skills and |
| remotely, usually a home office. Communication | | | | professionalism and can help you gain more clients. |
| with clients is primarily by phone, fax or internet. | | | | You can even get certified as a Social Media |
| In fact, sometimes a VA may never even meet | | | | Marketing Specialist or Virtual Event Specialist. VA |
| the client. | | | | Classroom and Assist U both offer good virtual |
| Before you become a virtual assistant, you want | | | | assistant training programs online |
| to have several years of administrative | | | | How do Virtual Assistants Find Clients and Jobs? |
| experience under your belt. In addition, if you | | | | Virtual assistants have several work options. First |
| decide to start a VA business, you want to have | | | | decide whether you want to work part-time or |
| your own website where potential clients can get | | | | full time. Do you want to work for large firms, |
| information about your company. | | | | smaller companies or provide virtual assistance to |
| When meeting potential clients for the first time, | | | | individuals? |
| you always want to act professional. | | | | When it comes to setting your service rates, |
| Demonstrate that you are trustworthy, can | | | | take into account (1) your experience (2) what |
| complete tasks in a timely manner and follow | | | | you need to earn per hour to remain profitable |
| through on agreements as expected. Put together | | | | and (3) the competing VA rates in your area. |
| a clear outline of the VA services that you | | | | According to the Virtual Assistance Chamber of |
| provide, explaining how you work with your | | | | Commerce, virtual assistants charge between $35 |
| clients. | | | | and $70 per hour for their services. If you are |
| What Equipment Do I Need? | | | | unsure of what to charge, check what |
| The basics include a computer, fax machine (or | | | | competitors in your area are charging. |
| online fax capability), printer/scanner/copier, a | | | | Some online sources for virtual assistant jobs and |
| back up hard drive, phone and high speed internet | | | | finding clients: |
| connection. Ring Central has a low-cost online | | | | 1. Virtual Assistants has an online database of jobs |
| service where you can get phone and fax | | | | for virtual assistants and other home-based |
| services through your computer without having | | | | administrative positions. |
| purchase equipment. If you do need to purchase | | | | 2. The Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce |
| equipment, take a look at refurbished products. | | | | offers an online directory. Through membership, |
| You can often get great deals on quality products. | | | | virtual assistants can post their business contact |
| You'll want software to create word documents, | | | | information and connect with potential clients. |
| an email program too and software for other | | | | 3. Flex Jobs lists information on telecommuting |
| services that you decide to provide for your | | | | jobs, including freelance and full time work options. |
| clients. | | | | A virtual assistant business can be a convenient |
| Do I Need Virtual Assistant Training? | | | | home-based business that fits into your lifestyle. |
| Certification is not required to run a virtual | | | | Want more information? |