| If you are looking for a way to work from home | | | | your client information secure and organized. You'll |
| or supplement your current income, you may | | | | eventually want to invest in a good desk, a |
| want to consider becoming a Virtual Assistant. A | | | | separate telephone line with answering machine, |
| Virtual Assistant (VA) is a person who handles | | | | and a reliable computer and printer. As your |
| office tasks for clients from their home instead of | | | | business grows, you may want to expand your |
| working in a traditional 9 to 5 office building. The | | | | office to include a scanner, copier and fax, |
| income potential varies depending on the services | | | | depending on the type of work you're doing for |
| offered a client, but a VA can charge anywhere | | | | clients. |
| between $10 to $50 per hour, depending on their | | | | Software You'll Need: You'll also want to have all |
| specialty. | | | | the software required to provide the services |
| Skills Required: Basic computer skills and office | | | | you've decided to offer. If you're starting on a |
| skills are good to have before considering | | | | budget, at a minimum you need the software |
| becoming a Virtual Assistant. If you have | | | | required to do the job well. You can always |
| knowledge in a specialized field, you may be able | | | | upgrade or get new software as warranted. |
| to fill a certain client's needs and charge more | | | | Networking with other VAs is invaluable in finding |
| money. But, just about every type of service is | | | | out all the best resources for software and |
| in demand online, including customer support, | | | | support. Many expensive programs can be |
| proof-reading and book-keeping. As with any small | | | | purchased at low cost or free -- or replaced with |
| business, you will have some start up costs to | | | | a free alternative, you'll find. |
| consider, but they are minimal. The purchase of a | | | | Marketing Yourself Professionally: Having |
| good computer, printer, and desk are the only | | | | professionally-made address labels, business cards, |
| items that you'll need. | | | | and stationery is important to presenting yourself |
| Your Services: What are you good at? Deciding | | | | as a professional. You'll also want a website or |
| which talents you have will determine the services | | | | blog as a means to introducing yourself to the |
| that you will offer your clients. Are you a typing | | | | public and as a way to maintain contact with your |
| whiz? Do you like solving customer problems over | | | | clients. Be sure your website includes a list of the |
| the phone? Can you make complicated travel | | | | services you offer, your contact information, and, |
| arrangements seem easy? Do you like to | | | | once you get established with a few clients, some |
| coordinate special events? Are you a good | | | | testimonials. As a beginner, offering free services |
| networker? Do you have a good eye for design? | | | | to certain clients will build rapport and your |
| Can you find your way through developing a web | | | | portfolio at the same time. You want your clients |
| site? After you figure out which services suit you, | | | | talking you up! Advertising at online forums, |
| you will be able to develop a plan of action. | | | | networking Twitter.com, and joining networking |
| Put Together a Business Plan: Before taking the | | | | groups will also help you to build a client base. |
| next step of starting a Virtual Assistance | | | | You can enjoy your new career and make good |
| business, we recommend that you write a | | | | money in the process from home. Virtual |
| business plan that includes an overview of your | | | | Assistants are highly in demand in an uncertain |
| business, mission statement, marketing and | | | | economy. When a small business owner has the |
| financial plan. There are many online resources to | | | | option of taking on the expense and commitment |
| help you put together your plan, decide which | | | | of a full-time employee verses opting for a Virtual |
| services to offer, etc. | | | | Assistant as a consultant part-time, you can see |
| Setting Up Your Home Office: Make sure you | | | | why this opportunity is growing. Get started |
| have a separate work area, free from | | | | today. |
| background noise, with adequate space to keep | | | | |