| One of the newest jobs available today is a | | | | Skills you need: You should have good people |
| virtual assistant. With so many jobs being | | | | skills, knowing how to communicate well both |
| completed through the internet, having virtual | | | | over the phone and through written |
| office staff only makes sense. It helps companies | | | | correspondence. Being organized is a must, as |
| keep down overhead, and allows more workers | | | | that is the main reason most people need a |
| the flexibility to telecommute. While there are | | | | virtual assistant: to help them stay organized. |
| training programs to teach you how to become a | | | | Good typing skills are also crucial. |
| virtual assistant, many people already possess the | | | | Tools you need: You will need a reliable computer, |
| skills needed. You simply need to learn to market | | | | with word processing database, spreadsheet, |
| yourself, showing the potential employer you're | | | | calendar programs and internet connection (high |
| the perfect person for the job. | | | | speed is best). You may also want to have an |
| Where to find a job as a virtual assistant: There | | | | unlimited long distance phone plan, as you may be |
| are virtual assistant associations found on the | | | | calling clients or setting up appointments for your |
| internet that could assist in your training and job | | | | employer all over the country, possibly even the |
| search. Some people who run home offices | | | | world. A hands-free phone might also be a good |
| advertise for a virtual assistant, to help them stay | | | | investment. A fax machine is a good idea, as well |
| organized without having to have an outside | | | | as a printer and scanner (many units combine all |
| person come to their home. The VA will help | | | | three features in one machine). |
| them stay current by answering e-mails, | | | | How much money can you make? If you find a |
| reminding them of appointments, and other office | | | | full-time position, as opposed to freelancing for a |
| administrative duties. Some VA assistant jobs | | | | few clients, the income will vary. Some companies |
| may require occasional office visits, so you would | | | | pay VA's anywhere from $20-$50 an hour. |
| need to live within driving distance of the office. | | | | |