A virtual assistant (VA) is a personal assistant who works remotely. Flexibility of scheduling, control of free time, reduction of your carbon footprint and increased personal liberty are all perks of this trade (and any freelance work).
Here are 10 expert tips to help you start your personal virtual assistant business.
There are many website building tools available today. Your website is your online professional storefront for your virtual assistant business.
While you can get into the VA business without one, a website should be established as soon as possible to give you an online presence and something to direct people to.
Sign up with online freelance agencies to showcase your skills, whether you excel in copywriting, typing, making reservations, doing secretarial work or performing data entry.
There may be a steady supply of available projects at companies who bring clients and freelance virtual assistants together. But many of these companies are based in the United States, so be sure to ask whether or not they hire Canadians.
As a freelancer, workflow and pay are going to fluctuate, so plan as far ahead as possible.
Save enough money to cover your expenses for a few months (plus a little more for unexpected emergencies) before you abandon your day job entirely.
Use word-of-mouth advertising or referrals from happy clients to build your business. To make sure that your clients are willing to give you positive referrals, do the best job you can every time.
Notify former employers and professional acquaintances that you are available as a personal virtual assistant.
You never know when someone may need your services or refer you to a colleague.
If your specialities include writing web copy or online articles, then learning search engine optimization (SEO) increases your value and the number of available projects.
Whatever your skill is, stay current in the latest technology. In most VA positions, you'll be expected to be adept in using that skill.
Unless you are an expert in a particular area, try your hand at a variety of projects to discover what you like and do best.
Target start-ups and small businesses as clients. These clients are more likely to hire virtual assistants because of their cost effectiveness.
One advantage of being a freelancer or VA is that you can control your workflow. So, when workflow ebbs or pay dips, simply apply for more projects.
Build your brand and reputation. Don't give up because of a few setbacks. And remember that great businesses are not built overnight.
Perhaps the best thing about becoming a personal virtual assistant is that you can keep your day job and do your VA work at night and on weekends.
Spending your free time on your VA work like this lets you test the waters and build a business while still having the security of a more regular income.
Along with these expert tips, one of the most important things to remember is that a VA or freelance business is not for everyone. But this kind of freelance work can provide the freedom, income and flexibility that many people crave.
