Do You Have What it Takes to Become a Virtual Assistant?

This is a trick question because there is no hard-and-fast
definition of Virtual Assistant (VA).
Even if your skill set is different from other people who do office work, you
can still qualify within your particular niche.

As a general rule, the job involves performing some set of needed
tasks for other businesses while remaining off-site. Many VAs work out of their
homes (fuzzy slippers are optional). Make no mistake; you are running a real
business, with any regulatory and organizational rules that may apply. However,
you decide the services that you want to perform, as well as the methods that
you use to work with clients.

This type of work can be fun and rewarding, but it is not
for everyone. Here are some questions you need to answer before getting
started.

What Services Can You Provide?

First look at your existing skill set. You may be
fully-equipped to handle bookkeeping and other complex tasks, or perhaps you
want to start small, taking on basic responsibilities like answering email
correspondence or even answering calls for a solopreneur who frequently travels
on business. The list
of needed services is virtually endless, and, thanks to technology, there
are many ways to handle a variety of tasks from the comfort of your home office.

Of course, your current abilities need not limit your future
offerings. You will likely develop new skills on your assignments, and you can
also teach yourself how to do things of interest. With a vast array of classes
available online, you can use evenings or free time between gigs to keep
learning.

Do You Have the Necessary Equipment?

A computer, phone, and a reliable Internet connection are three
must-haves, regardless of what services you provide. Even if you don’t need
these basics to perform your work, they help you run the administrative side of
your business, which includes anything from handling financial issues, to
contacting clients, to selling your services. Most people find a printer to be
essential, as well.

You also need software. Some of it, like a bookkeeping
program and spreadsheet, help you keep track of money, clients, and more. The
offerings that you provide will dictate other needed software. Most VAs need
Word Processing. If you prepare taxes, then a good tax system is essential.
When you include graphics in your list of services, then you need anything from
basic presentation software to advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems.

Expect to send faxes, at least occasionally. But, you don’t
even need a fax machine with so many great online fax options
available. In fact, clients that rely heavily on faxing might pay for your
online account.

Your clients might also purchase other items that that they
need you to use. If they want you to attend meetings, then they will provide
access to the right software. They may also provide the phones needed to
connect you with their system or tokens needed to gain access to high-security networks.

The list is as endless as the number of services that you
perform. Make sure that you know exactly what you’ll need to take on every new
client.

Are You Disciplined Enough to Work with Little Supervision?

Telecommuting is not for everyone. In order to work
effectively from a remote location, your clients need you to have certain characteristics so that they
can trust you.

Even if nobody is watching you, someone will notice if you
miss appointments or deadlines. You also need to view your work area as an
extension of the client’s office. This means that common home-based
distractions, such as pets or children, must be addressed, even if you have to
hire someone to help. You also need the willpower to avoid any video
distractions that don’t directly relate to the job in front of you.

While discipline involves self-control, creative solutions
that address your personal issues can go a long way toward creating a
professional atmosphere.

Have You Identified Reliable Ways to Find Clients?

Unless you plan to earn a little extra cash by working for
one personal friend who needs you right now, marketing your services is an
essential part of any VA business. Done wisely, this task does not have to keep
you away from the daily work at hand.

Networking is vital, and it starts with your current client
list. Statistics show that you’re significantly more likely to make the sale
when prospects are referred by satisfied existing clients — and you’ll spend
fewer marketing dollars. Even referrals from friends and family, or those that
appear on social media increase the chances of a sale.

But, don’t forget about networking events, where you’re
likely to find like-minded individuals who need your services, as well. Check
out these networking
tips from top CEOs to gain valuable insight into ways to develop valuable
contacts.

The VA Life is a Real Business Wrapped in Enjoyment

You may not need to perform all of the startup
steps that are recommended by the Small Business Administration, but it
doesn’t hurt to review and consider every one of them because VAs operate real
businesses. If you fail to adhere to all regulatory requirements, you can face
significant consequences.

Just as important, becoming a VA means that you can
concentrate on using your natural talents and exploring new areas of interest.
Mark Twain famously said it best. Find a
job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

The post Do You Have What it Takes to Become a Virtual Assistant? appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.