Are you looking for that perfect job where you can work from home while making excellent money? If so, learning how to become a Virtual Assistant may be something that is perfect for you.
Virtual Assistants are in high demand and the work they do may provide the flexibility and work life balance you are looking for.
Often times people that become Virtual Assistants do so because they are looking for something different than the so called “regular job”. They are craving something that can fit their schedules and still allow them to make respectable money.
Check out the many reasons that becoming a Virtual Assistant could be the perfect full-time or part-time online career for you!
BUT WAIT…WHAT IS A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT?
A Virtual Assistant typically abbreviated to a VA, is generally self-employed and provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to their clients from a remote location.
Small businesses hire VA’s when they need help but aren’t interested in bringing on a full-time employee to a specific location.
As a VA, your tasks are pretty similar to that of a secretary or assistant, however you get to choose who you work for, and what tasks you take on. You can manage your own schedule and work from anywhere. This could be the comfort of your own home or traveling abroad in Vietnam.
Becoming a VA isn’t some big long drawn out process and you don’t even need a fancy degree or certification. You just have to be good at what you do and provide stellar value to your clients.
OK, SO WHAT DO VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS DO?
The opportunities for Virtual Assistants are limitless. The growth of the internet has made work from home and online jobs possible to do virtually from anywhere in the world, it’s truly amazing.
When you become a VA it’s up to you, you get to decide what you would like to specialize in and offer to your clients. If you have something you excel at such as proofreading or building websites you can add these services to your portfolio.
Does the term “assistant” in the Virtual Assistant make you think you are limited to administrative duties? If so, I have good news for you…. VA’s offer so much more.
SERVICES VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS PROVIDE
- Email management
- Graphic design
- Social media management
- Writing articles
- Editing
- Bookkeeping
- Calendar management
- Travel arrangement
- Web design / development
- Researching
- Tutoring
- App development
- Data entry
As you can see the sky’s the limit in terms of services you can provide as a VA. Gina Horkey over at Horkey Handbook put together a list of 150+ Services You Can Offer as a Virtual Assistant. I recommend checking out her list, there’s something for everyone!
HOW MUCH DO VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS MAKE?
The amount of money you make depends on your skill level and the type of services you provide. On the low end, a Virtual Assistant can expect to make $10-$20.
However, an experienced Virtual Assistant who offers specific expertise or a repertoire of sought after skills can make up to $50-$100 an hour.
The more specialized your services and the more experience you have, the more you can make.
Most VAs set their own rates, so they are in control. However, as a new VA some find figuring out how much they should charge can be tricky.
It can also be a bit tricky to figure out how to market yourself and get your name out there if you are new to virtual assisting.
If you are thinking that becoming a VA is something you would like to do there are thousands of students who have taken Gina Horkey’s class and are seeing great results. Most students who have taken her course are able to land jobs during or right after they finish the course.
HOW TO BECOME A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT WITH NO EXPERIENCE
1. Determine what services you’ll offer as a VA
Take some time and think about what you are really good at doing. If you’re not sure don’t stress there are soooo many different services you can offer as a VA.
Are you a social media guru? If so, maybe social media management is something you can market to your clients. Are you passionate about grammar and have an eye for identifying punctuation and spelling errors? Then specializing in proofreading could be added to your list of VA skills.
I recommend going through Gina’s list of VA services and choosing a couple that you think are a fit for you. You can always add new services as you learn various skills.
2. Find Someone Who Excels At VA Skills
Starting a new online business can be a bit intimidating when you don’t know what steps you should take to guarantee success. Do yourself a favor and cut to the chase by learning from an expert.
When it comes to learning how to become a Virtual Assistant Gina is your lady! Gina started her own VA business back in 2014 and within 6 months she was making $4,000 per month working part-time.
Get this, during this time she was also working a full-time job in the personal finance industry. However, after 8 months she was able to turn in her resignation and begin focusing on growing her own online business.
After Gina realized that the skills Virtual Assistants offer are highly sought after she decided to put together a course. Gina offers an online course that can turn anyone looking to become a VA into a successful business owner, whether it be a side hustle or full time career.
Gina is a pro at teaching wannabe virtual assistants how to start their own VA business and land clients as beginners in her famous course 30 Days or Less to Virtual Assistant Success. If you’re looking for the quickest way to begin making money with your VA business, this is where to start.
3. Create A Website To Promote Your VA Business
Did I just scare you by saying you have to create a website? If so, no worries it’s really not as difficult as it sounds, and the great thing is it’s cheap. You can get your website up and running with Bluehost for only $3.95.
Here’s my step by step guide to help you get started with setting up a website.
Sidenote: the link for setting up a website says “How To Start A Blog.” If you want to start a blog by all means follow the process laid out. However, if you’re simply looking to create a website the process is still the same 😉
You May Be Wondering Do I REALLY Need A Website?
Having a website gives you a place you can direct potential clients to, it also makes you look a bit more professional. Having a presence on the web will be something that will help you grow your business into a money-making machine. It’s also a great place for you to showcase the services you offer.
4. Get Involved On Social Media
Market yourself quick, free, and easily through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Linkedin.
You know that saying “build it and they will come?” That’s exactly what you are doing, you are putting yourself out there! Let everyone know you are offering VA services and explain to them what you specialize in.
The power of networking is incredible. You never know what friend of yours has a friend looking for the skills you are offering.
Pay close attention to the social media platforms where your potential clients are present and begin offering them exceptional service. Showcasing your willingness to help and answer questions separates you from the others and shows prospective clients the value you can provide.
BENEFITS OF BECOMING A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT:
- Flexible Schedule
- Set your own rates
- Work From Home
- Build great references and potential job referrals
- Learn how successful businesses run their business
- Use exciting and fun software and tools
- There is no specific education, training or certifications required to become a virtual assistant.
WHERE CAN I WORK AS A VA?
Becoming a VA is something that can become a very lucrative way to make money but it’s not going to happen overnight. You have to work hard and treat this like the business it is.
You can’t expect to become the most sought out VA without putting in a great amount of effort. While waiting to acquire some great VA gigs you can market yourself on networks like Upwork, Fiverr, and TaskRabbit.
TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL ASSISTANT BE READY TO DO THE WORK… YOU CAN DO THIS!
As mentioned above becoming a Virtual Assistant is something that takes a lot of work and determination. It’s not a get rich scheme. However, if you put in the work necessary I have a good feeling you will be successful. Take control of your life and create the life you’ve been dreaming of today!
By investing in your future today you’ll get to where you want to be sooner. Don’t let anyone stand in your way: You’ll experience:
- Freedom and happiness
- The opportunity to create your own online business
- Flexibility and time for yourself
