Virtual assistants are also a popular option over hiring a regular employee because they’re considered independent contractors who have their own office equipment and pay their own taxes, therefore saving potential clients a lot of money in overhead costs.
If you’ve done administrative work in previous jobs, starting a VA business could be right up your alley.
Getting Started
Choose a name for your business and register it with the proper agency. Select two to three business name options, and check with your appropriate state agency to make sure the name is not being used by any other business. Purchase a domain name that reflects your VA business. All professionals in this field should have their own website because it reflects their professional attitude toward their work.
If you want to be a good virtual assistant, you need to set the hours right away and the hourly pay. You also have to set up a spreadsheet of your hours worked so that you have all the necessary documentations down to the minute if the client questions your work or pay. Most clients are easy to work with, but some will take advantage of your time. You have to discuss everything up front before agreeing to do the work.
Some client put high demands on the assistant. Some clients feel that the assistant should be at their beckon call no matter what time of day it is or what day it is. Before agreeing to work with anyone, you have to set your hours and stick to it. If you let a client contact you any time of the day, you will open a door to burn out or become frustrated. Some clients expect a person to be able when they need them and this causes problems with your home life.
Equipment Requirements
Since you're reading this, I can assume you have the primary tools needed to start your home based virtual assistant business, but to be thorough, I'll list the equipment you'll need... plus there may be one or two items you don't have and didn't think about:
- A computer with high speed internet access
- email program
- office suite software
- phone
- printer, scanner or fax machine
- a website to promote your services
- a desk
- comfortable chair
- a quiet space to work
Virtual assistants can make good money depending on what the job duties are and the client.
It was reported by virtual assistant trade organizations that the average full-time VA working in the US would gross about $39,452 annually. Now that isn’t a bad income.
According to the George Washington University forecast of emerging technology, Virtual Assisting will become a $130 Billion Industry in 2008. Thanks to our growing technology, and the fact that it’s easier to just source out work to a VA due to the fact that a business doesn’t have to pay for any benefits when they out-source, this type of service will only get bigger and more in demand.
Finding Clients For Your Home Based Virutal Assistant Business
Finding legitimate virtual assistant jobs can seem like a frustrating task. With so many scams on the web, it seems like there aren't any real opportunities available. But these positions do exist; you just need a few tips to find them.
Having persistence and dedication will put you on the path to landing virtual assistant jobs in no time.
Check out virtual office temp's website. They specialize in connecting companies that need virtual assistance with qualified candidates. The company doesn't charge any application or membership fees. All you need to do is register to receive weekly virtual assistant jobs.
Bid on virtual assistant jobs on Guru.com. This is a bidding website that allows you to bid on jobs. Check out the category titled "Admin (legal, medical, and accounting support" for virtual office assistant jobs. You can bid on projects in your area with a free membership, or purchase a membership (costing about $30 a month) which allows you to apply to virtual assistant jobs all over the world.
The WAHM job board is a great resource for finding companies that need virtual assistance. The WAHM job board is updated daily with legitimate virtual administrative assistant and virtual secretary jobs.
Target local businesses in your area. You can easily find virtual assistant jobs for yourself if you have a good strategy. Employers that are downsizing are looking to hire contract workers. Approach companies in your area about virtual assistance on a contractor basis.
Sign up and complete your profile on freelance websites like Odesk, Freelancer or Elance. Freelance websites will help you find clients, especially if you do not have any. Attach a copy of the resume to the freelance profile. Take any available tests that will help demonstrate your proficiency. View different work categories to look at job opportunities you are capable of completing. Bid on jobs to get work experience. Wait for a job offer and complete the project in the time specified. This way, you will get a positive recommendation from the client.
Last Word
Prepare a good marketing strategy and business plan for your hiome based virtual assistant business. Remember that your business will take time and work. Many virtual assistants often work between 14 and 18 hours a day in their start-up phase. Even after establishing their company, many owners still work long hours, including weekends and holidays. However, as a VA, you can set your own work schedule and work nights, early mornings or during the hours that best suit your lifestyle. And at the end of the day, it'll be you that makes ALL the decisions.
Additional Resources
Until tomorrow,
Terry
