Home based business is what many people hope to pursue. Despite the fact that there are many home based businesses that you can run; One of the most sought-after professions is the business of a virtual assistant. Industry Virtual Assistant is a profession that is growing every year. Despite the fact that the industry of virtual assistants today is recognized as high; some people still don't know about this profession. In fact, there are many questions that are often asked in the virtual assistant industry. Answers to many of these questions will be discussed here to provide a better understanding of the field of virtual assistant.
1. What is a virtual assistant?
Virtual Assistant or “VA” is a highly qualified independent entrepreneur who uses the most advanced technology and provides administrative support and other specialized services for businesses via the Internet, email, fax and telephone to support the growing needs of organizations around the world.
A virtual assistant is very similar to a traditional assistant. The main difference is that the virtual assistant provides its services from its home office. While businesses hire a traditional assistant to work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week; VA is hired to work on an “as needed” basis. For example, businesses hire VAs to overflow projects by accepting monthly tasks or simply expanding their office.
2. What services does Virtual Assistant provide?
A virtual assistant can provide a wide range of services, including:
Word processing
Data input
Database management
Desktop Publishing
Email Management
bookkeeping
marketing
Web Design and Maintenance
Transcription (general, medical and / or legal)
Event layout
Internet research
And much more
However, the services provided by the virtual assistant depend on experience and skills. For example, if you have experience and excellence in word processing and data entry, you should offer these services. DO NOT offer services in which you have no experience.
If you are interested in other services, but are not qualified in these areas, this does not mean that you cannot add them to your list later. You can always get the necessary training to provide more services to your customers. The main thing to remember, however, is that you want to succeed in the areas of services that you offer. When you succeed in one service area and provide excellent results, your client will be ready to offer you more work at a later date and even send other clients to you. So remember, when you first start, be true to yourself and start with what you know.
3. How much could I do as a virtual assistant?
The cost of a virtual assistant varies from $ 25 to $ 100 per hour based on experience and skills. Some services require a lot more work, and therefore a higher rate. For example, a VA that offers text processing will not charge as much per hour as a VA that offers web design and service. It basically comes down to the complexity of the service.
In addition to the standard hourly rate, VA also offers monthly storage plans. The monthly retention plan is a set number of hours per month, offered at a reduced rate. Customers can purchase monthly hold plans in advance, or you can set them up on a weekly or two-week basis.
4. Do you need to be in the same field as your customers?
VAs are not required to work in the same field as their clients. In fact, most VA clients are located in different cities, states, and sometimes in countries. However, some customers like to work with local VAs so that they can meet with them. For example, customers who are simply exploring the VA industry may feel a little safer when they can meet with VA face to face. Therefore, despite the fact that VA provide their services in essence, do not forget about local marketing. You never know where your customers might be.
5. Do I need experience?
Many people who start the Virtual Assistant business today often have previous work experience in the services they provide. In fact, many organizations believe that you should have at least 5 years of experience in the corporate world (not the virtual world). If this does not apply to you, do not give up hope. There are many places where you can get the training you need to start your own VA business. There are various online training courses specifically designed for VA. In addition, if you need to improve your computer skills, you can always conduct classes at your college in the local community to gain the necessary experience to learn the various programs needed for VA, as well as how to create a website. Many colleges even offer online courses for those who cannot attend campus classes.
6. Why do businesses hire VA?
Today, companies are looking for someone who can provide them with the necessary assistance to maintain the smooth operation of their business. While businesses can hire an employee; A virtual assistant can provide the same services, saving the company time and money. For example, since VAs are independent contractors, companies are not required to pay benefits or overhead costs, such as: payroll tax, medical and dental insurance, retirement plans, office space, equipment, office supplies, and more. In addition, companies that hire VA need to pay only for the time spent on the project, which saves even more money.
VAs also help companies save time by allowing them to focus on other important aspects of their business, such as increasing their income and building on their customer base. Any business that can save time and money will become a more profitable and successful organization. However, each VA must show its potential customers how their services will help their business to succeed.
7. Do I need to invest?
The best thing to own your own business is that any money you spend on you is spent on your business. Thus, the answer to this question depends on whether you are already set up to run your VA business or you need to purchase equipment, software, office furniture, office supplies, and everything you need to get started. Just remember that the money you spend is an investment in your business, yourself and your future.
If, after reviewing the above questions, you feel that you may want to do the business of a virtual assistant, before starting, read the following tips.
o Research: The first thing you want to do before starting any business is your research. Explore the term “Virtual Assistant” (“Help”) online to find out all the information you can get. There are several websites that can help you answer any question that you have. One website that I highly recommend is VAnetworking. In addition, there are many virtual assistant books that you can purchase. Two books that I highly recommend are Diana Annné and Kelly Poelker’s Virtual Assistant Series, as well as Michelle Jamison’s Virtual Marketing Assistant.
o Services: Find out what services you want to offer before you begin. Remember that it is best to start with what you know, even if you offer only 1 or 2 services.
o Tariffs: Make sure you set the rate that is suitable for the services that you offer. If you are just starting out, have no previous work experience, but you have the training necessary to start a VA business, then you can charge a lower rate than someone more experienced and worked in the corporate world. Do not charge so low that customers are wondering if you are experienced enough to do the work required. One way to determine your fare will be to visit other VA websites to find out what services they offer, what rates they charge, and what experience they have. Based on this information, you can compare your services and experience with other VA and get a base price.
o Office: Set up an office in your home where you will have privacy. You will also want to make sure your workstation is ergonomic. You want to be comfortable, because here you will work every day.
o Computer: You must have a fast, reliable computer as well as a fast internet connection.
o Software: You will need to purchase any software that you do not have to provide services to your customers. Some of the programs that are often used by Virtual Assistant are Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Publisher), QuickBooks, Peachtree, Dreamweaver, Adobe (Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat). Basically it comes down to that, offer to determine which software you will need.
o Website: As a virtual assistant, it's best to have a website. After all, you are not just an assistant; You are a "virtual" assistant.
o Domain Name: You will want to purchase a domain name. This is your business, and you want to be taken seriously.
One last thought: starting a home business is a big step for everyone. This is something that requires a lot of discipline, dedication, patience and perseverance. If you want to start your own business, and you feel that the Virtual Assistant industry is right for you, then you need to take the next step and start your research. Although owning your own business, even your home business, can be difficult, there is nothing like the feeling of being your own boss. This is a great opportunity, but should not be taken lightly.
