How to become a virtual assistant
Are you wondering how to become a virtual assistant?
Becoming a virtual assistant is simple once you know how. In this post we explore the different ways of becoming a virtual assistant.
Virtual assistants are now in demand more than ever. There has never been a better time to become a virtual assistant. If you are wondering how to actually become a virtual assistant it’s good to know that you have options, there are a few different routes you can take to become a VA.
If you ask different virtual assistants how they got started in the industry they will all have different answers as there are many different paths available to choose when it comes to being a V.A. This post should help you make an informed decision about how you can become a virtual assistant and what path is best for you
The 3 main paths to becoming a virtual assistant are
1. Starting a virtual assistant business
2. Becoming a virtual assistant employee
3. Freelancing as a virtual assistant
You can choose just one path to becoming a virtual assistant or you can mix and match different options.
Starting your own virtual assistant business
Learn how to become a virtual assistant by setting up a virtual assistant business This is one of the most popular paths to becoming a virtual assistant. In fact, this is one of the reasons people are attracted to being a V.A. as they get to run the show.
This option is usually favored because of the huge number of benefits that come with running your own virtual assistant business. These benefits include
- Flexibility to choose own hours
- Choosing your clients and target audience
- Working from home or from anywhere
Flexibility to choose your own hours – You decide how much or how little, when, and if you will work. You can schedule your virtual assistant business around your personal life so you still maintain some work-life balance.
Choosing your clients and target audience – You decide what audience you will be targeting. You can even decide who your clients are by directly marketing your virtual assistant services to this specific group of people.
Work from home – You have the flexibility to work from home, work while traveling, or from wherever you like.
Starting a virtual assistant business is a great option that can give you flexibility. You can set up a virtual assistant business in just 7 steps.
- Choosing your services
- Finding the right tools and software
- Creating Payment and other Policies, Processes and Plans
- Design your Brand
- Business Registration and Setup
- Creating a Website
- Marketing
Setting up a virtual assistant business does not require a lot of hard work, however, there is a lot of hard work required to ensure the business will be a success.
You can learn more about the 7 steps to starting a virtual assistant business here.
If you have already decided that you will be starting a virtual assistant business then download the VA startup pack which includes a virtual assistant business startup checklist that shows you everything you need to do within the 7 steps to fully set up your virtual assistant business.
Once you have set-up your virtual assistant business you can learn how to manage a virtual assistant business in the free VA management course. This course takes you through the different systems required to properly manage your business and shows you how to become a successful virtual assistant.
Looking for a job as a virtual assistant
Do you want to work as a virtual assistant but don’t want the hassle of actually running a business?
If this is the case you can still become a virtual assistant by finding and applying for virtual assistant jobs and becoming an employee.
You can apply for virtual assistant vacancies directly or you can make an application through a recruitment agency that is looking for permanent or temporary virtual assistant staff.
Benefits of getting a job as a virtual assistant include
- Guaranteed income
- Easy application process
- Immediate clients
Guaranteed income – Depending on your employment contract you will normally be paid a salary or be paid by the hour. This will usually be a fixed amount of money ensuring you a stable income that you are guaranteed to earn as a virtual assistant employee.
Easy application process – You can quickly and easily apply on multiple job sites for virtual assistant jobs.
Immediate clients – You don’t have to spend time marketing your services or looking for clients as they will already be provided for you. All you have to do is the jobs that you are given.
If you choose the path of being a virtual assistant employee, it will be a great introduction and a great way to learn more about being a virtual assistant. You will gain real work experience as a virtual assistant and be able to build your CV to secure future jobs. You can also learn more about how they acquire their clients, so if you ever decide to start your own virtual assistant business you can use or adapt their strategy for acquiring clients.
After becoming a virtual assistant employee if you then decide to begin to freelance as a V.A or to start your own virtual assistant business, when you approach potential clients, because you have a history of virtual assistant experience and references from your employer that may give you an increased advantage over your competitors.
To apply for a job as a virtual assistant you may need to meet certain criteria. You may also need to perform some tests as part of the interview process. Some roles may require you to have previous experience as a virtual assistant or admin assistant etc.
Getting a job as a virtual assistant is a great option if you want to work from home using skills that you probably already have, and don’t want to set up a virtual assistant business.
To look for virtual assistant jobs click here
Freelancing as a virtual assistant
A freelancer is someone who is usually employed for a short time to do some tasks. They are usually self-employed and they earn money when jobs are completed.
You can choose to freelance as a virtual assistant and skip the options of setting up a V.A. company or becoming a virtual assistant employee. With so many online freelancing platforms there are many opportunities for you to gain clients who are actively looking for virtual assistant freelancers.
Benefits of freelancing as a virtual assistant
- You can start making proposals straight away
- You can build up a good amount of reviews
- Some customers can turn into private clients
Make proposals immediately – Using a freelancing website you can make proposals to potential clients who are already seeking virtual assistance. You may be exactly the V.A. they are looking for.
Build up reviews – Whenever you do a good job you can gain a positive review on your freelancing profile which helps to attract more clients and opportunities.
Clients turn private – Many V.A’s began their business relationship with their clients on a freelancing website. If you do a great job sometimes they want to work with you off-site as well.
If freelancing is the option for you check out these four popular websites for current virtual assistant freelancing opportunities.
Fiverr.com – Online marketplace for freelance services
People per hour – UK-based freelancing community
Upwork – American freelancing platform
Freelancer.com – Australian freelance marketplace website
Learn how to become a successful virtual assistant through freelancing by looking at other successful freelancers and do what they’re doing, just make sure you add your own unique selling point.
How to become virtual assistant
Now that you are aware of the different ways you can become a virtual assistant you can begin to think about which path best suits you at this time.
As mentioned previously you can choose to do multiple options. Below are examples of choosing more than one option at the same time to become a V.A.
THREE-PATH OPTION
You can set up a virtual assistant business
You can also send proposals using freelancing sites
Whilst having a part-time job as a virtual assistant
TWO-PATH OPTION
You can have a full-time job as a virtual assistant
Send proposals and gain clients using freelancing websites to gain additional income
Having a job as a virtual assistant usually does not stop you from pursuing your own clients separately. However, be sure to double-check your employment contract as some employees will have conditions stating that you are not allowed to partake in any other work whilst employed with them. This could mean you should not take on any work that is in the same industry or any work for their competitors. It could also mean that you should not do any other type of employment even if it has nothing to do with your job as a virtual assistant. You will need to check your contract to make sure.
Now you know how to become a virtual assistant. It’s time to take action. If you haven’t started your virtual assistant journey as yet, then pick 1 or more of the paths to get started. Remember once you have started you will get the experience you need and become confident in providing your services and it will no longer be new to you
As a virtual assistant trainer, I have come across multiple virtual assistants who did not know where to start with their VA career, but when they did eventually become a VA they often wish they had started sooner.
If you are serious about becoming a virtual assistant you should join us for the VA Experience LIVE Event. This is an online event where you get to meet other virtual assistants, find out what it’s like to become a virtual assistant and ask any questions. You can register here
VA Business Management Course
