What Does a Virtual Assistant Do?

Have you heard the term virtual assistance being tossed around? In your previous life, were you an administrative assistant or an executive assistant? Do you dream of working from home and using your clerical skills to make money? Well, then becoming a virtual assistant might be the right work-at-home career for you.

What Exactly is a Virtual Assistant?

A virtual assistant is a highly skilled entrepreneur who offers administrative skills and selective expertise to businesses on an “as-needed” basis.  The service is offered virtually using the Internet, email, fax or phone.  Distance and time zones are not a problem.
However, the key here is to remember that a virtual assistant is more than just a “cyber-secretary”.  A virtual assistant is also an entrepreneur and business owner.

What Types of Services Could a Virtual Assistant Offer?

Well, you know the old saying that the sky is the limit.  Well, the sky is the limit.  There are virtual assistants who offer bookkeeping, web design, social media marketing, and several other highly in-demand services.  Offer what you do best, and you won’t go wrong!

How Does a Virtual Assistant Find Clients?

Like any business, a virtual assistant will need to know who and where her/his services will need to be offered.  Based on a previous work history or preference, there are many industries needing virtual assistants such as coaching, real estate, authors, Internet marketers, etc.  It really depends upon which industries are you are the most comfortable offering services.
Decide that, then go out and start marketing!  Go to the online forums and offline networking events (BNI, Chamber of Commerce, MeetUp Groups) were your potential clients frequent.

What Are the Start-up Costs of Becoming a Virtual Assistant?

The good news is becoming a virtual assistant has low startup costs–unlike other home businesses where you have to buy or lease large amounts of equipment.  If you have a working cell phone or Google voice, a laptop or PC with reliable Internet connection, an email account, and possibly a good printer–you can get started right away.  The other equipment is optional, and you can add to your equipment list as your business grows.

How Much Money Can You Make as a Virtual Assistant?

That will really depend upon you.  The current rate is $35 to $80 an hour depending upon your experience and what you offer.  Now if you work for a company such as TimeEtc, Lifebushido, Zirtual, Virtual Bee or even on oDesk or Elance–the pay may be considerably less.

How Has the Industry Changed Over the Years?

When I became a virtual assistant in 2006, the industry was still pretty much insisting on administrative skills and writing skills with an occasional request for web design.  Now 2014, clients want social media, WordPress web design, and more of a business consultant/advisor in their business instead of an administrative assistant.  In other words, can you get in there and offer more consulting, mentoring or coaching to your clients?  Clients now want those who can bring originality and ideas to their businesses.

How Can Someone Interested Get Started?

You can join virtual assistant networks such as VANetworking or the Virtual Assistant Forums for FREE.  Great resources and a lot of firsthand information.  Facebook also has several virtual assistant groups available.
You can also pick up a copy of my e-book, Start Your Own Virtual Assistant Business in Just 21 Days.
Good luck to all who venture out into this!  It certainly has been a wonderful and fulfilling journey for me!