In general, a virtual assistant business is identical to a secretarial service. Many businesses prefer to hire a virtual assistant to take care of the administrative aspects of their business so they can devote more time to marketing and selling. Some virtual assistants can also be requested to perform some basic marketing and selling duties. While requirements vary from business to business, a virtual assistant generally:
Minimal. You need to invest in a computer with standard software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), high speed Internet connection, perhaps a headset, and some file back-up facilities like CDs or an online file storage host (like Windows Sky Live). We’re looking at a total investment of $1,500.00-$2,000 to start. Your needs may grow as your business expands.
Fast and accurate typing, ability to multi-task, Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point skills (in a few cases, you may be asked to work on Access or any similar database software), telephone skills, some basic math.
Virtual assistants like the idea of working remotely. They don’t necessarily work for one boss, but for several bosses. They possess good secretarial skills. Virtual assistants are also stay-at-home moms who want to look after their growing children but still like to work.
Virtual assistants charge from $10.00 to $40.00 an hour (depending on the nature and volume of tasks)
Numerous opportunities exist for virtual assistants. In fact, there is probably no need to set up a business where you need to register and have a business name and number. Many virtual assistants work on a freelance basis.Here are some statistics from the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce (http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/industystatistics.htm). These figures are the result of an August 2006 survey they conducted with over 3,000 virtual assistants from the US, Canada, UK, Australia who work in various service categories:90.99% view virtual assistance as their chosen vocation (as opposed to 9.01% who do it “on the side.”
(source of data: Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce)
Online job boards like elance, getafreelancer, and guru.com online employers like jobs.com, monster.com, your local paper and web sites that specialize in virtual assistant jobs. Here are examples of web sites that deal exclusively with virtual assistant positions:
Please note that we cannot endorse or vouch for the resources or links we provide in this fact sheet.
Make a list of your primary and secondary skills, create an outsourcing proposal with your fees. Be specific with what you can offer. Potential outsourcers receive a lot of offers from virtual assistants directly and from employment agents. Your letter and proposal must hook their attention. Provide references from satisfied customers. Offer discounts for repeat business.Don’t write a generic or standard letter. You must address their needs and explain how you can provide assistance in those activities specific to their business.
Go to online job boards like elance and getafreelancer to get an idea of what companies need from virtual assistants: www.elance.com; www.getafreelancer.com.Also, visit the web sites mentioned in this fact sheet.Recommended reading: Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker: Virtual Assistant, The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA. 2004, ISBN: 0-9742790-2-1.Entrepreneur Press. Start Your Own Office and Administrative Support Service, 2007, ISBN: 13:978-1-59918-107-3.Tip: Before you buy these books, check if your local library has it.
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