Thinking of Becoming a
Virtual Assistant?

A Virtual Assistant should posses certain core attributes. VA's are independent contractors and skilled professionals. They typically have many years experience in a corporate environment, as former Personal Assistants, secretaries, and Office Managers.

A VA will typically operate her business from home, but there are some Virtual Assistant jobs available for those seeking VA employment. VA's provide personal assistant and virtual secretarial services to professionals, businesses, executives, entrepreneurs, and anyone requiring such services. A good knowledge of corporate protocol and experience in supporting senior executives is a must for VA's offering the highest level of virtual secretarial support.

A Virtual Assistant business can provide a number of services and specialise in some of the following niche areas.

- virtual receptionist
- typing services
- virtual secretary
- transcription services
- internet research
- word processing
- event planning
- database management
- professional organiser
- diary management
- organizing tele-seminars
- mail shots
- updating websites
- producing newsletters
- cold calling
- copywriting

A Virtual Assistant must have the confidence to manage a crisis and make keen business decisions. And it is important that VA's have the ability to plan, problem-solve, multi-task, project-manage, maintain confidentiality, and deal effectively with customers.

VA’s also need to understand their client’s business and keep abreast of the latest technology. Appropriate training will optimise their portfolio, so regular training and development is a must.

VA’s often act in a coaching capacity, making recommendations to clients about technology and other business issues. Lifestyle management tasks such as job searches, paying bills and buying presents may also form part of a VA's portfolio.

Clients communicate with VA’s via instant messaging, email, cassette tape, CD’s, fax, phone and overnight mail. So a good home office is equipped with all the necessary equipment and resources, particularly a telephone, PC and if possible, a space saving printer/scanner/photocopier/fax combo.

Although VA's can earn a much higher rate of pay than a typical Personal Assistant, you should bear in mind that VA's have to compensate for the lack of paid benefits such as pensions, medical insurance, paid holidays and sick days. Careful consideration should be given when deciding on an hourly rate: you should allow for gaps in your work stream. VA’s have the added inconvenience of sorting out their own taxes.

Working for yourself is a liberating experience, but ask yourself if you are happy to work alone, day in, day out, for the foreseeable future. If the answer is yes; with comprehensive research and a good business plan, you can build a rewarding career as a Virtual Assistant.

If you are seriously thinking about a career change, how about a career as an event planner? Or a career as a Life Coach? Click on the links for more details.

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