Virtual Assistant Training

Whether or not Virtual Assistant training is actually necessary is one of the hot-button topics in the trade.  Some Virtual Assistants use their experience, some swear by training/coaching programs and others say the only right way to set up a successful VA practice is a combination of both experience and coaching. 

What are the benefits of working through a training program for Virtual Assistants or working with a VA Coach?

• Coaches can help you identify your strength & weakness areas.
• Coaches can help you with marketing concepts in order to get the business to you.
• Coaches often hire on their students (subcontract work) either as part of the program cost (trade hours) or at a reduced rate.  This allows the VA students to “try on” different types of projects to see what they’d like to offer and wouldn’t like to offer.  It also allows the students to earn recommendations for their new businesses and establish a client base to gain some confidence.
• Some coaches also help you set reachable goals for your business and your life.  They should also follow up with you to hold you accountable for them.
• Coaches can help you get your website up and running and with writing the content.
• Coaches can help you with any products you want to offer to clients (e-books, teleseminars, etc.).
• Coaches will assign you homework, much like projects you will be receiving from clients, allowing you to push your comfort zone levels, meet deadlines and stretch your imagination and creativity.
• Coaches generally offer follow-up support by way of phone calls, emails, online networking groups for their current/previous coaching students, etc.  They generally don’t just cut you loose at the end of your program.

When looking into training and/or coaching programs, some important points to consider are:

• How long has the coach been coaching?  How long have they been in business?  Most VA coaches are or were practicing Virtual Assistants.  Ask for coaching references and client references to see how they are to work with/for.  
• What is the coach’s background?  What experience do they have with teaching, mentoring, training, administrative work, etc.?
• What is the cost for the program?  Can you afford it?  Do they take partial payment in the form of trade hours, especially if you’re budget is tight.  Do they offer a payment plan?
• Did they study under a coach or take a formal coach-training class?
• How long is the training program?  What does the lesson plan look like?  Is it structured well?  Do you have the time to invest?
• What does the “textbook” look like?  Is it a comprehensive text, full of helpful information and guidelines; or does it look like a pamphlet?

Listed below are some of the Virtual Assistant training and coaching programs available to newbie Virtual Assistants and those interested in learning about these programs.  (Please note:  This is not a comprehensive and/or exhaustive list.)

• Tawyna Sutherland (http://TheVAStartUpSystem.com)
• Patty Benton (http://www.virtualvacoach.com/)
• Janet Jordan (http://www.virtualassistanceu.com/)
• Dale & Becki Noles (http://www.vatraining.com/)
• Stacy Brice (http://www.assistu.com/)
• Rebecca Trelfa (http://www.virtualdynamos.com/)
• Maria Marsala (http://www.coachmaria.com/) – This is a coaching program for service-based business owners, not specifically Virtual Assistants.

For more information on training for virtual assistants, visit  Virtual Assistant Training Programs