What Is A Virtual Assistant?

What is a Virtual Assistant? This is a question you've probably asked yourself if you have heard of the title "Virtual Assistant." A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent contractor and a home-based entrepreneur who uses the Internet, phone, fax, email, and other technology to communicate with his/her clients. A Virtual Assistant  works from a remote location, usually without ever stepping foot into the client’s office.

Virtual assistants, or VA’s as they are called for short, perform a variety of duties ranging from answering phone calls to updating websites. Some read and respond to emails, type up transcripts, write articles and do light bookkeeping. The services provided are determined based on the client’s needs and the virtual assistant’s expertise.

Virtual Assistants are sought after by numerous small business owners, particularly those with online businesses. Many clients are looking to free up their workload so they can concentrate on the money-making activities of their business rather than on administrative tasks.

Virtual assistants are also a popular option over hiring a regular employee because they’re considered Independent Contractors who have their own office equipment and pay their own taxes, therefore saving potential clients a lot of money in overhead costs.

What skills and tools are needed to become a VA?

Basic office skills and organizational skills are a must. You will be keeping track of several clients at one time. The basic tools you will need are: a computer with high speed internet access, email programs, office software programs, phone, printer, scanner or fax machine and a website to promote your services. Other things to consider are: a desk, comfortable chair and a quiet space to work in.

What else can Virtual Assistants do?

Virtual Assistants provide much of the same services as an onsite employee, but without the added expense to employers. Some provide general services while others provide more specialized services such as a Virtual Real Estate Assistant.

Here are some services Virtual Assistants offer (this is not an exhaustive list)

• Website and Graphic Design
• Website Maintenance and Updates
• Online and Offline Marketing and Promotion
• Accounting
• Bookkeeping
• Data Entry
• PowerPoint Presentations
• Advertising in Print Media
• Desktop Publishing
• Custom Ad Design for print media
• Travel Arrangements
• Writing, Editing & Researching Services
• Secretarial Services
• Word Processing
• General and Legal Transcription Services
• Medical Transcription
• Database Management
• Personal Assistant Services
• Event Planning
• Technical Support
• Coaching / Consulting
• Customer Service
• Real Estate Support

These are just a few services you can offer as a Virtual Assistant. The more specialized your services are, the less saturated the market will be. Try to find a niche and target market if you have a specialized skill and/or expertise.

Marketing and Promoting

Get your home office set up before you begin promoting your virtual assistant business website. There are tools you can use to promote your new business. You can advertise on websites and e-zines, use pay-per-click advertising, contact potential clients via e-mail, and join discussion lists and online forums. You can offer first-time clients a special rate. Once your virtual assistant business is up and running and you've got a client or two, don't hesitate to ask them for referrals. Clients who are happy with the service you provide are often more than happy to refer you to people they know who may be in need of a virtual assistant.

In Conclusion

If you’ve done administrative work in previous jobs, starting a VA business could be right up your alley. The Virtual Assistant Industry is growing tremendously. There are many valuable resources available online for aspiring VAs.

Lastly, treat your virtual assistant business as just that -- a business. Constantly look into ways you can improve yourself and your services. Look up the more experienced virtual assistants and learn from what they're doing. If needed, hire a coach who can provide you with personalized feedback. Do anything and everything you can to improve yourself in order to grow your virtual assistant business.

Ok...so now you know the answer to the question "What is a Virtual Assistant", ...what's next? Learn how you can become a virtual assistant.

For a more comprehensive look on Virtual Assistants, target markets, and how to start a Virtual Assistant Business check out:

The Five Key Steps to Your Successful Virtual Assistant Business  - This book goes into detail about starting, operating, and growing a profitable and successful virtual assistant business, pricing your services and more.