Virtual Office Assistant

According to the International Virtual Assistant Association (IVAA) “A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative and/or technical services. Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in his/her area of expertise from his/her own office on a contractual basis."

If you have strong administrative skills, an office set up at home or plan to and would like to run your own business from home, being a Virtual Administrative Assistant is a great option. This field has emerged as an ideal alternative for moms who want to work from home. Working virtually affords the flexibility and lifestyle balance many moms need. You can support clients on an ongoing basis or do occasional projects. Working virtually means you can work with clients nationwide or worldwide.  Just keep time zones in mind when you accept new clients.

Although most VA’s offer secretarial services many have created niche markets providing their own brand of services.  Specialties, for example, include web design, graphic design, customer service, research, marketing and public relations. The field is not limited to those examples, however.  Be clear on the services in which you will specialize.  It is important to do a few things very well as opposed to struggling with  a large number of tasks.

Clients are most often small businesses and will hire a Virtual Administrative Assistant to save money.  Since you are working from home you use your own equipment and the client incurs no employment costs like taxes and benefits.  You are responsible for your own taxes as an independent contractor. Virtual assistants can support just about any industry. The ones hiring VA’s most often include real estate, coaching, financial services, accounting and legal.

You can learn how to become a VA and earn certification through one of many online training organizations.  These organizations work with your existing skills and teach you how to create, operate and become successful in your VA business.  Many refer you to your first virtual assistant job. You should research training providers well before paying for training.

Starting a VA business is not easy. Expect to work between 14 and 18 hours a day during start-up. Many VA’s work nontraditional hours including weekends and holidays. Be sure your lifestyle will support that commitment. It is important to keep marketing your business even after you are established. A great way to market your services is by joining networking organizations.  The people you meet can introduce you to potential customers.  Need more information on how to get your VA business off the ground?  Click here.  

What Will I Earn?

Virtual Assistants usually charge by the hour. Rates range from $25 - $50 per hour. Some VA’s work with clients on a retainer.  The VA is paid up front and the client sends work when needed.

If You Wish To Be A VA…

• Determine what services you’d offer. (Your background/qualifications)
• Decide if you will work part-time or full-time.
• Will you have a specialty area? Limit that to two or three areas.
• Try to determine the need for your services locally. Many of your clients can be local contacts.
• Know your financial situation, expenses, expected income and how long you can carryon until you begin making money.
• Carefully research and enroll in a Virtual Assistance training program.

Some training programs to evaluate:

Check out Executive Solutions a self paced independent study option.

AssistU is a 20 week training /coaching program.

Virtual Assistance U a global virtual training community

Staffcentrix  includes emphasis on training for US military spouses

Cyberstarva Certification of real estate VA’s

Team Double-Click  Hires VA’s  

Certification Programs

·  AssistU

·  IVAA

·  VA Certification

Trade Publications

·  Virtual Tidbits

·  Virtual Assistant Tips

·  Admin Prof