Start a Virtual Assistant Business
I get several inquiries each week on how to start a virtual assistant business. Many of those who contact me have been burned by work at home scams previously and many think that virtual assistants are yet another scam...well, it's not!
Check out the IVAA - International Virtual Assistant Association. There are hundreds of virtual assistants, both newbies and established VAs who belong to this organization. Also, Google for virtual assistant articles. You'll find that reputable print and online magazines are touting the value of working with virtual assistants...places such as ABC news, Business Week, Inc.com, Microtimes, MSNBC, Realty Times, USA today and more! In fact Good Morning America and other television shows have interviewed virtual assistants. It's not a scam nor is it a gimmick.
But, let's keep it real. Not everyone is cut out to be a virtual assistant. The success of your business is based solely on your drive to be successful. When you become a virtual assistant, not only do you have to setup your business, you are also responsible for marketing it, keeping the books, networking, etc. It's not easy - but it IS doable!
There are many services that a virtual assistant can offer, you have to search to find what you like to do and figure out what industry your services are a good match for.
For instance, I have over 10 years of in-house experience supporting executives, so naturally I launched my business The Virtual Secretary offering administrative assistance. This included screening voicemails/emails, basic correspondence, working on presentations and proposals and planning conferences/meetings.
As my business developed, I found that I really enjoy providing services as a marketing virtual assistant, therefore I launched The Virtual Link to focus on marketing services. At TVL, I offer services as an Internet marketing specialist, and work as a Virtual Assistant for Coaches Virtual Assistant for Speakers, and most notably as a real estate virtual assistant.
Other virtual assistants specialize offering services in areas such as database management, podcasting, paralegal, transcriptionists, etc.
The point is to do what you like to do - and to do it well.
If you're considering starting a virtual assistant business, you may want to consider reading my ebook, Boot Camp for Virtual Assistants to guide you through the steps of starting your own virtual assistant business. In addition this ebook also provides you with a list of services that clients are looking for assistance with to help you determine if you have any skills to launch your business with.
Additionally, I also provide virtual assistant coaching services by the hour so that you can ask me questions about starting your business, get help with determining the services you should offer.
And on a side note, as many companies are laying off employees, those same companies are turning to outsourcing work - while the economy and job security is crashing, virtual assistants are getting more inquiries and clients than ever before!
If you're interested in becoming a virtual assistant or need help marketing your business, contact me, let's chat!
posted by The Virtual Link @ 9:03 AM
10 Comments
10 Comments:
This blog is so helpful. After reading it, we can learn more about the BPO industry and the development of the VAs.
BPOVIA is the pioneering virtual assistant service provider,with the website wwww.bpovia.com.
They provide small and growing companies with an on-demand and one-stop solution of essential business services varies from data entry, word processing to the tasks require more advanced skills like website design, graphic design, internet research, etc.
They can provide a full time employee working for you 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for just $900 per month.
Great resources here for starting out...sometimes it's just hard find a good place to get information on how to start out.Two associations that I also used when I started my own VA business this year were CVAN (http://www.cvan.ca)for Canadians and VAnetworking (http://www.vanetworking.com) both have free and paid info and tons of great support!
You have covered the topic very well with lots of directions for potential VAs to check out. Being a VA requires the admin skills that we are all aware of, plus a drive to be an entrepreneur, a drive to keep learning and a willingness to network inside and outside one's comfort zone. I like the networking options you have listed, with most experience at IVAA and VAnetworking.com as places to learn, to share and grow.
I definitely agree with the post and the other comments; I have had great experiences with both CVAN and VAnetworking.com, and without their resources & support it would have been a lot more tedious to set up my VA business last year.
Great tip..very useful for those who want to start with this kind of business. it just clarifies everything that must be learned about VA. Thanks for the post.
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Hey!My Secret Staff. I just availed one of your services last two days ago.And I am really satisfied towards the output my hired VA.
Thanks for the information regarding about BPO industry and VA.
I think this post is brilliant. Really nice write-up. Very good points. I hope plenty of people see it. Using a virtual assistant allows clients to outsource any projects that can be done from a remote location. It allows them to accomplish more with less time. Since time is so precious to business owners, anything that frees up time and keeps the business moving ahead is extremely valuable. It's also convenient to be able to hire and utilize a virtual assistant whenever you need them. One month you may have more projects than another. It's much less expensive than hiring a full-time employee who doesn't get used to their full potential. Clients also benefit by not having to worry about providing employee benefits such as insurance, 401K, vacations, etc. Finally, office space and equipment are provided at the expense of the virtual assistant, which again saves the client money. - Yolanda
Your article is informative and provides food for thought. Thanks for putting up all the links – It’s a good view of the valuable content that is available. I think this information will really help businesses. Thanks for the great information and I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Julienne
Inbound Call Centers
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