The Virtual Assistant
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 | Amazon Price: $16.77 List Price: $19.95 |
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If you've ever thought about working from home but didn't know where to start—virtual assisting might be the perfect place.
No matter what area of virtual assisting you choose to provide service, it's fairly easy to set up part-time and requires very low capitol. And if you're currently working, you'd be able to continue working at your day job while you build your clientele.
This type of business can quickly become full-time since the flexibility allows you to able to set your own hours, while enjoying all the perks that comes from working at home.
Nature of the Work
Virtual assistants can provide a multitude of services like administrative, clerical, accounting and/or technical support functions to businesses and business professionals. They are invaluable assets to these professionals that either do not have the time to do it themselves, or are unable to employ a full-time employee to perform those tasks.
Work Environment
Normally virtual assistants perform their duties from home; however, they do work on-site on occasion when it is agreeable to both parties involved.
Benefits
- Very low start up costs
- Set your own goals
- Decide on your own work hours
- Work anywhere
- Set your own hourly rate ($25 to $30 per hour)
Disadvantages
- No paid vacations
- No paid sick days
- No camaraderie
- Pay your own state and federal taxes
Some Types of Virtual Business
- Bookkeeping
- Secretarial
- Web Design
- Reception
- Transcription - Legal and Medical
- Billing / Invoices
Equipment
- Computer or laptop with a fast connection such as
cable or DSL. A laptop will allow you to the most flexibility since
you'd be able to work virtually anywhere. For laptops, you'll need a
LaptopConnect service for Internet connect ability.
- Computer application software like word processing, spreadsheet, accounting, etc. (depending on your chosen field of support). OpenOffice
offers a free suite of applications which include word processing,
spreadsheets, drawing, database and presentation.
- Remote Computer Access Application software like pcAnywhere and GoToMyPC. These types of applications allow you to connect to your clients computer remotely.
- Fax Machine -Conventional or through a computer application.
- Headset - Allows you to perform tasks hand-free if necessary.
- Dedicated Phone Line - Using a service like MagicJack
can be a very cost effective way to start. You can't go wrong with
unlimited long distance calling options starting as low as $19.95 a year. You'll solve two problems with this option: Dedicated phone line and no extra charges for outbound long distance calls.
Become an Expert
If you have drive and determination, you will succeed. Never give up and learn everything you can in your chosen field. Your clients will look to you for support and guidance, so give it your all and become an expert.
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Thanks for your comments! If you have a strong work ethic and give clients what they want, they will not look to those $3 an hour companies. I believe you get what you pay for and its hard to communicate when they don't speak English fluently.
What you say makes sense. Unfortunately many opt for the cheap price first and complain about the poor service later. It's important for Virtual Assistants to market themselves well -- highlighting the experience and special skills they bring to the table. And I make a point of speaking to new clients via telephone before we start work. It's relatively easy to fool someone into thinking your communication skills are excellent via email alone.
Great hub Cayenne_Pepper! I tested out a free trial of a popular overseas VA provider for one week in December. It saved me no time and would not have been worth the cost. However, this particular VA provider could only offer errands like flowers, movie tickets and dry cleaning. I would be much more interested in a technical VA provider offering services like programing, spreadsheets, office suite proficiency and deeper research.
KEckerle 2 years ago
Well-written hub. After 30+ years in the legal field I have worked as a virtual assistant with a legal specialty for 10 years. It is demanding work. When the work is there you may work 24/7. Your statement that it takes drive and determination is extremely accurate. As with any business you will need to work hard to find clients. You will compete with those on the other side of the world who charge $3 an hour and you will find ways to remind your clients that, in the end, they get what they pay for.
It's a great profession. Only you know if you are up to the task.