How to Become a Virtual Assistant

Chris and I receive many queries about how to become a Virtual Assistant, or "VA." (For background, Chris is credited with founding the industry in 1995. She and I founded the International Virtual Assistants Association, the industry's nonprofit parent, in 1999, and turned it over to its members as planned shortly thereafter.) Here are our five top tips for entering this growing field.

1. Assess your skills, and upgrade where necessary. In a nutshell, VAs provide office-support services remotely. Their expertise may range from basic word processing to calendar management, bookkeeping, website design and beyond. But all VAs have one thing in common: their services can be conveyed virtually. In other words, if you specialize in massage therapy or bricklaying, you'll need to acquire "knowledge worker" skills before launching a VA business.

2. For clients, core skills are usually more important than VA-specific training. While prospective clients will appreciate that you have a VA certificate from a community college or similar institution, the VA's most important asset is expertise in his or her niche (i.e., desktop publishing, bookkeeping, etc.). Even so, a reputable training program can teach critical business-management and related skills and add a competitive edge to the business, so weigh your individual circumstances as you consider the options.

VA certificate programs are now offered at a number of community colleges, including
Owens Community College (Ohio), Palomar Community College (Cal.), Portland Community College (Ore.), and Red Deer College (Alberta, CAN). Our own 15-hour VA training program is available to active-duty military spouses at no charge at military bases listed here. 

3. Get that first client ASAP. If you've read our manual for Virtual Assistants, you know that Chris and I preach one two-pronged principle in particular: Keep debt to a minimum, and land that first client as soon as possible. A VA can have the most elaborate business plan in the world (and a beautiful office, dazzling gadgetry, and a website bigger than Wikipedia), but without a paying client, he or she will soon face failure. The first client not only generates revenue, but boosts morale and energy, and enhances focus. And if the VA takes good care of the client, positive word of mouth can rapidly follow, bringing more clients through the door.    

4. Marketing is key. Most VAs fail due to ineffective marketing. Identify the types of clients you'd like to work with, determine where they "hang out" (what they read or listen to, where they go online or off-, etc.), then get in front of them in an appropriate context, and impress them. (Examples: Contribute an article to a client-oriented website, give a radio or podcast interview, donate two hours of your services at a local fundraiser. Offer free input in online forums where prospective clients gather.) Network through IVAA or other VA groups, and read marketing and freelancing blogs such as Seth Godin's or Michelle Goodman's for additional thought-starters and advice.  

5. Don't forget to make it a family decision. A significant career decision should involve your partner (if any), and any older children at home – but especially when a home-based business is involved. Launching a VA practice requires serious commitment and sustained effort. The family, too, will have to make adjustments. (And bear in mind that, like individuals, not all families will be ready for a home-based business, even if it's only part-time.) Excluding them is not only unfair, it can jeopardize your success. In other words, before you leap, you should not only look, but bring the trampoline into the picture.

Comments

[harmonsmith]

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