If you are interested in starting a side business or working from home becoming a virtual assistant could be a viable option for you.
A virtual assistant is an online personal assistant. As a virtual assistant there is a wide array of duties that your client may ask you to complete, depending on what business your client is in.
Being a virtual assistant does not mean that you have to work for someone who has a website. You can work for anyone who is busy and needs help. There are a lot of busy professionals and they may be in need of your services more than a blogger would be. Think big.
Here are a few common duties of a virtual assistant:
- Commenting on Blogs
- Responding to Comments
- Social Media
- Responding to Emails
- Scheduling Blog Posts
- Updating Old Blog Posts
- Scheduling Meetings
- Scheduling flights
- Booking Hotels
These are just a few of the tasks that a virtual assistant might have. The tasks will be different depending on which client you want to work for. For example, if you are proficient in WordPress then you might be interested in assisting a blogger.
If you feel more comfortable scheduling meetings, flights, and appointments then you may want to work for a business owner or busy professional. Narrow down which tasks you enjoy doing and go on a client hunt from there.
Here are some ways you can become a virtual assistant.
How to Find Virtual Assistant Work
The first step you have to take is figuring out what type of work you want to do and what client will give you that work. Think about your experience and expertise and narrow your client list down. Once you have your ideal client in mind you can begin to job hunt.
The most important aspect of any freelance business is the ability to network. Find other virtual assistants in the field you wish to work in and network with them. Send them emails, leave comments on their blog if they have one, and be genuinely helpful. It’s great to have a mentor when you are starting a new business endeavor.
Here are specific actions you can take to find virtual assistant work:
Utilize Social Media – Set up a social media account where you think you can find your client. For example, if you are targeting professionals your best bet is creating an account on LinkedIn. Make your profile keyword heavy and list any relevant experience you have in your desired field. Pick one social media site and spend a little time networking on it each day. Engage other users’ and start interesting conversations. Make people notice you.
Letters of Introduction – If you have narrowed down the specific type of client you want to work with then you should have no problem performing a Google search and finding email addresses. Send emails to your prospects introducing yourself and the services you have to offer. You will have to email several prospects before getting a client so make sure you’re ready to put in the work.
Cold Calling – Cold calling is not usually a task high on people’s priority list, but it can really work. Make a list of all the potential people who may need your services in the area. Next, turn to the phone book or the internet and hunt down phone numbers. When you make the call give your prospect a brief introduction of what you do. Keep it short, sweet, and polite. You may get shot down several times but eventually somebody will say yes.
Spread the Word – Make a website (a free one will do) so that you can point people to one place that lists all of your services. Once you have your website up tell all of your friends and family and have them spread the word. You could even get business cards with your web address on them to pass out to prospects. (You can get free ones at Vistaprint)
Don’t Give Up
The first client is always the hardest. If becoming a virtual assistant is something that you really want to do, don’t give up. Get used to rejection. You will be rejected many, many times, but eventually somebody will say yes. Once you get that first yes you’ll find that the second and third client becomes much easier to find.
You’ll be on your way to having your own virtual assistant business in no time.
What’s your best networking tip?
Yeah VA is good way to make money these days. There are many good freelancing websites which makes it easier to find virtual assistant jobs. Social media is prime reason for increasing VA jobs.
I suck at social media. If my blog ever grows I might need a social media VA
When you reach that plateau Alexa… (and it’s only a matter of time) just let me know… I’ll make you shine even brighter girl!
Your a superstar!
Can I help ?
Great post, Alexa. This is something that I consider doing often. Thanks for making the path to getting there clear. 🙂
On the letters of introduction topic, I think a great approach is to start by simply telling them you admire their work and asking for a short meeting, either in person for something like coffee or over the phone, to ask them some questions. This is a great way to get to know someone without immediately trying to sell them. And people love talking about their work, so you’re likely to get a yes. You can let the relationship grow more naturally from there.
I agree I think that would be a very solid strategy. Being genuinely interested in the person or company would make your chances much more likely.
Nice post Alexa! I love your last point as rejection is so common, especially when you’re freelancing. We get rejected commonly for new clients, but you just have to roll with the punches – and it makes getting new clients that much sweeter. 🙂
I’ve never done any VA work before, but my networking advice would be to respond to rejections cheerfully. Tell them thanks so much for their time and consideration and that if they know anyone else who is looking to fill a similar position, you’d love to help them out. Only say it about twenty times more professionally than that.
Half the emails I send out about freelancing job usually get no response back. If I do get a response I usually thank the person for their time. You never know if they will have a position that will fit you in the future.
I just started exploring this world of side hustlin’ and VA work is definitely a great option. It’s super easy and you can do the work from anywhere. I would recommend checking out elance or odesk to find postings.
Great point about expecting rejection. I think you should always hope and expect the best but don’t let it get you off track if it takes a while to start seeing growth. Every rejection I’ve ever had has taught me something new that I could apply the next time around.
Great post! I can do all those things. I appreciate your step by step guide.
It sounds like a pretty sweet gig and I’ve actually considered hiring someone to do some of these tasks for me. I really hope to in the future as long as things stay on their current path!
Great ideas! I will have to look into that!
I think getting in touch with successful bloggers/website owners or really anyone who has a successful business can be a great opening. I work full-time in corporate finance but have my website to manage on the side. I definitely want to outsource stuff over time and this is one of the routes I would go.
I had a VA at one point and she was very helpful and useful. There are a lot of things they can do for you as you mentioned but make sure if you are the VA you understand completely what your client expects and keep records. There are a lot of good sites out there that you can sign up for so they can help find you jobs. Networking it big so get out there and get your name out about what you want and or doing. People like seeing that you are experience and that they can contact others to ask how you work.
I’m interested in doing more VA work myself. This was a great article!
Thank You!
This is such an interesting side hustle that I never would have known about before your blight. I don’t feel like I have the extra time to do it now, but its a great way to work from home!
Thanks for sharing! I like how you have a “hire me” tab, I’ve been considering putting up a similar one on my MonicaOnMoney blog. Have you found it helpful?
I like this blog. its very informative and interesting
Thanks for sharing this with us. We are also professionals having work experience in business administrative areas….Visit us:
virtual assistant
This site was… how do you say it? Relevant!!
Finally I’ve found something which helped me. Cheers!
I am almost 21 years old, a single mom to my almost 3 year old son who I love more than life itself. I graduated high school and got my diploma even after having my son and then went to a Community College nearest me and got my certificate in Medical Office Administration but haven’t had any luck in finding a job so I currently work at Pizza Hut as a server but I barely make anywhere from $20-$40 the most each night because it’s a small town. I applied for section 8 housing but was denied because of an underage drinking ticket from almost FIVE years ago, when I was 16!!! My son and I live with my grandma right now but her house is so old, has rats and ants, and she smokes in the house. On top of that, my family is VERY dysfunctional and it’s NOT a place I want my son in, let’s just say that. We’re having to move out soon and I am so stressed and depressed not knowing WHERE to go or WHAT to do. I feel like a failure as a mother because my one job isn’t enough to put a roof over my son’s head. My family can’t financially help me and my dad committed suicide in my front yard when I was 6 so I don’t really have any support at all.
All I WANT is to be financially stable to provide my beautiful son with everything he needs and DESERVES because he didn’t ask to be here and it’s my job to provide for him a happy home for him to play and grow. PLEASE give me SOME kind of advice for my specific situation, I am DESPERATE!!!
Thanks for all your articles.
Feel free to e-mail me if you’d like.
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This article is really helpful for anyone starting out and there are some great ideas here. I’d like to add this list of 17 free places to find virtual assistant work – http://professionals.wisestamp.com/virtual-assistants/resources/17-free-places-to-promote-your-virtual-assistant-business-online/ – I hope reader find useful.
I am very interesting in being a virtual assistance. thank you
I am a mother of three and looking for any job that is available thank you
Hello Alexa!
I just wanted to thank you for giving everyone a chance to read your well written blogs. After switching careers, I am not happy with what I am doing now. My passion is writing and staying organized (yes I drive my family nuts with schedules and planning lol). Your blog made me realize that if I can put my all into it, I can be able to make a living. Besides, I would love to work in the comfort of my own home.
“This is a very informative article, Alexa. I certainly agree with everything you said and if it is okay, I’d like to add some more. Basic skills should never be VA for the first time should have all the below skills before they enter the battle of finding a perfect job.
1. communication skills
2. typing
3. writing
4. computer knowledge
And also for those who are looking for VA job, they can apply to my current employer Elitework. They are given a proper training to ensure that they are highly skilled in almost all aspects before their deployment. You can say, it’s pretty much difficult to get out of the training. I say, it’s all worth it!”
Thanx for this opportunity of virtual assistant i am single mother looking for job i have experience in bpo done sales and marketing job.Completed my graduation looking for someting new.Thanx for this opportunity of virtual assistant i am single mother looking for job i have experience in bpo done sales and marketing job.Completed my graduation looking for someting new.