Business Idea – Virtual Assistant

As promised the Business Idea series has begun. Every week a new business idea will be posted. My hope is that you will be inspired to launch your own thing!

IDEA

This week’s business idea is to become a Virtual Assistant. A simple definition of a Virtual Assistant is someone who acts as an Administrative Assistant for one or more people VIRTUALLY!  In today’s economy many women are leaving the corporate world to become their own boss.

SKILLS NEEDED

Many years ago when the idea of Virtual Assisting was just getting a name for itself I would have told you that basic word processing, typing, phone answering skills were what you needed.  Today with the explosion of Social Media I would suggest you add social media skills to your tool belt.  If you do not have superb social media skills there are training classes you can take that are specifically designed for the VA.

Today’s VA needs to be more than an Admin. She needs to be an expert at something if she is going to corner her market.  I offer the same advice no matter what business you choose “you must have a niche!”.  Figure out what office skill you have to offer capitalize on it.  Some title suggestions might be a Virtual Bookeeper, Social Media Specialist, etc.

If you are lacking in some of the current skills needed to bring in the money get training!  It will be well worth the investment.

When you first begin working with your clients your will be working on smaller projects.  As you get a feel for your clients needs and get familiar  with them you will be able to offer more services.

START UP COSTS

Start up costs will vary.  This number will vary from person to person based on what items you may need.  There are some key items you must have to get started.

• A reliable computer with internet.
• A phone with voice mail and unlimited long distance as your clients will be everywhere.
• Fax machine – You can opt to use virtual faxing nowadays if you do not want to purchase a separate machine.
• Business Cards – You can get these for $5.
• A domain name.
• Website  – I advise clients to build a site on WordPress.org.  If you are not comfortable building from scratch there are  companies that offer site builders.

You will need a web host in order to create a site using WordPress.org.

HOW TO GET STARTED

You can get started right away.  Be sure to have all of the necessary items in place, choose a business name and register with the appropriate local agencies.  Get the word out and start advertising it may take you a little while to get good paying clients so you may want to register with a freelance company until the money starts rolling in.

Working as a VA can prove to be a very lucrative business.  In some cases VA’s get so busy they have to sub work out because they can’t handle the workload. Remember to nurture your client relationships you never know where they may lead.

Reading Recommendations

Virtual Assistant Resources

VA Forums -  You will find a wealth of information  here as well as a support from seasoned Virtual Assistants.

See you at the top!