How to Become A Virtual Assistant

Obviously you're interested in learning how to become a virtual assistant or you wouldn't be here right? There are certain qualities, personality traits, skills, etc. that go hand-in-hand with becoming a Virtual Assistant. You have to analyze yourself and circumstances to determine if becoming a Virtual Assistant is a good fit for you. Here are 10 questions to ask yourself before making the move.

"Am I a Virtual Assistant in the Making?"
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making the Move

Question #1:  Do you have administrative experience of a degree in a related field? 
It’s imperative that you have either experience, a degree or a combination of both education and experience in order to provide credibility to your clients.

Question #2:  Do you enjoy administrative (or even mundane) tasks?
Virtual Assistants, even when providing specialized tasks such as marketing assistance or desktop publishing, often provide general administrative assistance to their clients as well.  It’s important to enjoy those tasks, even if you’re only going to be providing them occasionally.

Question #3:  Do you have good time management skills?
If you don’t have good time management skills, work on this BEFORE starting your own Virtual Assistance business.  There are good continuing education classes on time management and organization that will help you get started in this area.

Question #4:  Do you have a good, basic office set-up or the ability to set one up?
If you already have a home office with a good computer system and the software you’re going to need, then you’re set.  If not, it’s time to start saving or borrowing to set one up.

Question #5:  If you have small children or are caring for an elderly or handicapped relative, do you have back-up care for them, if needed?  Or, do you have the ability to find someone to help you out?
Look into local daycares or church centers who offer Moms Day Out programs for little ones.  Elderly relatives can be dropped off at "mature" daycare centers, often located in neighborhood community centers.  If you can afford one, a mommy’s helper is a godsend who can come to your house, watch the kids or relatives and help with light cleaning.

Question #6:  Will your family be supportive if you choose to work from home?
If you’re married or living with a significant other and if your kids are old enough to participate, hold a family meeting and talk to your family about why you want to start this business, what it will mean for the family and what your expectations of their behavior will be.  Be very clear and detailed about what is going on so no one feels shoved aside and/or ignored in this process.

Question #7:  Do you have enough in savings or income from another source to "cover yourself" for six to twelve months while you find clients?
Virtual Assistants set their businesses up in a variety of ways.  You can start working it full-time from home, part-time from home while you’re working a full-time job, or part-time from home while you’re still working a part-time job.  You have to examine your finances, scrutinize them.  Make sure you can still pay all of your bills while building your business; this will relieve one of the major stresses of new business ownership.

Question #8:  Do you enjoy working on the computer for long periods of time?
You must be comfortable working on the computer for long periods since you’re going to be a "Virtual" Assistant.  The computer is going to be an extension of your body.

Question #9:  Are you in reasonably good health?
When setting up a new business, many Virtual Assistants neglect their health and well-being.  Long hours, poor nutrition, and lack of activity can put your health in jeopardy.  Make sure you have a plan to get on track or stay on track in order to take care of yourself.

Question #10:  Can you say no?
Many Virtual Assistants are mothers or caregivers who are consistently taking on more than they can chew.  You must be able to say no when your plate is full.  Saying no to clients, family, friends, school and church obligations will help you to maintain a lower stress level in your body.

Recommended Resource

The Five Key Steps to Your Successful Virtual Assistant Business  - This book covers everything from what are virtual assistants to services you can offer as a VA. It also goes into detail about starting, operating, and growing a profitable and successful virtual assistant business, pricing your services and more.