How to Start a Virtual Assistant Business from your homeBecome a Virtual Assistant and Work From Home Helping Other Businesses
Now is the right time to start a virtual assistant business because of two main factors: 1. the Internet 2. corporate downsizing Most of your services are performed off-site and for multiple clients from your home or small office. Your services are often internet based, for ease and convenience to both you and your clients. People who run small businesses often have trouble finding the time to learn or perform basic tasks that are necessary to run a business. The cost of having a full time business assistant or a secretary is not often feasible for some small business owners. Hiring a professional for every specialized task can get costly. And that's where a Virtual Assistant comes in. Therefore, opportunities exist in assisting these businesses with administrative duties from basic word processing to writing sales letters. There are many VA's who maintain websites for their clients, place advertisements, update web sites, build databases, invoice clients, etc. The simple tasks are not all that you should offer. In fact, the more experience you have and the more diverse your skills, the more money you are able to charge. According to the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA): "A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative and/or technical services. Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in his/her area of expertise from his/her own office on a contractual basis." How much you can make? $20,000 to $45,000, or up and over $50 per hour. You should be aggressive with your fees (as in don't give away your valuable services for cheap money.) Starting a virtual assistant business can be profitable if you learn how to start the right way. Valuable skills/Requirements The ability to type, organize, and take on any given task. As I mentioned, the more diverse your skills, the more valuable you will be as a VA. You will need to sell yourself. Let prospective clients know that you are the answer to saving them money by giving them time. As a small business owner (without a VA) I know the tasks I'm involved in that not only don't make me money -- but often cause me to lose money. Certification through the IVAA is recommended, but not required. The IVAA Certified Virtual Assistant (CVA) exam is recognized as the standard for VA's internationally. How Much Does it Cost to Become a Virtual Assistant $500-$1,000 - computer, fax machine, laser printer, Of course, marketing your services should be taken into account. The more time and money you spend on the right promotions, the more money you'll make as a virtual assistant (for the most part). Virtual Assistant Associations and Contacts International Virtual Assistants Association Businesses Similar to Being a Virtual Assistant... Resume Writing Business - According to Terry Vaught, this is the easiest business in the world to get started and takes very little time each day. Of course, the more you work the more you make!
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