subject: A Guide On How to Become a Virtual Assistant [print this page] A Guide On How to Become a Virtual Assistant
If you have office and administrative skills, then there's a whole world of possibilities you can tap into when it comes to making money online. The online money making idea I'm talking about here is becoming a virtual assistant.
Virtual assistants are much like personal assistants. They keep their employers diaries, draft letters, enter information into databases and even book flights, among other things. The difference is that they don't have to be in the same office as their bosses. They don't even have to be on the same continent!
Virtual assistants can service clients from around the world, and many do. Some offer additional services in accordance with their clients needs, and their skills, but in essence, it's like being a freelance secretary.
If you have the skills to do this job, and you have a computer, fax and phone line, and the desire to become a virtual assistant, then the following list of places to look for business should help you get started.
First of all, you should have a website. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it should list your services, your rates, and examples of your work if you have them. Have business cards printed, and leave them at small business advice centres, libraries, on community notice boards and elsewhere.
Join online small business forums, and use them to promote your virtual assistance services to small business owners around the world.
Advertise your virtual assistant services on free classified sites like Craigslist, or look for people who are looking for VA's on them.
Use freelancing sites. Many of the bigger ones have special sections for virtual assistants, and you can bid for their business through the site.
Becoming a virtual assistant is a great way for someone with secretarial, administration and even bookkeeping skills to create a work from home business that gives them flexibility and an income. It's a great choice for stay at home moms who want to earn an income, but still want to be there for their children. It also allows you to work for people around the world, and a good VA can make as much, or more, than their office bound counterparts.
So if you have the skills, and you want to make money, what are you waiting for?
