With the rise of remote work, many individuals are thrilled to be able to earn more while enjoying flexible schedules. Among the top and most popular remote jobs nowadays is being a virtual assistant. Many envision this job as a “dream job” with high compensation while enjoying the comforts of your home. But what exactly does a virtual assistant do, and how can you become one?
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| Are you ready to be a virtual assistant? We offer a few tips and advice to kickstart your career. Photo courtesy: Paid Stock Photo |
If you're interested in this career path, we've compiled tips and advice to help you land your first virtual assistant job.
What is a virtual assistant?
Virtual assistant (VA) is the general term for individuals who provide different types of support to companies, businesses, or even individuals remotely using online tools and digital platforms instead of traditional in-person employment.
Providing support can vary depending on the needs of the clients, but mostly it involves administrative or office tasks that can be done online. Here are some of the basic and common tasks that a client might expect a VA to do:
- Schedule and manage appointments
- Answer or manage emails and phone calls
- Organize files
- Data entry
- Make travel arrangements
- Manage social media or other online platforms
- Telemarketing
- Chat support
- Web research
- Lead generation
The list continues and can be very diverse, which is why it's important to understand the specific VA needs of your potential client before applying.
How to get started:
1. Be skilled
Virtual assistance can be a highly competitive industry, so the more skills you have, the higher your chances of getting a good job offer. To be a successful virtual assistant, you also need to be tech-savvy and proficient at different apps and software. You can take online courses and certifications to help build your portfolio and credibility.
Research and consider which of your skills are the most sought-after in the virtual assistance market, and build on that to offer specialized skills and services in a particular industry.
2. Research and look for a niche industry
Depending on your skill set and strengths, do thorough research on the different industry types you're most comfortable with, such as healthcare, real estate, customer service, etc. By being able to understand the needs of a specific industry, you can tailor your skills to develop a skill set that fits that field. This will make you a competent expert in that field while being a versatile “jack of all trades” who can handle a wide range of tasks effectively.
3. Build your online portfolio and boost your online presence
To be a credible virtual assistant, you need to show off your skills, competence, and credibility. To do this, start by building a professional website or portfolio. Make this impressive with updated social media links, sample projects, achievements, and strong network connections to different groups and forums relevant to your niche industry.
No matter what platform you choose, you will always need to update this portfolio to expand your network and promote your service, so make it as impressive as possible.
4. Choose a freelancing platform
A freelance platform is a website where many potential clients post their hiring needs for virtual assistants. It functions like a job board and is particularly beneficial for beginners, offering various tools such as secure payment systems, project management tools, task schedulers, and many others. It’s also a great way to establish your reputation and build a network of clients.
Some of the popular freelancing platforms are:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Freelancer
- PeoplePerHour
5. Tailor your proposal and rates
Aside from skills, you also need to be competitive when it comes to rates. If you're a beginner, this can be very tricky since you don't want to undersell yourself, but you're also eager to find your first client. Always remember that your rates should reflect your skills, experience, and the value you offer to your clients.
Freelance platforms like Upwork make it easy for beginners since they provide an estimate or insights on the average rates for different services. But if you're unsure, here are some advices for you to consider:
- Start with a slightly higher rate to give room for negotiation.
- Learn to bid wisely on projects where you know you will excel.
- Be flexible, especially for larger projects or long-term clients.
- Check the rates of other VAs offering similar services.
- Be ready to justify your rates by highlighting your special skills and services, efficiency, certifications, etc.
- Consider offering bundles or packages.
- Continuous skill development gives you more chances to update your rates
6. Network and market your services
Work on your freelance platform profile by regularly updating your skills and achievements. Be proactive when bidding on projects, and even offer a proposal tailored to the client.
Strengthen your LinkedIn profile and website portfolio and make valuable contents relevant to your niche. This will help you appear knowledgeable and credible, making you more attractive to potential clients. You can also showcase customer testimonials and feedback.
Be active on community and groups that are relevant to your niche to build your network and connections. You can also join seminars and workshops, even virtual meet-up to help connect with potential clients.
Use paid advertising and offer bundles or promos. You can also offer free consultations or trial to attract clients. You can also collaborate with other professionals in a different industry and create a package deal.
Additional tips to help you grow as a successful virtual assistant:
- Being a virtual assistant requires good communication skills. You will be able to avoid misunderstandings if you are able to communicate well with your client about tasks, goals, and deadlines. It will also make you easy to work with, credible, and efficient.
- Be professional and show a strong work ethic by meeting deadlines and not compromising quality.
- Stay on top of new technologies and tools relevant to your industry by constantly upskilling.
- Develop your organizational skills to help you manage your deadlines and even increase your productivity.
- Build and maintain good client relationships by asking for feedback, continuously improving, and exceeding the expectations of your clients.
Just like looking for any job, landing a job as a virtual assistant requires patience, hard work, and perseverance. Go ahead and embrace the risk, but also be ready. Take the time to research, continuously learn, and sharpen your skills so you can compete in this industry.
If you want to learn more, you can watch this YouTube video from Mia Juan:
— Sally, The Summit Express
