A frequently asked question is how to secure a remote job without extensive experience or advanced degrees. My answer invariably is – try your hand at becoming a virtual assistant.
Why, you ask?
Because it presents a genuine opportunity to earn substantial income from home by utilizing your existing skills or by acquiring easily learnable ones.
This article will show you the way to become a virtual assistant, secure your initial clients, and gradually expand your business to either earn supplementary income or establish a full-time VA career.
What Exactly is a Virtual Assistant?
Virtual assistants (VAs) are self-employed individuals offering administrative and technical services to various businesses. Being an online role, it allows the VA to operate from anywhere they please.
Many small business owners delegate tasks to virtual assistants to focus on the growth aspects of their businesses. VAs provide cost-effective solutions for routine tasks, freeing up the business owners to concentrate on larger projects.
The prerequisites to work as a VA are straightforward—a mastery of a particular skill and sufficient experience to deliver it effectively to multiple clients.
Related Article: How to Find Remote Job and Make Money from Home
Potential Earnings of Virtual Assistants
Like any profession, the income range of virtual assistance is broad, dependent on factors such as:
- Type of work
- Experience level
- Weekly work hours
Senior VAs with high-tech skills may earn over $50 per hour, while beginners might start at around $20 per hour. As you enhance your skills and client base, you can command higher rates and thus increase your overall income. According to ZipRecruiter, the average yearly salary of a virtual assistant stands at just over $60,000.
High Demand Services Offered by Virtual Assistants
A virtual assistant’s role can encompass limitless tasks. As a VA, you determine the services you wish to offer. If a task doesn’t excite you (like proofreading blogs), you can exclude it from your VA service list.
Here are some popular and in-demand tasks that VAs can offer, although this is not an exhaustive list. Be innovative when deciding your services, leveraging your unique skills and experiences to deliver value to your clients.
- Customer Support
- Administrative Support
- Social Media Management
- Website Management
- Email Marketing
- Facebook Ads
- Bookkeeping
Steps to Becoming a Virtual Assistant with Zero Experience
If you’re prepared to kick-start your VA business, follow these steps, and don’t forget to utilize our free checklist to monitor your progress.
- Enroll in a virtual assistant training course: Gina Horkey is an expert in teaching aspiring VAs how to initiate their VA business and secure their first clients through her bestselling course, Fully Booked VA. While it’s not compulsory to join a course to become a successful VA, learning from an expert can fast-track your journey and save valuable time.
- Determine your service offerings: Your first step in becoming a VA is to decide on the services you’ll provide. You can start by listing your current abilities.
- Set your pricing: Establishing your service rates is arguably the trickiest part of your VA business setup. You must balance between being competitive and profitable.
- Choose a business name: Selecting a name for your business is crucial. It should be easy to spell, memorable, and consistent with the brand you are building.
- Define your target market: Once you’ve identified the services you’re offering, you need to decide on your potential clients.
- Sort out the legal aspects
While this step may seem daunting due to the legal jargon involved, it forms the foundation of your business and cannot be overlooked. - Create your website: Having a professional website to showcase your services can attract potential clients and reflect your professionalism.
- Organize your business finances: Ensuring organized financial management from the start can save you from future hassles, especially during tax season.
- Develop your marketing strategy: Now that your business is set, it’s time to market yourself. There are several strategies to do so without feeling too awkward or overbearing.
- Engage in networking: Connecting with other VAs can provide you with valuable insights, leads, and feedback for your new business.
Finding Virtual Assistant Jobs Online and Offline
Once you’ve defined your services, set your rates, and established a website, it’s time to secure clients. Although finding clients can be the most challenging part for any new business owner, certain platforms can increase your chances of success.
Working as a VA is a realistic option for anyone wishing to work remotely, regardless of their experience or education level. All you need are your skills, a computer, or smartphone, and a stable internet connection. Starting a VA business requires minimal upfront costs, making it a viable option for most people. With some creative.
I expect a swift response. Best regards, [Your Name]”
Network with other virtual assistants
Building relationships with other virtual assistants is not only a great way to expand your business, but it also provides a platform for job opportunities. Sometimes, these assistants might need help with additional services for their clients or come across job opportunities that they are unable to take. This network could prove beneficial for you.
Unleashing the Virtual Assistant Within You
Choosing to work as a virtual assistant provides an opportunity for anyone wishing to work from home, regardless of their background or education. The entry barrier is low; all you need are existing skills and access to a computer or smartphone, along with a reliable internet connection.
You have control over your rates, the services you offer, and your working hours. Establishing a virtual assistant business entails minimum initial costs, thus making it a practical option for many. Consider investing in an online course like Fully Booked VA to enhance your skills.
Although getting your first client can be challenging, creative marketing and networking can open up numerous opportunities to earn income online as a virtual assistant.
Read more: How to Make Money Freelancing Online
Conclusion
Becoming a virtual assistant offers a compelling pathway for anyone desiring to leverage their skills in a flexible, remote environment. It’s an occupation with a low entry barrier, requiring just a handful of existing skills, a computer or smartphone, and reliable internet connectivity.
Setting up your own VA business entails minimal initial costs, making it a feasible choice for many. While securing your first client may present a challenge, innovative marketing and networking can help create numerous opportunities. An investment in courses like Fully Booked VA could be beneficial, serving to accelerate your journey into the world of virtual assistance.
