Curious about becoming a virtual assistant but not quite sure what they do? Let’s break it down and explore how you can start this career.
A virtual assistant handles tasks like managing social media, formatting and editing content, scheduling appointments, and managing emails. Essentially, you get paid to handle various business tasks that don’t require the business owner’s direct involvement.
If you’re interested in free courses to kickstart your virtual assistant career, check out Jumpstart Your Virtual Assistant Business. It offers a free worksheet and workbook to help you identify the services you can offer—there are over 150 options!
Many people doubt they can earn significant extra income as a virtual assistant, but trust me, it’s possible. Just last year, I was in the same boat, admiring big bloggers and their side incomes. Now, I’ve built a decent side income myself and am always looking to grow it further.
To become a virtual assistant, here are some practical steps:
1. **Start a Blog**: Many virtual assistants begin as bloggers. This exposure helps them get noticed by others who need similar services. If you’re interested in starting a blog, I have a tutorial that shows you how to do it cheaply, starting at $3.49 per month for hosting. Plus, you get a free domain if you sign up for at least 12 months through my Bluehost link.
2. **Take a Course**: There are several virtual assistant courses available, but I highly recommend “30 Days Or Less To Virtual Assistant Success” by Gina Horkey. She’s a successful virtual assistant who shares her secrets to success.
3. **Build Your Experience**: Without experience, it can be tough to land jobs. You might need to start with a few low-cost or free projects to build your portfolio. Keep track of your work, ask for testimonials, and use these as references for future jobs. Highlight your achievements and provide concrete statistics to showcase your skills.
4. **Advertise Your Services**: Use boards and forums like Bloggers Classifieds and ProBlogger to advertise your services. Websites like odesk.com and elance.com are also options, but be aware that competition and pricing can be tough. Having your own blog or website to advertise your services can make you look more professional and help potential clients find you easily.
5. **Network**: Networking is crucial. Connect with people in the online community and get involved in social media. Create a LinkedIn profile to list your skills and past jobs, and ask for recommendations.
6. **Use Virtual Assistant Websites**: Sites like Zirtual.com allow you to apply for virtual assistant positions directly. Clients choose who they want based on your profile and testimonials.
To get started as a virtual assistant, you’ll typically need a laptop or computer, a cell phone, and an internet connection. Depending on the job, you might need additional tools.
Virtual assistants often get paid through PayPal, bank transfer, or check, with PayPal being the most common due to its ease of use.
While there are many entry-level virtual assistant jobs, it’s important to remember that it’s still a job and requires work. Virtual assistants are in high demand, especially as more people work from home.
The number of hours you work each week can vary greatly, from as little as 10 hours to as many as 100, depending on your availability and the job requirements.
Becoming a virtual assistant is a legitimate career path. I’ve been a virtual assistant, and I currently employ one myself. Are you interested in becoming a virtual assistant? Have you done assistant work before? What are your goals for earning extra income?