Where to start as a virtual assistant - Make money online

Where to start as a virtual assistant

Where to start as a virtual assistant

Curious about the growing demand for virtual assistants? Become a virtual assistant and start your own business using these tips from industry experts.

The virtual assistant industry continues to grow, in part due to the normalization of remote work over the past year, as well as the push by companies to expand their online offerings.

Experts in the field agree that the demand for virtual assistants will likely increase in the coming years. Many small business owners and entrepreneurs fail to take advantage of virtual assistant services simply because they are unaware of the option. As virtual assistants grow in popularity and become better known as a resource, the field will likely continue to experience even greater growth.

What is a Virtual Assistant?

Virtual assistants, or virtual assistants, support businesses, teams, or individuals by performing administrative tasks remotely. As more companies outsource more roles, virtual assistant services can find work in a wide range of industries.

Common services provided by virtual assistants include taking phone calls, managing email and social media accounts, researching, scheduling appointments, and paying bills.

When deciding what types of assistance to offer, start by identifying the skills you could use to help small business owners, Abbey Ashley, founder of The Virtual Savvy, told The Balance in an email. She added that the skills you choose to offer as a VA can be administrative, technical, or marketing-related.

The growing popularity of virtual assistants

More than ever, physical in-person businesses are looking to grow their online presence or take a chunk of in-person business online to diversify their income, explained Kayla Sloan, virtual assistant coach and founder of the $10,000 VA course. The balance is in an e-mail.

She noted that another contributing factor to the growing popularity of virtual assistant services is that many entrepreneurs have launched online businesses over the past year. As a result, VA companies are seeing more interest from a wider variety of clients.

Sloan noted an increase in demand for virtual assistants who specialize in a particular skill set and certain tools. While there's still a market for general, administrative, or all-purpose virtual assistants, Sloan noted that specialization can make virtual assistants more sought after and could potentially be more lucrative. Potential specializations include email marketing, project management, and online business management.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Starting a Virtual Assistant Business

• Relatively easy to start
• Flexible hours
• Customizable
• Can be difficult to find initial customers
• May be required to justify your prices
• Potentially high-stress levels

Benefits Explained

• Relatively easy to start: A VA business requires little overhead, and you'll generally need minimal experience. You do not need any specific license or training.
• Flexible hours: The ability to work from home and create your schedule are two reasons a VA business is so appealing.
• Customizable: You decide exactly what your business will look like, from the types of services you will offer to whether you will specialize in a particular niche.

Disadvantages Explained

• Can be hard to find initial customers: Finding your first customer can be difficult, especially if you don't have prior experience in your niche. It can take time to grow your customer base to the point where you're earning a lot of money.
• You may need to justify your rates: Clients may also consider VAs who charge significantly less, potentially because those assistants don't live in the United States. It might be difficult to explain the value of your services.
• Potentially high-stress levels: Depending on your niche or purpose, work can be stressful and some of your customers may be demanding or expect you to be always on. Setting clear expectations in advance can help.

What do you need to start your own VA business?

Starting a virtual assistant business is a business with very low overhead. You will need general office supplies, a fast internet connection, and technology such as a computer, basic software, headphones, and a printer. You'll want your workspace to be in a quiet location so you can take customer calls undisturbed.

While a course or training program can be helpful, formal education isn't necessary to start your home business as a virtual assistant. When looking to expand your services or develop your expertise in a particular niche, it may be worth taking courses that can help you hone specific skills.

To be an effective virtual assistant, it is essential that you are organized, motivated, and an excellent communicator. Good computer skills and good grammar are also crucial.

Where to start as a virtual assistant

Here are the steps to follow when starting a virtual assistant business:

Write a business plan

As with any business venture, the first step is to create a business plan, recommended Sharon Williams, president of The 24 Hour Secretary, in an email to The Balance. She noted that visualizing and mapping your ideas gives you a chance to identify what might work, potential opportunities, and pain points or gaps that need to be addressed.

Williams advised new VAs to remember that this model is a living, breathing framework. It's flexible enough to be modified if your original plan isn't working.

Decide what services you will provide and to whom, and calculate base funding and financial costs. Next, develop a marketing strategy by conducting target market research and identifying your specialty and niche. Spend time thinking about the terms of your contract and draft a contract to protect yourself and your business.

Look at the numbers

Financial decisions are an important part of your business plan, so spend some extra time making sure the numbers add up. Determine how much money you need to earn and what you need to charge to reach your financial goals. Keep in mind that as a business owner, you will need to pay operating expenses and taxes, and include those numbers in your rates.

Ashley from The Virtual Savvy recommended setting your pricing in terms of packages when you're first starting. For example, if your hourly rate is $30, you could sell a package of 20 hours per month for $600.

Take care of all legal obligations

Once you have decided on your business name and structure, you will need to obtain all necessary permits and licenses and register with all relevant legal entities. You may need a fictitious name declaration or a zoning waiver to work from home. You'll also want to consider other logistical details such as opening a business bank account, and you may need to check with your home insurance company. You can get free assistance from the US Small Business Administration.

Identify potential customers

Determine who your target customer is and where to find them. Relevant Facebook and LinkedIn groups can be useful places to connect with potential customers, as can virtual networking events.

Also, contact your current network. Tell your friends, family members, former colleagues, and others about your new business because they may know someone who can use your services.

Provide excellent service

Once you've landed clients, make sure you stick to your agreements and deadlines. Being attentive to the needs of your customers is an important part of maintaining and growing your customer base. As you get to know and delight customers, asking for word-of-mouth referrals can be an effective way to win new business.