Small Business Opportunity

Virtual Assistant

A recent survey conducted by the George Washington panel has revealed that the fastest growing industry in the home based business niche is Virtual Assistant. It is anticipated that this industry alone will surpass the 130 billion dollar mark by mid-decade; an astounding growth rate for a relatively new industry.

Many businesses and executives need the services of a professional executive assistant. However, financial constraints often restrain the hiring of people for this position. These same businesses and executives have discovered that they can utilize the services of an executive assistant through a virtual assistant at a price they can afford.

This does not mean that virtual assistants are paid less than their office-based counter parts. Most VA’s are paid equally, if not higher, than an office based assistant because the company can afford to pay more for non-office personnel. There are many additional costs involved in having an employee work on site, without these expenses the company can pay a decent wage to the virtual assistant.

Skills Needed To Become A Virtual Assistant

If you are considering a position as a virtual assistant, the number one skill you must possess is organisation. A virtual assistant will be managing very important tasks, away from an office setting, and must always be in control. Other skills you should have include:

  • Good customer relations skills
  • Ability to use the Internet
  • Business form creation skills
  • Ability to make schedules
  • Basic office software skills

You will often work as an intermediary between your employer and their clients, vendors, or potential investors. You must always be professional and organised.

If you are interested in starting this business as a part-time effort until it becomes established, do not worry about your working hours. While it is necessary to be available to the executive you are assisting when they are working, it is a global economy and you can find customers in different time zones. By searching for international customers you can increase your potential of finding clients and work the hours that you desire.

What Equipment Is Needed To Offer Virtual Assistant Services?

You will need the following items to effectively start a virtual assistant business.

  • Computer with sufficient memory and high speed Internet access.
  • Skype – this enables you to teleconference with your clients
  • Mobile phone, preferably a smart phone so you can perform tasks on the run
  • Printer – black laser is preferable because it produces quality documents
  • Head set for your office phone. Having a head set enables you to move around the office freely.
  • Updated office software. You should avoid clone versions of these programs because they are often incompatible with other programs.
  • Website that describes your services and contact information
  • Business cards to distribute locally. You may not have to go far from home to find a position of this type.

Marketing Your Virtual Assistant Service

As a virtual assistant, most of your marketing should be geared toward the Internet. You are promoting a telecommuting position that is done over the Internet; it only makes sense that you should target this very area to find your clientele. However, you cannot ignore the potential in your own local area, and a marketing campaign should be devised.

To effectively market your business online you will need to network. Networking is the way that Web 2.0 runs, and it is the way you must promote your business. You will need to join the different social networks that allow business postings. You wilkl need to join forums that are related to your business. Access blogs on the subject and become an active participant in the discussions. Create your own blog about virtual assisting. You must be active on the Internet to receive a positive response to your company.

There are other marketing tools that you can use to promote your site such as article marketing and pay-per-click. You will need to determine on an individual basis if these types of programs are right for you.

You can also market your business in your local area through very cost-effective means. Have business cards printed up and distribute them everywhere. You never know when you will encounter the right person in need of your services. Place small advertisements in newsletters and business publications, these always receive good responses. However, like the Internet, networking is your best tool.

Join local business associations and participate in their meetings and functions. This will introduce you to the very people who would need your services. Always be pleasant and helpful, it will reflect well on your business image.