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Virtual Assistant

Job Description:

A virtual assistant is a person that handles office duties without actually working in the office. The employer doesn't hire you as an employee; instead they'll outsource the work to you as an independent Virtual Assistant contractor.

Wikipedia defines "a virtual assistant (typically abbreviated to VA, also called a virtual office assistant) is an entrepreneur who provides professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance to clients from a home office."

Another definition directly from the source

A Virtual Assistant (or VA) is a solopreneur who specializes in providing ongoing, one-on-one, collaborative-style administrative support.

Like other professional service providers, Virtual Assistants operate remotely from their own places of business and utilize today's technology to deliver their services and communicate with clients.

Virtual Assistants are first and foremost administrative experts. Virtual Assistants sometimes offer additional, separate specialties that fall under creative and/or technical services.

Virtual Assistants come from a variety of business backgrounds, but the single-most important qualification the industry expects of its peers is at least five (5) years administrative experience earned in the real (non-virtual) business world working in upper-level capacities such as administrative assistant, executive assistant, secretary, legal assistant, paralegal, legal secretary, real estate assistant, office manager/supervisor, etc.

From this level of experience, a Virtual Assistant is expected to possess the skill sets, training and business knowledge which are the hallmark of a truly qualified Virtual Assistant.

Virtual Assistant Definition from the Virtual Assistant Chamber of Commerce

Virtual Assistants provide administrative assistance, such as customer service support through phone calls and emails, data entry, desktop publishing, bookkeeping, graphic design, website design and maintenance, research, and consulting.

VAs could plan events, buy cards and gifts, make travel arrangements and appointment scheduling.

Type of Business:

This is a service business.

Knowledge and Skills:

Excellent phone etiquette - Ability to communicate effectively with customers and employers - Ability to handle complaints and emergencies with patience and calming effect - Ability to understand and complete written and verbal instructions - Ability to handle pressure and deadlines

A minimum high school education - college education in communication, English, or similar is a huge plus.

Although not a requirement - previous experience in secretarial position or call center or similar is a great advantage.

Equipment and Supplies:

Phone system, Computer, internet connection, printer, ink supply, fax machine, scanner, and copier.

Basic office supplies, pens, pencils, paper, paper clips, stapler, etc.

Pros and Cons:

Potential Customers:

Almost any home business is a potential customer. A home business owner can outsource to a virtual assistant certain tasks so it frees them up to do their job.

Professional speakers or any business owner who travels and does not have time to make hotel reservations and answer phones back home.

Any service business owner who is out of the "office" most of the day.

Artists, craftspeople, or any owner who spends most of their time making their product and less on administrative duties.

Almost any business owner is a potential client.

Pricing:

Your income is based a lot on your skills, training, experience and target audience. Average earnings of virtual assistants can range from $15-$70 an hour.

Licenses and Permits:

There are no specific licenses for virtual assistants. Remember to check with your city and county clerks for home business licenses and permits.

Other Costs:

Education and Training:

There are no requirements for certification, but it will give you an advantage. Remember to do your homework before you decide on a program. You need to find the right one for you, not just the first one you see or the least expensive.

There are two main virtual assistant certifications available - CPVA ( Certified Professional Virtual Assistant) and CMVA ( Certified Master Virtual Assistant).

You will also find training in specialized fields, such as real estate and internet marketing.

Virtual Assistants Guide explains the different degrees of certification

International Virtual Assistants Certification

Virtual Assistant Training Courses and Programs

Virtual Office Temps Certification

AssistU

Virtual Assistant U