Getting Started As a Virtual Assistant

The first thing to understand, however, is that no two virtual assistant jobs will be exactly the same; virtual assistants work in a wide range of different capacities. Thus, before you can start applying for jobs and getting your name out there, you have to have a fairly good idea of the line of work you would like to be involved in. You can find out about the different possibilities by browsing through job listings-you might find some positions you didn't even know existed! You can also sit down and think about what your unique talents are and where your professional interests lie. Knowing your skills is a good way to determine which talents and abilities you can factor over into your professional life and/or to decide which type of virtual assisting is best suited for you.

When you have a better idea ofwhat kind of virtual assistant you would like to be, the next important thing to do is to determine how much you should be getting paid! So many virtual assistants undercharge for the work they do and accept salaries that are less than fair. While this might not be the worst thing when you're just starting out and need experience from anywhere, you certainly won't want to make a habit of it in your career. That's why it's best, whenever possible, to accept a fair paying position from the start. Knowing what constitutes fair pay takes some research on your part! Learn about the general salaries of virtual assistants in your field (for pricing research - view our newsletter archives on pricing - you can also visit http://www.brennerbooks.com to order pricing comparisons for your industry), how your particular industry is faring in this economy, and what most others with your skill and experience levels are making in the virtual assisting field.  Remember, real world (brick and mortar) assisting, office positions, and any other relevant experience do count!

Before you can get hired, you'll also want to make sure that you have all of the equipment you'll need to do your job. Invest in a good laptop-something that's easily portable, modern, and preferably has a long battery life for getting those major projects done on the run! If you are not wanting a portable computer, a good desktop model is sufficient. You must have a reliable way to access the internet, all the basic office and word processing software programs, and all necessary equipment that is specific to the type of virtual assisting in which you plan to work.

Many virtual assistant employers choose to pay via Paypal, so you'll want to set up an account, which is free, and link it to your credit card and/or bank account. Depending upon how much you plan to earn, how you plan to file your taxes, and whether you actually want to brand yourself as a "business," you may need or want to set up a business checking account, instead of just a traditional one.

Once you've taken all of these steps, then it's time to get out there and find your dream job. Thanks to the internet, there are many sites listing local, national, and even international positions that are currently available. Apply for any position that matches your skill set and salary demands and that you think you would enjoy doing. As long as you're consistent and keep trying, you should get hired in no time!