Launching Your Own Virtual Assistant Enterprise

Understanding the Role of a Virtual Assistant

Diana Ennen, a home-based word processor for over 15 years, and Kelly Poelker, a certified Master Virtual Assistant, have co-authored an ebook titled, “A Bizy’s Guide: How To Start Your Own Home-Based Virtual Assistant’s Business.” They define a virtual assistant (VA) as a highly skilled professional who provides administrative support and other specialized services to businesses, entrepreneurs, executives, and others who have more work than time.

VAs often work as independent contractors from their own homes, using cutting-edge technology to communicate work assignments via the internet, email, disk transfer, or traditional methods like regular mail, overnight shipping, and even local pick-up and delivery. Their services typically include word processing, medical or legal transcription, database management, internet research, email handling, reminder service, bulk mailings, information processing, and tasks typically assigned to an office secretary. Many VAs also offer web development, design and maintenance, desktop publishing, meeting and event planning, bookkeeping, and business start-up consultations.

Tisha Silvers, another VA, describes her role as assisting others from anywhere in the world, not limiting it to just business support functions. She considers clients a few miles down the street to be just as virtual if they don't meet regularly or at all.

Marketing Your Virtual Assistant Business

Marketing your VA business involves showing clients how much you can help them. Julie McMann explains that using a VA allows clients to outsource any projects that can be done remotely, freeing up their time and keeping their business moving forward. It's also convenient to hire and utilize a VA whenever needed, which is less expensive than hiring a full-time employee. Clients also benefit by not having to worry about providing employee benefits such as insurance, 401K, vacations, etc. Office space and equipment are provided at the expense of the VA, saving the client money.

Do You Have What It Takes To Become A Successful VA?

Before starting your own VA business, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have excellent typing and proofing skills?
• Do you enjoy helping people?
• Are you familiar with the internet and enjoy learning new things about it?
• Do you already know several people who could utilize your services?
• Are you capable of making a great income and will stop at nothing to make it happen?

Skills Needed

Diana and Kelly explain that every VA has their own unique skills and experience that enables them to start their business. Skills range from basics such as typing to highly specialized areas like web design, graphic arts, technical writing, and more. A professional VA will be proficient in the internet, computers, software, word processing, and spreadsheet applications. In addition to technical skills, a professional VA will have good business management skills as well as knowledge of marketing, advertising, and public relations.

Earning Potential

According to Diana and Kelly, most pricing is centered around a base price of $25 per hour. However, the rate depends on the services you provide, how long you’ve been in business, and the area in which you live. There are different ways in which you can charge for services: by the hour, by the project, by the page, or a certain percentage of the total event cost for event planning. Many VAs offer reduced rates for a monthly retainer option.

For more information on how to become a virtual assistant, you can purchase Diana and Kelly’s ebook, A Bizy’s Guide: How To Start Your Own Home-Based Virtual Assistant’s Business at: http://www.bizymoms.com/main/?10000!0103.