I saw a question at answers.yahoo where a woman was asking about becoming a Virtual Assistant. She’s keen to find work she can do at home and had been doing some research and discovered the term ‘virtual assistant’. She wanted to know if she could become one and how to get started.
I answered her query, gave some information and websites and then thought it was important to add this little bit of information: “It is important for you to know that being a VA means you are self-employed. So you need to be prepared for that responsibility.”
Why did I add that? Because, all too often, I hear from people who want to work from home and have work given to them (so they can get paid also) but they do not realise what’s involved in being a VA. It means being a business owner – it means you have the full responsibility for sourcing clients, marketing your business, tracking your finances, recognising that the buck stops with you if anything goes wrong and managing things every day, day in and day out, whether things are going well or not.
As I’ve often said in this blog, being a Virtual Assistant does not mean you’re an employee with limited responsibilities – it means you are a self-employed business owner. The good thing is you get to make all the decisions about the work you do, who you work with, how much you charge and how many hours you work. The bad thing is you get to make all the decisions…. etc, etc.
So, if the goal for you in 2012 is to set up a Virtual Assistant business, please go into it with your eyes wide open. There are many out there willing to help you on your journey (including me), give you advice, point you to resources, assist you with training, and networks available to support you in your new career. But ultimately you are still responsible for the day-to-day activities of your business. So, are you prepared for the responsibility?
Tina Pierce says
Awesome post Kathie! Well said indeed. I just want to add few things.
Being a Virtual Assistant is fun but not as easy as it looks. Anyone can become a VA but one should also be responsible enough to handle the pressure, manage your own time and keep your reputation as good as it can be.–meaning don’t fool your clients if you don’t know the task assigned to you. Be honest and tell them you cannot do that etc. they will train you if you’re being honest with them.
Happy new year everyone!
Tina
Andie Mueller says
This is a great article. I have had a lot of people ask me how I’m going to make any money working from home and you have summed it up. Hard work and responsibility are the keys to a successful VA venture. Thanks for the article!
Amy Venero says
That is so true! My husband and I just started a VA business, and there is a lot that goes into it. We spend hours marketing and promoting our business. Thanks for the blog!
Amy Venero, Owner and VA
The Venero Group
Kathie Thomas says
I have to disagree Tina. I don’t believe anyone can become a VA. There are many who do not have good computer skills or even comprehension skills. The ability to follow instructions, to be able to make decisions and carry out what is needed is not something that everyone can do. Plus you need to have knowledge of the relevant software programs. I agree it can be fun but it is a lot of hard work and not everyone is cut out to do this line of work.
With respect to training, few clients will train you – they expect you to already know what you’re doing. If the field or software program is specialised for their industry, then that can be a different matter. But, in general, VAs should have the relevant training to take on a role for a client, or refer the client to another VA who does have that skillset. Clients usually come to us to get help – not to teach us how to do the job.
Patty Ravany says
Hi Kathie,
I’m currently planning the launch of my virtual assistance company and I’ve been scouting the web for valuable information on this topic. I really appreciate how you insist on saying that it’s “hard work” as I’m myself discovering it and getting ready for it thanks to a solid business foundation.
Thanks for being authentic when sharing your vision of the industry! It’s definitely this sort of honesty that we need.
– Patty