How To Start Your Own Virtual Assistant Business
by Liz Folger
Thanks to the Internet there's a new way to make money with your computer. You
might be surprised at all the different services you could offer with this new
home business. Most people have become familiar with word processors, which
usually consists of typing manuscripts, letters, transcription and writing
resumes, but the new virtual assistant is like word processing on steroids.
Diana Ennen, has been a home-based word processor now for about 15 years. She
started to educate herself about all the possibilities a person has when
starting a virtual assistant business. Diana Ennen along with Kelly Poelker, a
certified Master Virtual Assistant, just finished writing an ebook called, "A
Bizy's Guide: How To Start Your Own Home-Based Virtual Assistant's Business."
So What Exactly Is A Virtual Assistant?
Diana Ennen explains, "A virtual assistant, or VA, is a highly skilled
professional who provides administrative support and other specialized services
to businesses, entrepreneurs, executives, and others who have more work to do
than time to do it.
Many VAs work as independent contractors from their own home. VAs use leading
edge technology to communicate work assignments via the Internet, e-mail, disk
transfer or such traditional methods as regular mail, overnight shipping and
even pick-up and delivery in local areas.
A VAs services typically include word processing, medical or legal transcription,
database management, Internet research, e-mail handling, reminder service, bulk
mailings, information processing, and any other tasks typically given to the
office secretary.
Many VAs also provide web development, design and maintenance, desktop publishing,
meeting and event planning, bookkeeping, and business start-up consultations.
The services are endless depending upon your knowledge and skills."
Tisha Silvers explains her virtual assistant business as, "One who assists
another from literally anywhere in the world. I don't limit it to just business
support functions. And I consider the person a few miles down the street to be
just as virtual if you don't meet regularly or at all. I have a few of those
kinds of clients myself."
How Can You Market This Business?
Showing clients how much you can help them as their VA isn't as hard as you
think. Julie McMann explains, "Using a virtual assistant allows clients to
outsource any projects that can be done from a remote location. It allows them
to accomplish more with less time. Since time is so precious to business owners,
anything that frees up time and keeps the business moving ahead is extremely valuable.
It's also convenient to be able to hire and utilize a virtual assistant whenever
you need them. One month you may have more projects than another. It's much less
expensive than hiring a full-time employee who doesn't get used to their full
potential. Clients also benefit by not having to worry about providing employee
benefits such as insurance, 401K, vacations, etc. Finally, office space and equipment
are provided at the expense of the virtual assistant, which again saves the client money."
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