Start a Virtual Assistant Business to Work From Wherever You Are
Are you ready to hang out your virtual shingle and get started as an online entrepreneur? If you want to start a business that has a low barrier to entry, but that can produce six figures, with skills you probably already have, and equipment you already own, then a Virtual Assistant business might be right for you. A virtual assistant (VA) is a person who performs services virtually (online) using technology for another person or business. Often, a VA can be the backbone of a business and the right-hand person to the owner of the business.
Industry Background
The VA industry has grown in amazing ways since we first heard of it back in the 1990’s. The advent of broadband and technology that makes it easier to send large amounts of data back and forth through the cloud has made it possible to grow this industry to where almost 2 billion clients are using virtual assistants today. That is very exciting when you think about the potential due to the demand. There are many types of work that you can do as a virtual assistant.
Virtual Assistant Niches
There are many different VA niches. There even people who disagree today about what exactly a VA is. Some people say that a VA only performs administrative duties. Others say that a VA can do any service for their client from graphic design to content writing. Truly, you can develop a VA business that is all your own and serves your clients in the way that you wish and that they need.
If you’re adept at using social media to get the word out about events or other things in your local area you may be able to parlay those skills to becoming a social media manager to a business owner who lives anywhere. You may want to choose the types of businesses you’d like to work with so that you can specialize, or you may pick a basket of services that you will offer to anyone who needs them.
If you are good with any type of software such as educational software like Teachable.com you might offer your services to organize your client’s lessons so that they look super professional to their students. You may even choose to be a customer service VA or a do some basic graphics using software like Canva.com. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to your Virtual Assistant Business.
The key to making the most money as a VA is to specialize, so you can even do that. Many virtual assistants make six figures working less than 40 hours a week. You can narrow down your ideal client to a very specific high figure earner and become a project manager for them. Are you getting excited about the idea of starting your virtual assistant business yet? Let’s slow down a bit and think about the pros and cons of starting a VA business.
Pros and Cons of Starting a VA Business
Like most business ventures there are always some pros and cons. But, unlike most business ventures the cons are very small when it comes to starting a VA business. Mostly because you won’t have a huge investment or a lot to lose if it doesn’t work out. But, if you really set your mind to it and get started on the right foot, it’s likely you will succeed. The truth is, most people who really want to be a VA can start making money within a week or two.
You Must Be a Self-Starter
If you want to start any type of business the truth is, you must be able to motivate yourself intrinsically. If you can’t set a schedule for yourself with deadlines and stick to it will be hard for you to be a VA. Someone else is counting on you to meet your deadlines and if you aren’t meeting them they won’t keep you.
You Need to Pick the Right Niche
Starting a VA business requires some self-reflection and knowledge of yourself. If you are not an early morning person, and you hate talking on the phone, don’t pick a niche that requires that from you. Instead, choose something that is more flexible and is more deadline based than daily time-based with no phone work.
You May Need to Learn Something New
If you pick a niche that requires you to learn a new software, then you need to take a course or dive in and learn it. Luckily you can find a lot of courses on places like Lynda.com and Udemy.com and through other vendors and learn anything you want. Certification isn’t necessary, just knowledge of how to do it and be able to prove that you can do it.
You Will Need to Market and Promote Your VA Business
There is no such thing as ‘build it and they will come”. When you start any business including a virtual assistant business you need to know the right way to market and promote it so that you can get the word out. That means you’ll need a website, social media accounts, and more. But, it’s not hard when you know how.
I have depended on smart, savvy virtual assistants since coming online in 2006. Without their ongoing help and support my business would never have grown in the way it has over all of these years.
The main thing you need to know about starting a virtual assistant business is that you can overcome almost any obstacle because most of them aren’t even real. They’re just your brain putting things in your way to make you afraid. You can pick a niche without that obstacle. You can learn something new and get to work right away. The only thing you really need is the time and dedication to start your virtual assistant business on the right foot using the right tools and information.
I highly recommend Craig and Kelly Cannings from Freelance University for virtual assistant training. I have clients, family members, and even a neighbor who have changed their lives with the programs offered through this training. Scroll to the bottom of the page to get on the list and download your Free Guide on “150 Ways to Build a Profitable Freelance Business” to find out more.
I’m bestselling author, marketing strategist, and entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green and I would love to connect further with you to help you to achieve your goals. If you are interested in learning how to optimize the syndication of your content, please take a look at my popular Syndication Optimization training course and consider coming aboard to increase your visibility, credibility, and profitability.
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