As a Virtual Assistant (also called a VA),  the kinds of services you provide would depend on your clients' needs and your individual skillsets.

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Most virtual assistants provide services to business owners that they do not have the time to do themselves such as checking and replying to emails, scheduling appointments, website updating, research, transcriptions and more.

A Virtual Assistant's Skills

As we mentioned, the skills you need would depend on your own clients' needs. Some skills you'll need immediately and many can be learned on the job.

But some things to have from the outset include:

Basic computer knowledge as much of your communication will likely be via email and other electronic means.
Time management and organizational skills as you'll be responsible for keeping your clients organized too. Juggling multiple clients can become quite a challenge.
Self discipline is important because you need to be able to make yourself sit down
The Tools to Get Started

Again your needs will vary, but some of the basics include:

Phone line
Computer with high-speed Internet connection
Printer
Fax line
Office software
Getting Your Business is Off the Ground

If you're working from home, creating your own VA website is an ideal way to showcase your skills and portray the image of a professional office.

Your clients may include other home business owners, local businesses and larger clients. Getting the first client is always a challenge, but do a great job for your first client and ask for referrals. A good virtual assistant always gets more clients through word of mouth.

More Resources:

Start a VA Business Pack: For a more in-depth look at the VA business, pick up your VA business pack.