Become a Virtual Assistant from Home

Virtual Assistants are oftentimes moms, like you and me, who want to work from home. A Virtual Assistant (or VA) can offer clients any number of services from their home-based location, rather than being at a traditional office.  VAs can earn a nice income, charging somewhere in the area of $10 to $30 per hour, with specialized or more technical services ranging around $50 per hour.

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Basic computer skills and office skills are good to have before considering becoming a Virtual Assistant.  If you have knowledge in a specialized field, you may be able to fill a certain client's needs and charge on the higher end of the pay scale. But, just about every type of service is in demand online, including customer support. As with any small business, you will have some start up costs to consider, but they are minimal.  The purchase of a good computer, printer, and desk are, of course, the essential items that you'll need.  Just to get you started, we've listed a few tips.

What Services Will You Offer:   It's important to know what services you can offer, and how you will offer those services, before you begin. Are you a good typist? Do you feel comfortable speaking on the phone with others? Are you good at making event and travel arrangements for others? Do you have web development skills? These are some of the services that a Virtual Assistant can offer the clients that hire them.

Your Business Plan:   Mapping out a business plan is crucial to the success of every Virtual Assistant.  You'll want to start with a simple overview of your business, with a mission statement, marketing plan, and financial plan. Your business plan is also an essential tool to check back every year to see how you're progressing. (It gives you a chance to pat yourself on the back -- or to regroup and to make some changes.)

Your Home Office:   You'll want to separate yourself from the rest of the house as much as possible.  A quiet area with ample space for a computer desk is ideal, but you can work with whatever you have available.  If you want to keep your business separate from your home life, a designated telephone line will make that possible. Also plan to invest in other office equipment as the need arises.

Choosing Your Software:   You'll also need to have all the software required to provide the services you've decided to offer. If you're starting on a budget, at a minimum you need the software required to do the job well. You can always upgrade or get new software as warranted.  Networking with other VAs is invaluable in finding out all the best resources for software and support.

Marketing Basics:   You'll need some basics like professional address labels, stationery, thank you notes, and business cards.  You also can't have a Virtual Assistant business without a website or blog.  Design a professional-looking website that includes the services you offer and your complete contact information.  Another way to get and keep clients is to offer some select clients a free service or two.  Once you've successfully impressed your clients, ask them for a simple testimonial to post on your website.  That will get your clients talking, and word-of-mouth from happy clients is the best marketing of all.

You can make money from the comfort of your own home. I know I just threw a lot of information at you but, in all honesty, there are many successful Virtual Assistants who run booming businesses with less than the items we've listed. There are shortcuts to each step, so don't struggle alone. Others have paved the way for you and you have only to believe that you can do it and to get started. Take the first step.

Setting up a Virtual Assistant Business is a fun and lucrative business to start with a minimum of money and equipment. Get step-by-step help by grabbing your JustAddSweat.com Guide to Starting a Virtual Assistant Business.