Virtual Assistants

Virtual Assistance is big business. With more and more employers realising the benefits of having a Virtual Assistant and more and more office workers wanting flexible working hours, this is most certainly an area of growth.

A Virtual Assistant works from their own home office and uses their own equipment to provide business support as and when needed, usually on a self employed basis.

Duties may include diary management, book-keeping, call management, web services, event management, marketing and so on.

A Virtual Assistant should be self motivated, have a diverse range of office based and IT experience, an equipped home office area and knowledge of technologies that will allow them to work remotely.

The easiest way to begin as a Virtual Assistant is to register with a number of agencies that use Virtual Assistants.

What kind of services are you able to provide without physically working in someone's office:

Word Processing

Desktop Publishing

Database Management

Diary Management

Book-keeping

Transcription

Call Management

Web design and development

Human Resources Functions

OutSec

TeleTech

If you plan to out source your skills further and build up your own client base, then you will need to consider the following:

The Website

You will need a good website in place to showcase your services. A website is a great marketing tool, allowing potential clients to assess your credentials and see the services you provide. You can either create your own website or pay someone to do it for you.

Paying someone to create your website won't come cheap and cost varies immensely. If you choose this option you need to consider that your website will need to be regularly updated. If you have to pay someone every time your site needs updating, then this could prove to be very costly. Of course there are benefits of employing a professional to create your website, the main one being the professional quality of the finished result. Visit The Web Directory to find and compare web design services in your area.

Creating and maintaining your own website will give you far more control and flexibility, and it has never been easier or more cost effective to create your own website. Take a look at our Website Builder Resources page for information on building a successful website.

Marketing

Marketing your website is vitally important to the success of your Virtual Assistant business. Making your services known may prove a challenge, though it only takes a few well done assignments and word of mouth will come into the equation. Many Virtual Assistants find that their clients are their best advertisers.

	Make a list of all your contacts, such as work colleagues, past and present, and businesses you've dealt with, whether work related or otherwise, along with any friends and family members. Don't rule anybody out because you think they won't use your services. They may know someone who will and mention your name. Begin contact via email or post with literature communicating what you have to offer, highlighting your skills, experience and so on. Ensure your website address is prominent on all communication. Move on to contacting target businesses, starting locally, with your literature. The Yellow Pages is a good resource for finding business sectors and businesses to target.
	Scour the web relentlessly. Sign up to as many free directories as you can find. Join forums and discussion groups centred around the Virtual Assistant industry. Sign up to newsletters. Basically, get to know the Virtual Assistant industry, get yourself known, and pick up a wealth of useful information along the way.
	Enquire with local newspapers about advertising opportunities to promote your business.

Useful Resources:

The Society of Virtual Assistants is an excellent resource for Virtual Assistants on all levels. The site is completely free, with two types of membership available.

	Standard membership is designed to offer support to those who are looking to become a Virtual Assistant. Membership allows access to the forums where you can have any questions answered, access to the Society blog and other invaluable information.
	To become an approved member you must have a good quality website and agree to a code of conduct. Once verified, you will receive the sites logo, be added to a searchable database and have access to the 'Jobs Available' section of the website.

A Virtual Assistant usually works on as self employed basis and is therefore responsible for paying their own taxes:

Business Link A free business advice and support service available online and through local advisors.

Directgov Information for the self employed regarding tax and National Insurance Contributions, record keeping and more.

Recommended Reading:

START YOUR BUSINESS:

WEEK BY WEEK

Split into weekly sections that include the weeks' requirements, a checklist, useful contact information, a glossary and suggestions for further reading material.

This book will take you through the whole process, from brainstorming and refining your idea, registering your company name, opening a bank account to finding your first customer and keeping records.

SPARE ROOM START UP

A friendly and stylish guide which focuses on specific issues that affect home business start ups.

'Spare Room Start Up' presents readers with simple solutions and demonstrates the ease and low cost with which a home business can be started.

A top rated book crammed with useful information.

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