Not just anyone can do it… after all it’s not the work at home equivalent of falling off a log. Nor is it a business that you can start right away even if you’re “cash poor”. Sure, it costs less to start up than, say, a nuclear reactor to generate electricity, but like any business, a certain amount of cash is advisable to make sure you have the resources you need to market your services.
But you might be able to begin a profitable and satisfying Virtual Assistant’s business if you meet the qualifications mentioned in Virtual Assistant – The Blog.
So what are they?
In part…
1. Most successfuly VA’s have 5 years of corporate experience and be able to work without supervision
2. Good to great computer and software skills – you won’t have an in house “computer person” to troubleshoot common problems you’ll encounter.
3. Know how to work with the public and solve problems
And that’s just what YOU need to be able to do. Now to the nitty-gritty.
Photo Courtesy Virtual Assistant – The Blog
Related Link: The Virtual Assistant Kit – “In A Box”
Danielle Keister on January 18th, 2007 at 8:03 am
Hi, Chuck! I’m always pleased when people outside my profession help promote it. But I just about choked on my breakfast when I read these words in relation to Virtual Assistance: “must be able to work well without supervision.” Since when do we ask independent professionals if they work well without supervision? Is that something you ask your attorney? Your accountant? I know there are people out there using our terminology, but who operate under employee-mindset. Those are not true Virtual Assistants–those are telecommuters. REAL Virtual Assistants are independent administrative experts, they are not employee, you do not supervise them, and they will have their own systems for working with new clients and guiding the delegation process. Thanks for helping me clear that up!
Chuck on January 18th, 2007 at 8:12 am
Danielle,
I can tell from your comment you don’t have to deal with the number of day dreamers I do who latch on to an idea and hope it will finally make them rich when they have no clue what’s involved.
In my business writing about these things, I’ve found I have to mention some things that should go without mentioning simply to help the day dreamers get in touch with reality so they can get on with their lives and not sink money into VA start up kits that will be another wasted buck chasing a dream because they don’t really have the motivation to tie their own shoes without supervision.
Thanks for letting me clear THAT up.
Danielle Keister on March 12th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Oh, no–I DO have to deal with those folks all the time. That’s why it’s so important to me and those in my profession to make very clear to those who would enter our ranks that this is not a “job.” This is a profession where they will not be working like an employee (which is a telecommuter), but rather an independent professional.
I hear that on the “VA in a Box” kits. There are no quick fixes, shortcuts or overnight success in any business, and those folks are simply being preyed upon by unscrupulous internet marketers. You know what they say, “a fool and his/her money are soon parted.”