What Is A Virtual Assistant?

This is a question you've probably asked yourself if you have heard of the title "Virtual Assistant." A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent contractor and a home-based entrepreneur who uses the Internet, phone, fax, email, and other technology to communicate with his/her clients. Some define a VA as anyone who works from home and provides any sort of support virtually.

The International Virtual Assistant's Association (IVAA) defines a VA as: "VA’s are independent contractors who provide administrative support or specialized business services from a distance, through the Internet, fax, telephone or another method of communication. They can help a company that needs extra people to meet seasonal demands; provide unique skills for a special project; or step in to meet the demands of business growth, locally, domestically or globally."

Despite the varying definitions, what everyone can agree on is the fact that this is a growing industry that can be a lucrative home business opportunity. At the same time, a Virtual Assistant can offer tremendous benefits to the business owner that contracts them.

Virtual Assistants are not hired as employees. They are business owners themselves and are hired on a contract basis. An employer who works with a VA has the distinct advantage of not having to deal with taxes, unemployment insurance, sick leave, vacation pay, or benefits. Rather than having to provide additional office space, and be responsible for the development and supervision of an employee, they can enjoy the support and assistance of a professional without the headaches of hiring and managing employees. And while VA's are in a support role, that doesn't mean that they are in a subordinate role.

Although still considered an uncommon profession, the Virtual Assistant role is fast becoming the best recognized choice for companies, particularly web-based companies, to pursue nowadays. As a small business owner, outsourcing work to Virtual Assistants is fast becoming a popular and intelligent decision. The business owner saves enormous amounts of money by cutting the costs of offices and equipment overhead as well as expensive benefits packages.

The revolution of how businesses operate is an enormous boon to Virtual Assistants. With more businesses moving into an internet based atmosphere, the opportunity for growth as a Virtual Assistant (VA) is exceptional. More and more people today are opting to stay at home to nurture their children. But this is nearly always a financially stressful decision for a family to make. Our economic situation often times demands two incomes - and even so, many couples continue to find themselves sinking further and further into financial debt.

While this is a fairly new industry, there are several organizations that offer support and resources to VA's. Many VA's agree that becoming a member of one of these organizations can be a tremendous help to someone starting out. Perhaps because this is a relatively new industry, it's hard to pin down exactly how many Virtual Assistants there are out there.

I've seen Virtual Assistants' rates range from $15 to $70/hr., depending on the VA's experience, specialty, location, and the project. One of the most common concerns a new Virtual Assistant faces is what to charge for his/her services. A common mistake made by new Virtual Assistants is underestimating the value of their services. The more specialized your service is, the more you may be able to charge for those services.

There are several Virtual Assistant jobs out there, you just have to know how and where to find them. Here are some ideas to get you started:

A Virtual Assistant typically will perform services for independent professionals, sole proprietors, and home or small businesses that do not need or have a budget for a full-time secretary.
A VA's services can be very specialized, or they can offer a broad range of administrative services which can include:

Typing manuscripts
Letters
Transcription
Database Management
Data entry
Internet research
Email CSR
Writing resumes
Schedule meetings
Write proposals
Marketing
Bookkeeping
Billing
Word Processing

Equipment needs obviously include a computer system, Internet access, email, fax, printer, phone, and possibly other items depending upon what services you plan on offering.

You will be communicating with your clients via phone, fax, email, or instant messaging.

Completing a Certification Program can allow you to charge more for your services. The skills that you are really proficient at doing will determine what areas of service you should provide. Your skills can also be strengthened taking courses, workshops, and even using online tutorials.

A few basic skills for the Virtual Assistant:

Excellent typing skills
Proficiency with Internet and Internet Applications
Excellent with computers
Word processing and spreadsheet applications
Business management skills

Nearly all marketing for a Virtual Assistant Service is done online. For this reason, you should build a website for your Virtual Assistant Service, with at least a webpage that contains a minimum of your business profile, and contact information.