I have been a VA for many years now and recommend it as a great home business idea for many women. Here are some tips on landing a position as a Virtual Assistant.
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Tips on Winning a
Virtual Assistant Position AND Keeping It
By Lori Redfield
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.
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.
- Microsoft Office - Excel, Access, Outlook, and Word
- HTML skills with either Macromedia
Dreamweaver or Microsoft FrontPage
- Instant Messaging
software - ICQ, Yahoo Messenger, MSN
Messenger
- Cable Modem or DSL
- Dial up is far to slow for the pace
most online entrepreneurs are accustomed to working at.
The above aren't always necessary - but
acquiring each and learning to use them will only increase
your desirability and worth.
There are many places to start looking
for a Virtual Assistant position:
- One of the easiest places to land
your first clients is through an ad placed in your own local
classifieds. It seems unlikely - but trust me, there is
far less competition for local clients then for jobs being bid
on through Internet Job sites.
- Freelance Job Sites such as elance, smarterwork.com, findafreelancer etc. There is
an extensive list of these types of resources here:
www.freelancemom.com/gigs.htm
- Via Freelance, Home
Business, or WAHM forums. Virtual Assistants with an
established client base often times search for reliable
'Over-flow Partners'. Forums are an excellent place to network
and seek out these types of opportunities.
- Building
your own website. Unless you do some very good website
promotion, it isn't likely you will actually gain clients
through a website that you build to promote your service.
HOWEVER, you really should have a website. Just as business
cards are an expected and valuable piece of your traditional
business, websites are like an online business card/resume.
You should list your rates, your skills, your availability and
your portfolio. A well thought out website will give you the
edge when bidding on a position.
When you are applying or bidding on
a Freelance position, you must come across as a professional.
There is something about the online medium that invites a
casual correspondence style. You will do well to avoid this
temptation. Save similes, abbreviated internet slang (LOL, IMO
etcetera) for later on in your relationship with your client.
Your client needs to trust that you are going
to help him/her run their business with professionalism. Your first impression must come across as professional as a
traditional cover letter for employment. Be confident and
clear in your interactions with them. Ask intelligent
questions and be very honest about the time that you have
available in your schedule.
I strongly advise all aspiring Virtual
Assistants to do an honest assessment of what their
career objectives are before they begin seeking out work. It
is easy, and common to over extend yourself. If your main goal
is to earn a part-time living specifically so that you can put
raising your children ahead of your career. then be very clear
about that when you begin to take on new work assignments.
Start off slow and add clients or
responsibilities for clients gradually. Being too eager to
succeed can quickly be your worst downfall. The quickest way
to lose a good client is by under-delivering. Make realistic
promises. You will gain their respect and their trust. And you
will find that as their business grows, they will be more then
willing to work around your schedule and needs in order to
keep you as a valued contractor.
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Lori Redfield is a freelancing Mother of three,
happy wife and blooming online entrepreneur. She is founder of
newly launched FreelanceMom.com an
esource for women who want to work from home.
Related articles:
How to find a Telecommute job
Finding Your Home Business Niche
Related forums:
Work at Home Ideas
Virtual Assistant Overflow Forum
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