Mom Become a Virtual Assistant

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.

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.

Business Plan: As a Virtual Assistant, your business plan is important in order to map out your marketing plan, your financial goals, as well as putting together an overview of your business with your mission in mind. Once you've decided on your services, you can start writing your business plan with help from the resource at the end of this article.

A Home Office That Suits Your Business: Many people have small home offices, but you'll want to go beyond working from your laptop on the kitchen table. The home office used for your Virtual Assistant business should be quiet and comfortable -- preferably with a door that you can close! Invest in a nice desk for your computer and printer when you can afford it. Consider a separate telephone line in your home office if you wish to keep client calls from being answered by family. Keep in mind that, as your client list expands, so will your business, so in the future you may want to include items like a scanner and additional storage for client information.

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 enjoy your new career and make good money in the process from home. Virtual Assistants are highly in demand in an uncertain economy. When a small business owner has the option of taking on the expense and commitment of a full-time employee verses opting for a Virtual Assistant as a consultant part-time, you can see why this opportunity is growing. Get started today.

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Yes, you Can make money as a Virtual Assistant. Get the help you need in the JustAddSweat.com How to Start a Virtual Assistant Business from Home Guide today.

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