So you want to become a VA but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you are not sure about how to grow your clientele after you’ve taken a VA course? Don’t worry! This blog will answer all of your questions about what it means to be a VA, the surrounding lifestyle and career involved, and just about everything under the sun! Keep reading for more!
What does a VA do?
The types of work that a VA can do depends significantly on the client or organization they are working for. If VAs have undergone specialized training, this also factors into the additional services they can offer. Some examples of services that VAs will offer for clients are as follows:
Social media management and marketing (content creation and repurposing)
Blog post writing
Data entry and creating reports
Administrative tasks
How can I become certified to be a VA?
That Virtual Life offers the best virtual assistant course right now, open to everyone! Of course, to become a VA, you do not need to be certified by any credible school, organization or the like– but a course such as the one offered by TVL, offers credibility and gives potential VAs an opportunity to build on their skills, as well as learn some new ones. Courses and training seminars can be a valuable way to network and build relationships with other VAs as well, so we highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity!
How much does it cost to start my own VA business?
This is a great question and one we hear people ask often. Starting your own business is no small feat, but do not fear– since the emergence of COVID-19, starting your own online business has actually become easier and more affordable. Social media plays a huge role in promoting your brand, as well as networking and building relationships. Accounting software such as Dubsado or Honeybook make number crunching as easy as 1-2-3! They also take care of contracts, invoicing, and other administrative forms you would need. We do recommend saving up some money for things such as subscriptions to software (Canva, accounting software, etc.) that will make your brand stand out among the rest!
Can I make a career out of being a VA?
Yes, absolutely! Many people have left their 9-5 jobs for the freedom to travel and work from their laptops (#vanlife). It is most definitely an attainable goal, however, not without hard work and dedication. You have to be prepared for long nights, managing multiple clients, and some serious multitasking– but we promise it’s worth it!
What are the benefits of becoming a VA?
Where to begin? For starters, the freedom to travel is what attracts most, as well as not being attached to a desk job (goodbye 9-5!). When you become a VA, you can pretty much work from anywhere as long as you have internet access. This freedom attracts many people looking for adventure or simply looking for a more flexible work schedule.
Typically, VAs work for themselves, unless you work for an agency– which comes with its own perks, such as health care benefits and established clientele.
If I want to be a successful VA, what field should I specialize in?
Technically, VAs can assist in all aspects of life and work– from lawyers and doctors, to stay-at-home moms who just need someone to plan their birthday parties or appointments. It is not necessary to specialize in one specific area or field; however, the most common field would be reality or mid-sized companies.
An important tip if you are looking to be successful as a VA would be to increase your multitasking, communication, and time management skills. Business will likely be slow to start, but once it gets going, you’ll be juggling multiple clients at once.
What role does social media play in becoming a VA?
When you become a VA, you’ll have to build your clientele on your own unless you are working for an agency. Networking to develop clientele can be achieved through social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, and many others. The benefits of these platforms are endless– the engagement with followers, building a community with other VAs, growing awareness of your brand, and so much more. Not to mention, social media is virtually free advertising for your business, which is valuable to VA’s just starting out.
Do I need a specialized skill in order to be a successful VA?
The short answer is no. TVL and many other agencies offer courses that will provide you with all the skills necessary to be a successful VA, but you can learn additional specializations if you’d like. Other valuable skills that would set you apart from competitors as a VA would be:
Alternative languages
Ability to take minutes at meetings
Ability to plan events to completion
Knowledge of accounting programs
Ability to undertake reception duties
Have more questions or didn’t quite understand something? Do not hesitate to reach out to one of our VAs using the form below. Also, stay tuned to our Instagram page for regular updates, including Q&A sessions with our very own VAs!