People ask all the time how to make money online. There are many ways to do so, but one excellent idea is to take a skill you already possess and turn it into a service you can offer online. I've done this myself. Many people have done it. The internet has made it possible to do so many things remotely, or, "virtually."
Types of things you can do virtually (I bet you'll see one you could do too)
A lot of people hear "virtual assistance" and think of administrative assistance, like a secretary. It can mean that, but it can also mean writing, ghostwriting, designing, researching, editing, tutoring, desktop publishing, counseling, audio/video/photo editing, coaching, consulting, bookkeeping, copywriting, social media management, project management, transcription, programming and anything else you can do without having to be in the same physical location as your client. You can call this "virtual assistance."
"Sounds good," you say, "but how exactly do I get started?"
I highly, highly, highly recommend the ebook, The Bootstrap VA: The Go-Getter's Guide to Becoming a Virtual Assistant, Getting and Keeping Clients, and More! by Lisa Morosky.
This is, hands down, one of the best ebooks I've read. It's packed with tons of actionable material. It's like taking a college course. Seriously.
Lisa has worked as a virtual assistant for many years. After reading half of her ebook, I was so impressed, I hired Lisa to be my own virtual assistant. She knows her stuff.
Interested? What's your preference?
(Disclosure: Please note I have bought this ebook and recommend it to you without hesitation. If you decide to purchase it here, at no cost to you, I will receive a small commission and would be grateful for your support of this site. Thank you!)
This is awesome Amy!! I just launched my VA business (www.skyemclain.com) and I have had a great response to it but I am a sponge for information. I am so EXCITED to read this book and get all the information I can from it!!
Yay! It'll be so great to have you as a part of the community, Skye.
And Lisa, I love that you had no idea I was posting this but you saw it and jumped in. You're on top of things, that's for sure!
Hey Lisa!
I am such a ditz sometimes… I knew your name was familiar, that I had read and heard it somewhere, but I just clicked over and found your blog and…
DUH.
Can I just say that I read every word of your VA website and information when I was putting together my business plan? You have already been a fantastic source of information and inspiration to me and I cannot believe I didn't realize at once who you were. Now I am even MORE excited to get this book!! Yippee!!
So happy to hear that I've been helpful already.
I really think you'll find it helpful, Skye. There are tons of tips and resources, not to mention the step by step how-to. Definitely worth it.
I was just about to forward this on to you, Skye!
I agree, this is very exciting. I'm in the process of starting my own VA business and have had more and more questions come up as I go along. I can't wait to get this! Thanks Amy!
Yay! I help it'll be helpful and answer some of those questions you have.
Thank you so much! I've been planning to look into this option and this sounds like a great place to start. Just signed up.
Can't wait to connect with you Patty. I hope the eBook is helpful!
Yes, an excellent place to start for sure.
Oh, you don't know how happy this makes me. I am in searching mode right now, trying to figure out what to do. I have and am willing to put time into building something up, but I feel like all I do is spin my wheels because I don't know WHAT to do.
With my husband getting a PhD I would love nothing more than to find something to do virtually!
I hope this gives you some ideas, Johanna! Lisa is honest about what it takes but lays it all out there for you.
You are speaking my language, Johanna. I've so been there (and actually, I started up my business when my husband was in school too!). I hope the eBook helps to illuminate the path for you.
I'm all over this! I'm a VA for five clients, but I am always open to learning new things and being better at what I do. Thanks so much for sharing this Amy — and Lisa! Yay!!!! You go girl!
Thanks for your support, Christin!
I'm currently a VA, but I kind of fell into it and there's not a lot of information out there about it, so I'm super-excited to read this!
You just described my VA story right there. The lack of straight-forward information was one of my motivators for writing it for sure. Can't wait to hear what you think about it!
This must be providence; I was just looking into what it takes to become a VA earlier today! I'm signing up right now.
I love when things line up and end up being perfect timing. Excited to hear what you think!
Hi there,
I fell into the VA business, and love the flexibility of it. I hope to work with speakers who need repurposing of content. Amy, you are such a generous cheerleader. I love your blog!
What a great market to be in, Jan. I've come across quite a few speakers in my online travels that could have used someone like you!
Thank you so much for this information! I have tried a couple of times in the past to see what is involved in becoming a VA but was left a little lost as to where to start so it was put on the backburner. I am looking forward to getting some direction and great advice!
I hope the eBook helps to point you in the right direction, Regina!
Looking forward to reading the book. I'm an Insider now really loved the contents! It's gonna be very useful. I have a bachelor's in Business Administration and I used to be an assistant for several years, but know that I'm living in Southern Africa and I don't have a work permit (which is difficult to get here) plus I became a mom 5 months ago…but I really want to start working so this virtual assistant job, sounds pretty suitable for me
I only have a question…the cost?? how much would it be??
As in, the cost of the eBook? $12.99 (but it'll be a few bucks less for you, since you're an Insider!).
If you're talking about the cost of getting set up and started as a virtual assistant, really – it's minimal. I'm a total advocate of getting JUST what you need, then upgrading and investing more into your business as it grows.
I've actually started doing the work and stumbled into the field. I now am doing so much VA type work for others via word-of-mouth that actually setting up the business has yet to be done. I'm operating by the seat of my pants.
This eBook will be great. When it is due to launch?
Ah…I see. It launches on my birthday. Cool. I'll make this my gift to myself.
Happy Birthday, Alicia! I'm sure you'll find the ebook very helpful.
I can totally relate to that, Alicia! Hoping the eBook helps to put the more businessy things into perspective.
Everyone has got there own skills, whether it's at work or something you do in your leisure time. I know several people who have made money from their own 'how to' books and videos so there is nothing stopping anyone from going for it
Getting started is usually most difficult part of making money online. I look forward to seeing the part that treats how exactly do get started.
Virtual Assistant what a great way to make money online for the person that's already online a lot. Thanks amy for the awesome post. Have a great day on purpose!
Amy where can i get this ebook?
I realy want to get myself a virtual assistant as at the moment my brain cannot cope with my workload.
Great blog Amy i'm a big big fan.
Just click on the picture of the book!
Making money as a virtual assistant is what I always have been looking for
But dificult to find.
All I have done was being an author and Internet marketing
Thanks Amy;
Thanks Amy, this has been absolutely invaluable! Appreciate it so much!
I love the blog and I love the straight to point, not a lot of reading and no answers. My concern I want a blog, ebook, but need help in writing . My goal is too earn income from working online. I am really tired of the work place politics.
Hey this is great just like this site I wanted to share its, incomeshocker(dot)com
I had absolutely no idea anyone could be a virtual assistant. Thanks for the article, I'll be picking up the book shortly. Sounds like a great flexible business.
I have been looking for guidance on this. I can't wait to download this book. Thanks for the article.
Wow, what a great resource. I'm already an admin assistant so this could be right up my alley.
Monica.
Hi Amy I just purchased this ebook and I am so excited about it, can not wait to crack the seal today! Looking forward to the bonus page as well, it the info for that in the book?
I just purchased the book. How do I get access to the Facebook group?
Instructions are here.
Amy & Lisa, this is a great resource for both VAs and anyone who works with VAs. While I'm not a VA myself, I have some VAs helping on my site and this book helped me better understand their role and routine. As a result, I'm able to better manage my expectations. Great resource!
Thanks, Ryan. Lisa did an excellent job on this ebook. Definitely a recommended to anyone trying to get started working virtually.
I am a retired CPA, and am used to getting business and doing work as an independent contractor. Some of the principles that you highlighted about being a virtual assistant reminded me of when I was in practice. The only difference I see is that I need to get the clients online, instead of on foot. Nevertheless, I enjoyed your article, and I am anxious to get a copy of Lisa's book. Thank you.
I have purchased the book and would like to know how to gain access to the facebook group. Please let me know. Thanks! Tiffany
Hi Tiffany, just go here and read the instructions to sign up!
Hi Amy, Thanks for sharing your tips on how to make money online as a Virtual Assistant . This could be very useful for those who have an interest to work online.