A virtual assistant is someone who offers assistance to someone via the internet. I can tell you from personal experience, that it's a great work-at-home opportunity and something many people could do.
The internet makes it easy for people to work together even if they're miles apart. Any service you can offer from a distance—bookkeeping, administrative assistance, secretarial skills, data entry, design work, writing, tutoring, consulting, etc.—could be considered virtual assistance. And at rates ranging anywhere from $20 to $100+ an hour (depending on your skill), it's a great option for those who want to work at home.
Many of you know I worked for Crystal at Money Saving Mom in this capacity back in 2010. Some of the things I did for here were:
- Answering emails.
- Managing comments on her blog.
- Helping her get her schedule under control.
- A little bit of data entry at one point.
- Handling various other administrative tasks.
I have since handed over my role to another outstanding VA and have moved into more of a consulting role for Crystal (although it could probably still be considered virtual assistance since I do it virtually). At any rate, it was an excellent opportunity that arose at a wonderful time for our family and could work for all kinds of people.
If you are thinking about becoming a VA, here are a few of my tips:
- Get a website. Your own presence on the web is crucial. It gives you a more professional appearance, the chance to highlight some of your skills and an opportunity to explain your process. If you've seen my step-by-step series which walks you through setting up your own website, you know how easy (and relatively low-cost) this can be. Note that my series talks specifically about blogs, but it applies equally to regular websites too. The setup is exactly the same. (In fact, my husband is about to start his own service-based business and I'll be setting up his website exactly as I explain in my series.) Being able to send potential clients to a website is key. Many (most?) potential clients work online so they want to know you have experience online yourself.
- Get involved in social media. This would include Google+, Facebook and Twitter, commenting on blogs, etc. Tsh at Simple Mom calls this "organic" and I couldn't agree more. Relationships are key. Being involved in social media is one of the best way to find clients and vice versa (at least until you are established and can rely on word of mouth).
- Be helpful. Some people looking for work as a VA come across as spammy. I didn't set out to work with Crystal. I had offered her some ideas about her website in a few of our conversations and that was the start of our working relationship. Again, organic.
- Do some research. Ask around, read some great articles (like this one at Simple Mom — great tips and links to resources!), do some googling and find some people that are already VAs (like Lisa). Check out their websites, see what they offer and get an idea of how it might work for you.
- Get a website. Oh, did I say that already?
But it's so important! Again, I'll walk you right through the steps here.
What about you? Do you offer help to anyone as a virtual assistant? What other tips would you add?
Here at BloggingWithAmy you'll find tips, tools & tutorials about blogging and websites. In plain English. Want to 
Thanks for the shout-out, Amy.
Yeah, I'd say the best thing you can do if you're wanting to become a VA, is to just focus on getting that first client. Take it one step at a time. You don't need to have it all together to start working with clients – the key is just to start!
And another thing: I've never paid for advertising in the almost 3 years I've been doing this. My clients and acquaintances are my advertisers and the referrals are steady. So treat your clients well, be involved in social media, and the clients will come.
Hi Amy,
I have a friend of mine her name is jane, she is applying now as a VA, and soon she will be starting her new job. She keeps on researching on how to be an effective VA. and I'm so glad that I found this site. I will give this link to her. for her to clarify and understand well, and read this wonderful tips. Thanks for sharing this content Its very informative and interesting. God bless..
So that's how all those probloggers manage to find the time to crank out a post a day. If I were making enough from my blog to justify the expense, I would love to hire a VA. How great t would be not to have to worry about social media, comments, and email all the time!
I am also a VA. I think a big part of this too is you need to have a good understanding of how to be an assistant. I don't feel just anyone can jump in and become a great assistant. You must be professional, organized, and above all else – trustworthy!
One of my current clients found me through my blog The Millennial Housewife – so NETWORKING is a huge key to success.
I love this blog and all of your tips and tricks!
Yes, good point about trustworthiness. That's why relationships first are key. Also, I recommend an agreed upon probationary or trial period too. That way, if it's not working for either party, you can back out.
The way I started was "organic" as well. I decided to stay home after my last pregnancy but I let my boss know if I could ever be of any help please don't hesitate to contact me. Well our industry was hit by the economy and she had to close her phsyical office but she remember what I said and contacted me to take over some of my old job responsibilities.
I do about 1/3 of what I use to, on my own schedule and all viritually from my home. My boss saw the value in what I was providing for her as well as the savings and gave me a raise
I'm looking at taking on more clients in the next six months.
I'm currently a blog designer, but I've been looking to offer something more. Recently, I designed my sisters blog, and i'm also handling all of her emails, site management, clients, etc. All of the things a VA does! I never really knew about VA's before, but after researching I know that this is what I want to be doing. Most people don't like the tasks of "management", but I on the other hand, LIVE for them! I'm going to be adding VA services to my website in June, and I'm so excited!
Thanks Amy, for this great and informative post!
Awesome! The flexibility of working online, learning new things, adding services (or removing them if you find you don't like them) make virtual assistance great!
thank you very much. I am trying to do this, key word trying. I'm floundering.. badly. this def. helps. thank you.
Slow and steady…
I like this blog. Virtual Assistant is an entrepreneur who provides professional executive, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a home sourcing business. Thank you for sharing this tips.
Hi Amy. Great share.
I am a VA myself and I now have a website offering virtual assistance. I believe that to be a successful VA, one has to offer great service, meaning giving more of what the customer/client expected and you loving the work you do and not just for money. When your client is satisfied with your service, you get referred to others. As a result, you build your reputation online.
Yes, great point! Nothing beats excellent service. It totally speaks for itself for sure!
A key to make you succed as a VA is to make your client satisfy, feel them that there are priority and make there all task done, if you encounter task that doesn't familiar to you, Google is your friend, thats I always do, I always go to Google and I make things done.
the key of success to become a great virtual assistant to clients business, is to make them smiled with your outputs and conversions, by that you can call yourself now a great Virtual Assistant, that I always do.