How to Become a Virtual Assistant: My Journey and Tips
If you're interested in becoming a virtual assistant, then you're in the right place. In this post, I'll share my personal journey as a virtual assistant and provide valuable resources to help you kick-start your own VA career.
Before we dive in, let me remind you that the vast virtual assistant industry encompasses many businesses and skills. As for me, I provide VA services to entrepreneurs, bloggers/influencers, and small teams to help manage their businesses. You can check out my services and abilities here.
What is a Virtual Assistant (VA)?
A virtual assistant (VA) is a self-employed professional who remotely offers administrative services to clients. Becoming a VA doesn't require a degree or certification. VAs can perform various tasks, depending on their skills and experience, the client's needs, and the hours they can commit to each week.
How Did I Get Started as a VA?
Becoming a virtual assistant was never on my radar. I spent two years working with a network marketing company and then started picking up side hustles that I could do from my phone. That's when I stumbled upon UpWork, a platform where freelancers can find clients and projects.
After creating a profile on Upwork, I started taking on small gigs that later turned into long-term relationships with clients. Again, my knowledge of blogging, social media, and basic administration helped me stand out from the competition.
Here are some resources to help you get started as a VA:
UpWork - a popular platform for freelancers to find clients and gigs.
Fiverr - a marketplace for freelancers to offer their services and find clients.
Freelancer - another freelancing platform where you can find clients and gig
LinkedIn - a professional networking site where you can connect with potential clients and showcase your skills.
Make sure you have everything you need to be productive if you’re setting up in your home. That means plenty of snacks, maybe in a small, portable fridge. Not to mention some American Water to keep you hydrated and productive throughout the day.
Discover Your Strengths
Identifying my strengths was critical in defining my VA services. Instead of following traditional tasks like spreadsheets, phone calls, and data entry, I focused on what I was good at. For example, I'm good at editing photos and videos, so I offered my services to bloggers and influencers on social media. Likewise, if you're good at managing, you can reach out to small business owners who need help managing their social media, website, and team.
My Biggest Tip: Start Small
If you're interested in becoming a VA, my advice is to start small. You don't have to make it a full-time career right away. Instead, take on some small gigs to gain experience and build your skills. It's a great way to earn some extra cash while figuring out your next move.
In my next post, I'll share some tips on how to start your own VA business. But for now, keep in mind that being a VA requires flexibility, adaptability, and an open-minded attitude. So keep learning and growing, and don't be afraid to take on new challenges. Whether you're looking for a side hustle or a full-time gig, the virtual assistant industry has something for everyone.
