How to Become a Virtual Assistant?

Want to become a writer at Eat My News? Here is an opportunity to join the Board of Young Leaders Program by Eat My News. Click here to know more: bit.ly/boardofyoungleaders

Are you one of those lazy freaks who don’t want to go to the office and work? Do you like to work sitting on your bed having your cup of chai, comfortably with PJ’s without taking the trouble to get stuck in traffic while going to office? Here you go, your secret wish is heeded and businesses brought you a golden opportunity in the form of Virtual Assistance.

You can also make this job as one of your side hustles and earn decent money. It is a good way to step into the world of freelancing and boost your skills. Let us see what a Virtual Assistant does, and skills needed to become one, if interested.

Who is a Virtual Assistant?

A virtual assistant is someone who is handy-Andy. They possess specific skill sets and offer administrative support from remote areas. VA’s are quite adaptable. From doing administrative work like scheduling appointments, managing email replies, and handling social media accounts, they do it all. Everything depends on the specialisation one possesses. No matter what your educational background is, you need to possess the required skills to perform this job well.

For example,

If you have a sales background, you can find a client who is looking for a person to maintain sales pages.
If you are good at writing, you can find a monthly blog writer to help in content research.

You must be good at multi-tasking to take up this job as your boss is hiring you to complete his incomplete tasks. The busier your boss is, the more you get to work according to his schedule.

Services that a virtual assistant can provide:

1. Customer Service

2. Finance Management

3. Administrative Support

4. Website Design

5. Content Research

6. Book Keeping

7. Data Entry

8. Social Media Management

9. Online Marketing

10. Email Marketing

The list goes on based on the entrepreneur’s requirements. Now that you got to know about the services you can provide, wondering what skills and requirements you need to take up this job. Here you go.

Requirements:

All you need is a smart phone, laptop with high speed internet connection. You need to be readily available for calls.

Skills Required:

1. Oral Communication and Writing Skills:

If you are providing client services, you need to be pretty good at communication skills. In the virtual assistant’s community, maximum communication is done through emails, fax, etc. You need to have good writing skills to write professionally and convincingly. You can improve these skills by taking a few online courses before you apply for this post.

2. Being Tech Savvy to an Extent

It is not that you need to have total knowledge about computers; you need to be aware of Microsoft Word, Excel, SEO, data management, and some web knowledge. If you are not tech-savvy, remember that everyone starts from the beginning. Enroll in online classes if you are not aware of these skills to build an impressive resume. You can also learn from videos available on YouTube.

3. Zeal and Discipline:

As you are working from home, you need to wake up on time to get into work. There will be ‘n’ number of things that distract you at home, it may be your clutter filled room, your favourite TV show, or phone calls from your closed ones. Set a priority list to avoid these disturbances from your work. You must possess zeal towards your work and discipline to complete tasks on time.

4. Decision Making:

As you are working online, you will not have your officials to guide you whenever you get stuck. You need to think and decide to solve your questions by yourself. You can also use the internet for help.

5. Continuous Learning:

As it is said, ‘Love whatever you do’; you must love to learn the necessary skills to be good at your work. You will get to learn on a daily basis to be at the top of the game. Make sure to learn atleast one new skill everyday that enhances your virtual assistance profile.