Are you interested in starting a virtual assistant career?
Being a Filipino will work in your favor. Why? Because the Philippines is gaining popularity when it comes to producing awesome virtual assistants. In fact, there are millions of Filipino virtual assistants all over the country. I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot of virtual assistants over the years and saying that they’re very talented is an understatement.
I’ve also conversed with some of my clients who gush over how amazing their VAs are from the Philippines.
You can be one of them.
In this article, let’s focus on what it takes to be an awesome Virtual Assistant. What do they do and what skills do you need to start a career as a virtual assistant?
What is a Virtual Assistant?
VAs or Virtual Assistants are independent contractors. They provide administrative service to their clients from the comforts of their homes. They work remotely to provide whatever is needed by the client.
A well-rounded virtual assistant can perform tasks that an administrative assistant or secretary would normally do. Some of the work includes:
- Clerical Tasks
- Bookkeeping Tasks
- Appointment Scheduling
- Plan Travel Arrangements
- Data Entry
- Manage Email
- Online Research
- Create Presentations
- Managing Social Media Accounts
And so much more…
Nowadays, businesses rely on Virtual Assistants to cut operational costs. VAs can also relieve the business owners of basic tasks so they can focus on generating revenue. Their work has a great impact and their service is always sought after.
So what does it take to be a Virtual Assistant?
3 must-have VA skills
Here are 3 virtual assistant skills that you need to possess to be successful in this line of work.
Communication Skills
VAs should both be good in oral and writing communication. As a VA, you may be asked to reply to emails or ask to write a report so your grammar should be spot on. You’ll also be talking to other members of the team on behalf of your employer. So having great oral and written skills will help eliminate miscommunication.
Tech Savvy
A virtual assistant must possess a wide range of computer skills. VAs must also have a high level of proficiency with commonly used business software programs. In my experience, you should at least know the basics of the different Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc). Also, knowing how to use the different file sharing sites such as Google Drive, Google Docs, Dropbox, to name a few, is an advantage.
HELPFUL TIP: If you want to stay competitive as a VA, you have to constantly learn new platforms and applications online. Feel free to discuss and recommend new discoveries with your client. They’ll appreciate your initiative and it shows your concern about their business.
Multitasking
Clients can be demanding sometimes. This is why you may want to be ready to take on several roles for them. You may be asked to jump from one task to another in an instant. You should be a quick thinker. Know how to work under pressure. These are qualities that clients usually ask during interviews.
Of course, you have to gauge the tasks given to you by your client. If you feel like they’re giving you way too much work, speak up. Especially if it’ll compromise the quality of your work. You also want to be compensated accordingly for the amount of work that you’re giving them.
Make them appreciate your value!
Do you have what it takes to be a VA?
Being a virtual assistant is an awesome way to start your freelancing career. The demand for VAs is expected to increase now that working from home has been widely accepted.
So if you’re like me and you want to start working from home, here’s your chance. This could be the perfect online job for you.