The name basically says it all.
"Virtual" - Meaning not in real life, online or via the internet.
"Assistant" - A helper, a supporter, an aide, or an associate.
This is what a Virtual Assistant does >> Assists and support (via the internet) business owners, professionals, entrepreneurs, and other individuals, or companies that needs assistance and support.
To give you more ideas about what a Virtual Assistant is, here are some definitions found on the internet...
1. From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_assistant:
A virtual assistant (typically abbreviated to VA, also called a virtual office assistant) is generally self-employed and provides professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance to clients remotely from a home office.
2. From http://www.investopedia.com
An independent contractor who provides administrative services to clients while operating outside of the client's office. A virtual assistant typically operates from a home office, but is able to access the necessary planning documents, such as shared calendars, remotely. People employed as virtual assistants typically have several years of secretarial or office management experience.
3. From http://homebusiness.about.com
A virtual assistant is a person who helps someone else - usually a business owner or small business - with a variety of tasks from a remote location (thus the word 'virtual').
Why is there a need for Virtual Assistants?
Internet users are increasing by the millions every year. Computers are
getting faster and internet connections have become affordable and
accessible to many. Millions and millions of people goes online each and
every day. Internet has become a part of our daily lives.
Today, we use the internet not only to connect with our love ones, but
also to learn new things, to find products to buy, to look for events to
go to, to explore places to travel, and so on and so forth. And
businesses go to where there are lots of people because it means more
potential customers and hence more profits.
Many companies have already realized that getting their brand / products
/ services online can do great wonders to their businesses. And a lot
more are following the trend hoping that the internet can also benefit
their own business ventures as well.
Bottomline, more online businesses means more demand for online services
hence more online job opportunities for virtual assistants.
Virtual Assistant Salary or Pay Rate
The salary or pay rate of a virtual assistant depends on the skills and the years of work experience.
The average pay rate for a new VA is between $2 to $5 per hour while
those with 2 and more years of work experience can charge between $10 to
$20 per hour (and up), again it depends on the skills of the VA.
More or less, here are the factors that may affect the pay rate:
1. Experience - The more years of experience the higher pay rate.
2. Skills - The number of skills a VA have and the more complex or unique a skills is.
3. Online reputation
What does a Virtual Assistant do?
Different
virtual assistants have different job descriptions. The actual work
depends on the service requirement of the employer. So a VA working for a
real estate broker has different work activities as compared to a VA
working for a book author.
Below is a list of tasks commonly assigned to a VA:
Below is a list of tasks commonly assigned to a VA:
- Data Entry and data conversion
- Writing, copywriting
- Proofreading, editing
- Transcription
- Appointment setting
- Travel arrangements
- Customer service
- Internet research
- Website creation and management
- Blogging and blog maintenance
- Online marketing and SEO
- Data and files management
- Project management
- Accounting, bookkeeping, billing services
- Email and newsletter management
- Graphic design and image editing
- Human resource services - Hiring and staff management
- Preparing presentation materials (Powerpoint, video)
- Social media accounts management
Above tasks involve skills that one may already have - maybe gained from self-education or from a previous work experience. The more skills and experience a VA has the better because it means more job options to choose from and higher pay rates as well.
Do you have what it takes to be a Virtual Assistant?
Below are 5 basic skills that a Virtual Assistant MUST have:
1. Number one on the list is the ability to follow instructions. A VA must know how to read,
understand, and follow instructions correctly.
2. Good communication skills - Must know how to express oneself, both verbally and thru writing.
3. Great organizational skills - Must know how to manage time and daily activities.
4. Basic computer and Internet skills - Data entry (MS word/Excel), Google research, email, chat, Skype, etc.
5. Positive work attitude - Must show professionalism, dedication, and common sense.
Above are "MUST" skills that an individual has to develop in order to become an effective and successful virtual assistant.
Anyone can be a Virtual Assistant, but ONLY if he or she really wants to.
There's really no excuse not to become one. If you don't have enough skills - you can start learning now! The internet is full of free information available in just a few mouse clicks. If you need someone to guide you then find a mentor. There are lots of them around, both paid and free mentors where you can learn from. Plus the many ebooks and online tutorials that are available on the internet for free.
To become a successful VA is very achievable, the only important thing you need to have is the real desire to become one.
Thanks for reading my post and have a nice day!
God Bless ^_^
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