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Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants provide valuable services to a wide range of professionals in an affordable and convenient way. They are independent contract workers who provide administrative, creative, or technical services. They usually have tasks similar to that of an office secretary or a manager, but perform their duties from a home office. Usually they have their own computer, software, internet connection, and phone.
Virtual Assistant Job Description
Virtual assistants perform various activities in their home office. Some of the common tasks performed by virtual assistants include:
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Managing contact lists and customer spreadsheets
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Maintaining a calendar and arranging meetings
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Taking transcriptions and managing correspondence
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Arranging travel and making appointments
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Handling various accounting tasks and billing
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Preparing newsletters and send them through email
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Providing requested information to customers
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Handling inquiries of clients through phone or email
How To Become A Virtual Assistant
To become a virtual assistant, you first need to take some essential steps and lay the groundwork. The following sections provide you with information about the steps you need to take:
Know The Essential Skills
You will need the following critical skills to thrive as a virtual assistant:
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Computer Skills
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Organization Skills
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Oral Communication Skills
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Writing Skills
Acquire Education
Even if you are tech-savvy and have sufficient business knowledge, it is always good to further hone your skills by taking classes in the field relevant to your career. By taking additional courses you could update your skills and be more efficient in your work responsibilities. You could also receive certification to become a virtual assistant. This way it will be easier to convince your clients that you possess the appropriate skills to perform their required tasks. Online education may be an option you should look into because there are many degree and certification programs that you could enroll into and complete while building up your business.
Meet People
In order to have more clients, you will need to meet people. The more people you know, the more chances to have clients who could assign you work. Networking will help you find out the different services needed by people, and the contacts that you make will definitely result in more clients.
Websites And Social Networks
You will not always need to meet people in person to network or make contacts. You could set up your own website that gives details of the services you provide. Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn may also be quite useful in connecting with people online. Many online conferences also enable you to connect with the other attendees, which can also be a great way to make contacts and look for potential clients.
Market Your Skills
Entrepreneurs always need to market themselves. You will have to look for opportunities where you could meet people, and let them know about the services you provide and how you could benefit their business. You do not need to overdo it, but it is always preferable that you choose the right opportunities. If you are not comfortable with marketing your skills, you could take some online courses to acquire the desired skills.