Don’t offer anything you don’t like to do. For example, I HATE making cold calls. I do like writing, editing, proofreading, data capturing and desktop publishing. So, when responding to ads or inquiries, I focus on my personal strengths and the services I like to offer. Another thing to decide on at this point is if you want to be a “general” VA, or if you want to specialize in a certain field such as medical, legal, or technical areas. If you have the training and/or experience in a specialized field, and the desire to work in that field, go after a “niche” in that area. If you don’t have the necessary skills or training, but are interested in a specialized area, try getting in with a firm/company as a general VA and learn the skills you don’t already possess.
Most VAs charge $25-50/hr., depending on the services offered, years of experience and how specialized their field of expertise is. When starting out, it’s good to start in the $15-$25/hr. range, especially if just doing general administrative work. Research what other VAs who offer similar services are charging. Look around at other sites. Use your discretion when setting prices and rates. Some VAs opt not to list their prices on their sites and charge a per-project fee instead of hourly. If you’re going to do things that way, make sure you carefully look at every aspect of the project and how much time is going into it. Be fair both to yourself and your client. Another good suggestion is to give first-time clients a discount on their first project or contract, especially those clients with whom you would like to work. Make sure they know that this is a “First Contract Discount” that you offer to new clients in order to show them the quality of your work and the dedication you have to your clients.
A contract is one of the most important tools you should have for this type of work. You can find general independent contractor contracts and agreements in many legal books or online. Take one of these and adapt it to your business. Just make sure it includes the following: ? Your client’s name and company name ? Your legal name and/or company name ? Both addresses and contact info ? The scope of your work on the project or for the client ? The start and end dates of the project/assignment ? A payment and cancellation policy ? The signatures of all people listed in the contract Make sure to list in detail the scope of what you’re going to be doing. This way, if the client wants to pile more work on you than what you’re supposed to be doing, you can re-negotiate or amend your contract for your new duties.
One of the most important marketing tools a VA can have is his/her portfolio. Included in this is an updated copy of resume, a complete list of services (detailed), a list of projects you’ve worked on (complete with references), and any client testimonials you’ve collected and a list of awards/certifications/degrees you’ve earned. A VA can market him/her-self under a variety of titles, depending on the services offered: Virtual Assistant, Virtual Administrative Assistant, Remote Secretarial Services, Virtual Personal Assistant, Virtual Executive Assistant, Virtual Medical Assistant, Virtual Legal Assistant, Virtual Paralegal, etc. There are also a variety of ways to advertise, depending on what your budget is. One of the cheapest ways to get clients is by networking. Another way is to set up partnerships with other small businesses whose clientele would be more likely to use a VA. For example, if you write web content, pair up with a web designer to cross-promote each other. When you see an ad for temp help in your local paper, write a convincing and persuasive letter to them listing the advantages of using a VA for fill-in or overflow work, the skills you possess and whatever else you “bring to the table.” Carry business cards with you everywhere! Make them your “calling card!” Leave them everywhere you go that you can exchange them with other businesspeople. Include them in all of your correspondence. Make sure to get the word of your new venture out to your family and friends. Invest in some brochures/postcards that you can send to targeted companies in your community to announce the services you offer and the advantages of using a VA.
Just a few more thoughts… In order to succeed in this, or any other, home-based business, you need the support of friends and family and the qualities of determination and perseverance. A “can-do” attitude is needed during the beginning months when the work may be scarce and the money isn’t exactly “rolling in.” A.J. Horne of Horne Communications offers this thought regarding working from home:
Most VAs charge $25-50/hr., depending on the services offered, years of experience and how specialized their field of expertise is. When starting out, it’s good to start in the $15-$25/hr. range, especially if just doing general administrative work. Research what other VAs who offer similar services are charging. Look around at other sites. Use your discretion when setting prices and rates. Some VAs opt not to list their prices on their sites and charge a per-project fee instead of hourly. If you’re going to do things that way, make sure you carefully look at every aspect of the project and how much time is going into it. Be fair both to yourself and your client. Another good suggestion is to give first-time clients a discount on their first project or contract, especially those clients with whom you would like to work. Make sure they know that this is a “First Contract Discount” that you offer to new clients in order to show them the quality of your work and the dedication you have to your clients.
A contract is one of the most important tools you should have for this type of work. You can find general independent contractor contracts and agreements in many legal books or online. Take one of these and adapt it to your business. Just make sure it includes the following: ? Your client’s name and company name ? Your legal name and/or company name ? Both addresses and contact info ? The scope of your work on the project or for the client ? The start and end dates of the project/assignment ? A payment and cancellation policy ? The signatures of all people listed in the contract Make sure to list in detail the scope of what you’re going to be doing. This way, if the client wants to pile more work on you than what you’re supposed to be doing, you can re-negotiate or amend your contract for your new duties.
One of the most important marketing tools a VA can have is his/her portfolio. Included in this is an updated copy of resume, a complete list of services (detailed), a list of projects you’ve worked on (complete with references), and any client testimonials you’ve collected and a list of awards/certifications/degrees you’ve earned. A VA can market him/her-self under a variety of titles, depending on the services offered: Virtual Assistant, Virtual Administrative Assistant, Remote Secretarial Services, Virtual Personal Assistant, Virtual Executive Assistant, Virtual Medical Assistant, Virtual Legal Assistant, Virtual Paralegal, etc. There are also a variety of ways to advertise, depending on what your budget is. One of the cheapest ways to get clients is by networking. Another way is to set up partnerships with other small businesses whose clientele would be more likely to use a VA. For example, if you write web content, pair up with a web designer to cross-promote each other. When you see an ad for temp help in your local paper, write a convincing and persuasive letter to them listing the advantages of using a VA for fill-in or overflow work, the skills you possess and whatever else you “bring to the table.” Carry business cards with you everywhere! Make them your “calling card!” Leave them everywhere you go that you can exchange them with other businesspeople. Include them in all of your correspondence. Make sure to get the word of your new venture out to your family and friends. Invest in some brochures/postcards that you can send to targeted companies in your community to announce the services you offer and the advantages of using a VA.
Just a few more thoughts… In order to succeed in this, or any other, home-based business, you need the support of friends and family and the qualities of determination and perseverance. A “can-do” attitude is needed during the beginning months when the work may be scarce and the money isn’t exactly “rolling in.” A.J. Horne of Horne Communications offers this thought regarding working from home:
“Working at home should be treated just as working at an office, just without the commuting. It takes stringent time management and requires flexibility from you as well, juggling the home tasks while doing the work projects. Just remain adaptable, with the thought in mind that “the norm” does not apply to you or your hours.”Even though the internet is becoming a bigger staple in people’s lives, some business owners and/or individuals will still try to discourage you from this type of work with comments like “How do I know you are really working if you’re not where I can see you?” DO NOT LISTEN to these people! Believe in yourself. Trust that you’ve made the right decision. Do something every day to build your business. And take things one step at a time. As VAs are becoming more widely used and written about, more employers are coming to realize that there is talent in these overlooked workers.
