The Work at Home Magazine | WAH Magazine | Work at Home | WAHM | Home Business | Telecommuting | How to Make Money Working From Home




Work at Home Truths
Click the eBook Cover to Order Work at Home Truths, by Tiffany Dow


virtual assistant

How to Make Money With Your Own Virtual Assistant Business

by BlondieWrites on April 10, 2010

How to Make Money With Your Own Virtual Assistant Business

So you want to start your own virtual assistant business. Great! I assume you want to start your own VA business not only to own your own business, but also to make money. More and more businesses are outsourcing and paying VA’s, and there is no reason why you can’t be one of them.

You’ve got your business name, all the office equipment you need, and you’ve got the determination to make your business a success. So now the big question is, how do you go about finding clients?

What Type of Services Will You Provide?

We all have certain areas where our talents and interests lie. You have so many choices as to what areas you want to special in. There’s a good chance you already have experience in some of the specialty areas. Maybe you don’t even realize all of the areas VA’s are working in.

Here’s just a small sampling of the services you could offer:

Administration
Writing services (technical or creative)
Proofreading and editing, research (online or traditional)
Scheduling
Bill paying
Simple website design
Newsletter distribution
Reminder services
Event planning
Concierge services
Research
Data processing/data management
Desktop publishing
Transcription services
Mail and email services
Telephone/fax services
Internet services
Bookkeeping
Purchasing services
Marketing services
Personal services

Once you know the types of services you are going to offer, it’s time to find you some clients.

What to Charge

It isn’t too hard to figure out what to charge. Start by contacting local support service businesses in your area. Ask them if they can send you a price list. Get several of these to learn what everyone else is charging. You don’t want to charge too much and you don’t want to under price yourself so you look like you don’t do great work. Find the happy medium and go with that amount. Prices are not set in stone. If you have to change your prices down the road, so be it.

Get Some Business Cards

If you want to look professional, make sure you get your business cards right away. You never know when you might meet someone who needs the services you’re offering. When that time comes, all you need to do is pull out your card and hand it to them. Never be without your business cards!

Here are some great sites where you can get business cards from free to as low as $10 for 250 cards.

(Click on FREE business cards – Professional business cards free)

100 Free Business Cards at OvernightPrints.com!

250 Free Business Cards + 2 Free Upgrades. Get FREE Glossy Finish & FREE Backside upgrades with your order.

250 FREE Business Cards – Get your FREE Cards today!

Tell Your Circle of Friends and Family About Your Business

Since you already have a relationship with your family and friends, don’t forget to tell them about your new VA business. While your brother might not need your services, there’s a good chance that he might know someone who does. You can start networking right away with those you already know.

Think about designing a letter or oversized postcard about your service and send it to everyone you know. Maybe even include a picture of yourself, the name of your business, the services you offer and ask that if they can’t use your service, to please recommend your business to others who might.If you send a letter, include a couple of your business cards for passing on to your possible clients.

Send Out Press Releases

A press release is a great way to start your business off with a bang. I want to mention here though that a press release is not something you just send out when you open your business. I’ll talk more about this a little later.

Here is a sample of a press release template:

http://www.press-release-writing.com/press-release-template.htm

Where to send your press releases:

Local Newspapers
Local Business Publications
Local Radio Talk Shows
Local TV News Stations

PrWeb is a free online site that you can use to send out press releases and you can pick what area you want your press release to be distributed to.

Other reasons to send out a press release:

  • You’re offering a new service
  • Launching a website for your business
  • You’ve won a high profile client account or contract
  • You’ve had an unusual challenge or adversity and
    overcome it; especially when others thought it couldn’t be done.
  • You participate in a fundraising event or you are to
    serve in a charitable organization.
  • You’re offering or sponsoring a workshop, seminar, or conference
  • If you’re changing the company name, location, web
    address, or product name

I’m The Answer to Your Problem

Convincing your future clients that they should hire you might seem a little scary at first. But once you build more clients, and they start telling you what a godsend you are, your confidence level is going to soar.

Here are some convincing ideas to consider…

Tell your future client why they need you. Maybe you work odd hours, or you have very reasonable rates. Go over the services you offer and why you are so good at what you do.

Explain to the client what skills you possess, your background, and your education.

You can help your client catch-up on a backlog of work that other employees aren’t able to get to.

You offer reduced costs and expenses for your client. They don’t have to pay you benefits or sick time.

You will help their business grow with your marketing techniques.

Thanks to the technology that is currently available, using your services will save the client money. Explain that you reduce overhead. They only pay you for work completed. They aren’t paying someone if there is no work to do. Plus your client doesn’t have to pay for sick or holiday time, or for health benefits.

It won’t be long until you’re confidence, strong and bright, shines through. You won’t have any problems explaining to a future client that you are the right person for the job, or that you are the solution to their problems.

So What Are You Waiting For?

Making money in a virtual assistant business can be done. Full time VA’s are making about $38.000 a year. This year, why can’t that VA be you?

For more information about this business visit: Bizymoms.com

Post to Twitter Post to Yahoo Buzz Post to Delicious Post to Facebook Post to Reddit Post to StumbleUpon



{ 1 comment }

How to Become a Successful Virtual Assistant

by BlondieWrites on March 12, 2010

How to Become a Successful Virtual Assistant

Companies are using outsourcing as a way to lower their costs. This is good news for those who work from home. One opportunity it creates is for the virtual assistant.

What is a virtual assistant? Many might think of them as glorified secretaries but they are so much more than that. A virtual assistant is an entrepreneur that can do everything from sending out letters to managing websites to managing your marketing campaign. They do it all and operate away from the office.

If you are thinking about becoming a virtual assistant, consider a few things first. What is your working background? What skills can you offer that would be in high demand? Do you manage your time wisely?

All of these points are important for the virtual assistant. Your clients will not only be large companies but smaller ones, writers, self-employed individuals, website owners and an entire host of others. Your client base is dependent on the arsenal of skills at your command.

As with any business, you need a plan. Your plan will include what skills you hope to offer to your clients. There are basic skillsets that most virtual assistants offer such as those you would perform as an executive assistant: mailing correspondence, answering emails, organizing documents and such. But, beyond that, is where you will set your virtual assisting business apart from others.

The new virtual assistant offers his or her expertise in a number of growing fields. Companies or individuals with online enterprises need someone to run the website, compound data into various programs, deal with legal or tax issues and many other services. One road to success begins with specializing or nicheing into a specific area such as real estate, medical services, legal or financial services. With your knowledge of the jargon and workings of these industries you become a valuable asset to anyone looking for help.

Get credentialed. There are several reputable virtual assisting courses of study online to get you started on the right track. The programs teach how to set up a business, business ethics and the finer points of operating as a virtual assistant. Formal training lends credibility to your business and inspires trust in clients.

Make yourself visible. No one will hire you if they don’t know that you exist. The best thing about virtual assisting is that you can live thousands of miles away from your clients as long as you are connected in some way. As such, use the Internet to build your business base. Set up a website of your own to advertise your services.

This is your window on the world. Showcase your work experience. Use testimonials from past clients. List what services you plan to offer.

Virtual assisting is a booming business. As an entrepreneur, you are providing a much needed service to others.

Post to Twitter Post to Yahoo Buzz Post to Delicious Post to Facebook Post to Reddit Post to StumbleUpon



{ 0 comments }

What is a Virtual Assistant?

by BlondieWrites on October 13, 2009

A virtual assistant, or VA, is an administrative professional who outsources his or her administrative talents and experience to small business, individuals and corporations for a long or short-term period. Most virtual assistants have several years of experience in the corporate world, and bring to their business the training and experience accumulated during those years. Many administrators who leave the corporate world to start their own virtual assistant business do so because they are motivated to achieve and want to influence how their talents are used and developed. Virtual assistants are known for continually developing their administrative skills, business knowledge, and keeping up with leading edge technology to provide you, the client, with professional and reliable virtual service.

Virtual Assistants In Business

Virtual assistants are not employees. VAs are small business owners who work with you to support your business goals and needs. When you contract a virtual assistant, you receive expert and flexible administrative support, provided through popular and leading edge technology. VAs are business owners themselves and understand why you and your business need professional, timely, reasonably priced service. Because the client’s satisfaction is key to the success of a virtual assistant business, you can expect solid and reliable performance on a continuing basis.

Though virtual assistants can be engaged for an occasional project, their potential is best realized in ongoing business relationships with their clients. Over time, your virtual assistant will become more familiar with the workings of your business, so he or she can better support you and add to your success.

History of Virtual Assistants

The history of virtual assistants, as they are defined today, is only a few years old. Though “work-at-home secretaries” existed in the 1980s, the technology was not available for the industry to be truly virtual. The true virtual assistant began to emerge in 1995, after the explosive growth of the World Wide Web (WWW) in the mid-1990s. Through the Internet, faxes, and the telephone, these pioneers proved time and again that they could fully support their clientele virtually, from their home offices.

Virtual Assistants Today

The virtual assistant industry continues to grow by leaps and bounds. The many small businesses and entrepreneurs of today’s business world have found virtual assistants to be an invaluable resource.

Virtual assistants have come a long way from being “work at home” secretaries. They can be writers, proofreaders, editors, database creators, researchers, marketers, web designers … The list of possibilities is as diverse as the people who enter the VA industry. Business owners and independent professionals are realizing they no longer have to do everything on their own and are hiring virtual assistants to take care of tasks they no longer have time for, or that they don’t enjoy doing.

Where Is The VA Industry Going?

At one time, a common question was, “What’s a virtual assistant?” Now people are asking, “Who’s your virtual assistant?”

The current trend in business outsourcing means that the role of virtual assistants will become more significant in the future. As technology develops and business need grows, a virtual assistant may become a vital part of every successful business.

 

 

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

D. L. Willms works from her home as a virtual assistant. Visit her blog Virtual Assistant Resources to find virtual assistant articles, tools, news and resources.

Post to Twitter Post to Yahoo Buzz Post to Delicious Post to Facebook Post to Reddit Post to StumbleUpon



{ 0 comments }

Virtual Assistant: How To Find Virtual Assisting Gigs

by BlondieWrites on October 13, 2009

By: Stacey Wockenfuss

Today I am going to tell you a couple quick resources for finding virtual assisting and other WAH gigs whether you are just starting out or established in your niche market.

I always tell my coaching clients that it’s important to spend as much time looking for VA gigs or WAH jobs as you would be putting into your business. That means, if you want to work 20 hours a week, then you should be spending 20 hours a week looking for clients, gigs, and promoting and advertising yourself.

It’s that simple. Trust me I know how hard it can be to stay motivated when you aren’t getting any bites or offers (I have been there many times). I have also found myself in unwanted predicaments where I have had a client flake on payments, ect. I have been able to replace them quickly and easily by implementing my own promotional methods detailed below. If you put in the effort you will get a huge return.

Where do you get your clients?

This is by far the question I get asked the most by email and phone. It’s really easy to find clients if you know the right places to look and how to promote yourself. Here are a few tips and tricks you should always follow:

1. Have a Website

If you don’t have website then you are way behind everyone else in the game. This is by far the most important thing to consider when opening up your VA practice.

A website shows that you are a professional, you mean business, and you have established yourself in the industry. It also gives potential clients a starting place to check out your rates, abilities, and overall skill set.

A website doesn’t have to be fancy. I started off with a simple one page site hosted FREE by my ISP. If you don’t have the funds to get a hosted site, check out your ISP they usually have free pages you can use.

2. Check Out the Online Bidding Sites

I know there are a lot of established VA’s out there that suggest you steer clear of elance and guru.com. But let me tell you something…Guru.com is one of my best friends J. Without the clients that I have gotten from there, I would not have such a thriving business.

It’s a great way to get established in the industry and get some great paying clients. And the fees aren’t over the top. I personally have never used elance, but I have known a few VA’s who have received work from the site.

You aren’t going to get any clients if you don’t have any experience. And you aren’t going to have an experience if you can’t land a client. You know what I am saying?

A word to the wise: These are bidding sites, so be careful with the rates that you charge. That’s not saying that you can’t make $20 or even $30 + an hour with clients from these sites (because I have and do). But realize that there is higher competition out there and most people who post projects on here are going to want to pay between $8-$15 dollars an hour.

I have been on both sides of the picture posting jobs and bidding on gigs, so I have a pretty good understanding of going rates and how the process works.

3. Craigslist

I absolutely love Craigslist. If I could kiss Craig, I would, LOL Not only can you find clients, but you can promote your services as well. So you are probably asking, just how do I do that?

Simple, you post ads under the “services” and “small business ads” section talking about who you are, the services you offer, and your contact info.

Note: Make yourself stand out. You need to look and act like a professional at all times. What usually works for me is something similar to a cover letter stating who I am, why I am in the industry, my skill set, and my contact info.

Don’t post only 1 to 2 sentences saying something like “I am a stay at home mom that wants VA clients, please contact me blah blah blah. Clients and business won’t hire you or contract your services. They want to know you are a professional, you know what you are doing, and that you mean business.

I will give you a few secrets that I use when looking for clients, search in gigs, ecetera, computer jobs, admin jobs, ect. Use terms like work at home, virtual assisting, contract work, ect. You will get really good at coming up with search terms and spotting scams.

4. CrazedList.org

Crazedlist.org is an awesome resource when searching Craigslist. You can search all the cities in the US on the same terms. Like I stated above, be creative when using search terms and learn how to spot a scam. If there is very little detail given in the ad, it’s probably a scam. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

Remember, nothing ever comes easy. Sometimes it takes a whole lot of effort to get where you want to be and that includes tears, frustration, and sometimes the desire to give up. But if you continue on your path, and keep your eye on the prize, you will eventually get to where you want to be…Even if you have to get scratched and bruised along the way.

 

 

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

About the Author:  Stacey Wockenfuss is a professional virtual assistant who specializes in the advancement of internet marketers and online businesses. She can be reached at stacey@TheSuccessfulInternetMarketer.com or by visiting her website at www.freelanceclericalservices.com or www.thesuccessfulinternetmarketer.com

Post to Twitter Post to Yahoo Buzz Post to Delicious Post to Facebook Post to Reddit Post to StumbleUpon



{ 0 comments }

Virtual Assistant Starter Kit

by BlondieWrites on August 2, 2009

Have you been searching for the right business idea and haven’t found anything that really suits you? Maybe you don’t like product sales or you don’t have the schedule and support to work weekends as a party planner or photographer.

There is one home business that can be done by anyone with basic computer skills and great office and communication skills. That’s a Virtual Assistant.

There are people around the world working as Virtual Assistants. Small businesses love contracting out work and they don’t mind that you’re not local.

But, how do you get started in this business?

All the information you need to get started is in the “VA Starter Pack”.

When you order and receive your guide you’ll have an easy plan of action to get started with a business you really love. You’ll also have the benefit of running a business that you can do from home, around YOUR schedule.

Visit the site now to check out the Guide.

Post to Twitter Post to Yahoo Buzz Post to Delicious Post to Facebook Post to Reddit Post to StumbleUpon



{ 0 comments }

Making Money as a Virtual Assistant: Having a Work at Home Business as a Virtual Assistant

by BlondieWrites on June 22, 2008

The internet has made being a virtual assistant one of the hottest new work at home businesses. The low startup cost and great income potential make being a virtual assistant one of the easiest home business to break into.

A virtual assistant is someone that works out of their home to do work for their clients. They use the internet, email, fax, snail mail, and the phone to communicate with clients and to do business.

The work might involve administrative tasks, medical or legal transcription, writing and editing such items as reports and business correspondence, web design and maintenance, answering email, data entry, research, setting appointments, making travel arrangements, bookkeeping, and desktop publishing. A virtual assistant might also design business cards, brochures, letterheads, and flyers.

Virtual assistants typically earn from $20 to $40 an hour, but can earn up to $100 an hour or even more, depending on the experience and task. Those who have clients on retainer often give the client a discount and set a monthly fee for work done.

A person doesn’t need any formal training to become a virtual assistant, although there are companies online that will provide training. Anyone that has been a secretary or administrative assistant would have little difficulty in starting a virtual assistant business at home. With the available word processing software programs that are available today, even someone who hasn’t been a secretary or administrative assistant would be able to begin this work at home business with minimal effort.

The basic equipment for getting started is a computer with internet access, preferably high speed, a fax machine, and of course a phone. Optional equipment would be a printer, copier, and scanner. Since most people already have a computer, phone, and printer, that leaves little is anything to purchase, hence the low startup cost.

There are a few things that one needs to do at the beginning of starting a home business as a virtual assistant. First, get a website set up. This means getting a domain name and hosting. Godaddy.com offers very inexpensive domain names and hosting. Once your site is set up, you will want to decide on what services you will provide and list them, along with prices, on your website, and a contact email address or phone. You might want to list your qualifications also.

Next, you will need to draw up a contract for clients. The contract is for your safety and that of your client, to insure that there will be no misunderstanding as to what services you are providing and how much your client is paying for your services. The contract should always be presented and taken care of before you begin a project for a client.

You will also need to decide how you will be paid for your service as a virtual assistant. You can opt for payment by check or through online services such as PayPal.

Now it’s time to start advertising your service. There are several ways to do this. You can promote your website listing your services by word of mouth, family, and friends. You can take out ads in newspapers and magazines. One of the joys of being a virtual assistant is that you can have clients from anywhere in the country and even internationally.

As you get business from clients, your business will flourish not only by word of mouth but by your reputation as someone who does their job well. This will gain you repeat business from clients and help to establish new clients for your virtual assistant home business.

Post to Twitter Post to Yahoo Buzz Post to Delicious Post to Facebook Post to Reddit Post to StumbleUpon



{ 0 comments }