Do you need experience to become a virtual assistant ?
Why experience is needed ?
What planning is to be done ?
Does the business need a name ?
What set up is required ?
Is a phone connection necessary ?
How to promote yourself as a virtual assistant ?
What to mention in the website ?
How to decide on the services ?
How to decide the rates ?
How to keep accounts ?
Why virtual assistants from India are in great demand ?

Do you need experience to become a virtual assistant ?

Yes. A person should have minimum 5 years of corporate experience.


Why experience is needed ?

A virtual assistant has to work without any supervision. So it is essential that the person has practice in whatever job he is doing. A virtual assistant has to take decisions and complete the job by himself in a stipulated time. Without experience the quality of work is sure to fall. Also it will be unfair to charge the clients full rate while someone is really learning the job. It is always better to start with experience and good skills.


What planning is to be done ?

It is very important to have a complete plan of action set out in advance. Initial planning phases of a business, is crucial to its success. You don't need to be very technical just note down how you plan to operate your business, the setup, business hours, pricing and advertising. Also check the legalities involved in operating a business. Most virtual assistants start as individual proprietorship and then might change latter. So if a license is required get it.


Does the business need a name ?

It will be a good asset to have an appealing for your business. The name should clearly express what services you provide. Be sure it does not limit you in case you want to expand your business latter. Get a name that people would want to call if they need a virtual assistant.


What setup is required ?

There should be some dedicated space to run the business. It cannot be just a corner of your bedroom. In case you have to meet your client they must also feel comfortable with your workspace. Also you will need adequate room for filing. It is always good to start with a current computer. This will save you the cost of upgrading it in the near future. Since you may not be able to e-mail all the work it is better to have a good printer. Since virtual assistants from India are highly preferred so get a quality headphone and speaker set. You may need to communicate with your client through voice chats over the net. Last but not the least remember that you will be spending long hours at your computer so treat yourself to a comfortable chair.


Is a phone connection necessary ?

You can use your home phone connection. But it will wise to get a broadband connection. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.


How to promote yourself as a virtual assistant ?

In order to run your business successfully you have to advertise yourself. You can join different virtual assistant networks, both local and online. They may cost you some fees but you are assured of getting good returns. You can also get your own website. Try to attend all the networking events in your vicinity. Meeting and talking to people is a must to keep your business growing. It will be a good idea to get your own business cards. People are more likely to remember you if they see your name somewhere. When people get accurate and professional service they tell others. So if you offer exceptional service then you will need to advertise yourself only at the onset of your business. Afterwards referrals will keep your business thriving.


What to mention in the website ?

You must specify the services you want to offer. If you have a good work experience, then mention that too. You also have to write what you are charging. Remember this is the place where your clients will get to know you. The key to successful marketing is to tell clients what benefits they will receive by answering their main question, "What's in it for me?" Keep in mind, you're not selling your services, you're selling the benefits of your services. What can you offer them that would make their business, run more successfully. So design your website with a lot of attention.


How to decide on the services ?

Analyze your background thoroughly and then decide on the services you want to offer. Be sure that you have experience and confidence to do the job. Also determine how much time you can commit to your venture. A good idea would be to answer the following questions ?

• What are my hobbies?

• What passions have I never had the time to explore ?

• What are the characteristics of my preferred client ?

Once you get the answers you will know what you really want to do.


How to decide the rates ?

First take your overheads into account then quote a reasonable rate. Make sure that you earn a decent amount of money. Always give an hourly rate as it will be easy for you and the client to keep an account of the money. Do not undercharge to attract clients. This ploy always fails. You will end up cheating yourself as you will have to work outrageous hours and still not get enough money. You may also find some clients who will want to pay per assignment than per hour. So it is better if you do some research. Most virtual assistants give their prices in their websites, so it is a good idea to check a few sites and then decide on the rates. Another important thing is never allow the client to negotiate your price.


How to keep accounts ?

The most important ingredient to keeping good books is keeping it simple. If it's easy to do, and doesn't require a lot of effort, you tend it do it more regularly. You will want to keep track of all your income and expenses. Save all receipts and pay all your expenses out of your business checking account. A software program such as Quickbooks is ideal for this type of business. Not only does it allow you to keep accurate records, but it also enables you to track exactly where the most money is coming from. This enables you to target your marketing efforts more in that area.


Why virtual assistants from India are in great demand?

The fact is that the idea of getting a virtual assistant is mostly prevalent in America and Europe. The main reason to prefer virtual assistants from India is the time difference. For them it is a huge advantage that they can assign a job to their assistant and log off from work. The next morning when they log in the work is done. This allows them a lot of flexibility in their own work. Another plus point is that most of the educated people in India are well versed in English. So they can be expected to communicate with their clients better. Also the charge of an Indian virtual assistant is much lesser than one in USA or UK. So even if the client has to make corrections in what his virtual assistant has sent him, still it is worth the money he is saving. All these points make the Indian virtual assistants more preferable.