Starting a virtual assistant business is just one of many ways to be a Work at home mom. If you have experience in an administrative field, or can offer virtual services to business clients, then you are a prime candidate for having a successful virtual assistant business.
Getting started as a virtual assistant requires a few simple steps. There is no formal credential process to become a virtual assistant, but there are several companies who offer training and their own credentialing. This is not absolutely necessary to be a successful virtual assistant, but it can be helpful in obtaining jobs as a newcomer. Before you sign up for any program or course, do your due diligence and investigate the company. Get recommendations from other successful virtual assistants and consider finding a mentor who can help you get started.
Legally, you’ll need a business license in order to become an independent contractor. By obtaining a business license you’ll be able to open up a business bank account and keep your business and personal finances separately. Being legal also means you can declare many of your business expenses as tax write offs.
Once you’ve set up your home office, you’ll need to establish your virtual office. On the Internet, you’ll use a website to advertise yourself as a virtual assistant. Having a website is essential to establishing your presence. If web design is not in your skill set, find someone who can make a website for you. Try to contact other virtual assistants and see if you can barter for the design if it’s something that you cannot afford to begin with.
On your website you should, at minimum, list your services and who you are. You can also include an hourly rate, although many virtual assistants like to charge by the project instead of by the hour. As far as services go, don’t offer services that you don’t like to do. If you can make spreadsheets but don’t like to do it, then don’t offer that service. If you have background in a specific field, for example law, then list this as a specialty. You can also specialize in the type of work that you offer. Many virtual assistants limit their business to writing and editing, web design, data management or planning, but some offer a mixture of all types of services. Remember, this is your business and you can choose what tasks that you want to perform.
The best way to get virtual assistant jobs to begin with is to start networking. Your best leads will come through people that you already know, whether they are online or in your hometown. Let people know what you are offering and promote your website address so people can see who you are and what you are doing. Make sure to include up to date contact information on your web page, including a phone number.
When you get your first client, its important to have a contract set in place before you start working on a project. You can get many sample contracts online that you can adapt for your needs. Make sure you and the client are both on the same page about the type of work that you will be doing. That way there are no surprises when you deliver the project and your bill.
After you have a few projects under your belt, you’ll begin to build a reputation. Then your virtual assistant business will grow naturally to include repeat clients and new projects. When you consistently do good work, your reputation will precede you and you may have more projects that you know what to do with in a short period of time. Make sure not to overbook yourself, and collect a network of other virtual assistants who are willing to take overflows for you if the need arises.
Getting your virtual assistant business off on the right foot is simple when you follow the basic steps mentioned above.
Before you try to find a Work from home job on the Internet, consider looking for a telecommuting position within your own company or your own field. Telecommuting is quickly becoming a viable option for office professionals and businesses alike. Telecommuting originated from the need for businesses to reduce expenses, and the need for workers to spend more time at home. In addition, workers receive many other added benefits.
Telecommuting normally entails going into the office for a few days a week, and then working from home for the remainder of the time. In some cases, you can even telecommute full time from your home office. All you’ll need is reliable telecommunications gear like a PC, high speed Internet, fax and phone line.
Telecommuting has several benefits for the employee. First, by becoming a Wahm, you’ll have special tax advantages that can save you hundreds of dollars each year. You’ll also save on gas costs and wear and tear on your vehicle. Your budget for a work wardrobe will be reduced since you’ll be in the office less, or not at all. No more spending money on eating out at lunch since you can make your own meals at home.
You’ll also benefit health wise. People who work at home tend to have less stress levels because they can work in a relaxed environment. Lower stress means a healthier body and mind. You’ll gain more time in each day because you won’t have to spend upwards of 5 hours each week on the road. Finally, you won’t have to deal with office politics. Many people who telecommute find that they are able to work more efficiently without interruptions from the cubicle next door or the latest office gossip.
If you currently work a position that you believe can be done from a home office, then its best to prepare a case to show your supervisors. Asking to telecommute is not something that you should just ask randomly one day. Gather statistics on how much businesses save every year by allowing their employees to telecommute. Find articles that tout the benefits of telecommuting, from the business point of view. There are lots of benefits for you, but your employer will want to hear what is in it for them. You’ll also want to provide your supervisor with the specific duties that you expect to complete from home. Show them how the arrangement will work and make the decision very easy for them.
If you want to work from a strictly work at home company, then you’ll need to get your resume together and start applying for jobs. Keep in mind that there are thousands, if not millions, of other people trying to obtain telecommuting positions. Don’t wait to hear back from one position to try applying to another one. Send out your resume to as many companies as you can. Eventually, you’ll find the right position for you.
Remember, when you start your job search, that legitimate companies will never make you pay to work for them. Unfortunately, since telecommuting is such a hot field right now, there are many scammers out there who try to take advantage of people who want to work from home. Protect yourself by researching an opportunity thoroughly before giving your personal information or any funds..
This website uses cookies that are necessary to its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the privacy policy. By accepting this OR scrolling this page OR continuing to browse, you agree to our Privacy Policy