The virtual assistant is one of the many opportunities presented by the advancement of the internet and new technologies. Today, the job of a virtual assistant is among the emerging professions that have a bright future ahead of them. If it is not yet a known profession, it is suitable for people attracted by social media management and marketing.
It is an activity that corresponds to the self-employed at heart who do not wish to specialize in a single field of activity. This flexible job allows you to choose the status of auto-entrepreneur and to benefit from the freedom and ease of management that it offers.
Let’s find out how to become a virtual assistant as an auto-entrepreneur, the basics of the profession, and the salaries and development prospects.
Table of Contents
Who is a Virtual Assistant?
The virtual assistant is like a private practicing personal assistant who does not work with a company but works as a full-time or part-time freelancer. The virtual assistant can choose to register under the status of auto-entrepreneur or Freelancer. A company will then employ and pay them for one-off assignments, for daily or monthly working hours.
What does the job of a virtual assistant comprise?
Opening a virtual assistant business means performing the tasks of a traditional executive assistant without physically appearing in the workplace. A virtual assistant works from home and manages their activity and the relationship with customers remotely. They must have an excellent knowledge of various IT tools and the digital sphere.
It is also necessary for them to have a good sense of organization, to show flexibility and ingenuity, but also to be versatile, determined, and resourceful. Above all, a virtual assistant must enjoy working alone from home.
The field of tasks of a virtual assistant can be broad:
- general office or secretarial work
- simple research
- Data maintenance
- presentations
- Appointment, event, and travel planning
- accounting
- Tax duties
- Text and PR
- Translations
- Website maintenance
- Social media
- Website creation
- Graphic design
Depending on what experience you have and where your strengths lie, you can set your priorities for virtual help. A colorful mix of tasks awaits you, which can vary depending on the job, which makes the job varied and exciting.
Since you will always acquire new skills and get to know tools in your customer projects, you can safely expand your range of services. Alternatively, you can take courses to expand your knowledge and expertise as a virtual assistant.
Is It Profitable to Open a Virtual Assistant Business?
There are four payment models a virtual assistant can accept:
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Hourly payment
Hourly payment means that they pay a virtual assistant for every hour you work. Opening a private virtual assistant business allows you to set your prices. Although the hourly rate varies based on experience and the client, charges may start from $10 to $100 per hour.
-
Payment per project
The client pays a fixed pre-defined amount for a project or a one-time job.
-
Payment on a flat-rate basis
The customer pays for some hours that he can use over a given period (6 months or a year, for example).
-
Monthly Payment
The customer pays monthly for a pre-defined number of hours.
Whatever the payment model may be, a virtual assistant business can give you up to $30,000 to $50,000 annual profits.
Check out other lucrative opportunities alternative to the virtual assistant business.
The Complete Guide to Setting Up a Virtual Assistant Business
Let’s learn about “How To Start A Virtual Assistant Business” in detail:
Academic Qualifications of a Virtual Assistant
The job of a virtual assistant is brand new. Therefore, there is not yet a university degree to become an “e-assistant”. There is also no compulsory training required to become a self-employed or freelance virtual assistant.
Indeed, an assistant may have followed studies in communication, commercial management, management, web marketing or digital marketing, IT, administrative management, or even accounting. To promote your CV and increase your chances of finding clients, it is, therefore, necessary to highlight your experience, skills, and training.
But to make a career in this field, it is still preferable to train yourself to the level of a specialist in the field. You can take advantage of one of the many online training courses that are emerging.
The majority are by people who work as virtual assistants themselves and have learned the trade on their own. The programs are in modules, varying more or less depending on the training:
- knowledge of the trade (the tasks to be performed, the qualities and skills required);
- how to organize activity;
- utilization of digital tools;
- the principal missions;
- customer and commercial management;
- internet marketing;
- writing and visual design (SEO, graphics, etc.);
- recommended platforms to use.
Does a Virtual Assistant Need an Office Space?
You don’t need a physical office for your virtual assistant business. You can operate remotely from a little corner in your home.
Important equipment needed by a Virtual Assistant
The work from home option presented by the business makes it less cost-effective to set up. However, the few important tools needed for the establishment of a virtual assistant business include:
- Stable internet connection
- An internet-accessible device such as your phone or tablet. A laptop or desktop is most preferred;
- A dedicated phone line for your business;
- An adequately lit section of your room (or any space you choose);
- A comfortable desk and chair where you can comfortably sit for hours.
What are the Legal Requirements for Virtual Assistant Business?
Business Registration
If you are in the US, consider registering your virtual assistant business as a limited liability company (LLC). An LLC makes your business a corporate person and insulates you from being accountable if your virtual assistant business gets sued.
Tax Registration for Virtual Assistant Business
The US requires startups to register for the Employer Identification Number (EIN). You can get an EIN online for your business. As soon as they have assigned you your tax number, you can write invoices.
How to Promote your Virtual Assistant Business
To receive orders as a virtual assistant, you have to be visible to your customers. You can make this possible by using the most popular online marketing tools for yourself, if possible, without investing a lot of time and money:
- Create an engaging website
- Update your professional social networks
- Register on freelancing platforms
- Use social media for your company
A website is your online business card. You can send the link to potential customers every time you contact them, so they can get a more detailed picture of you and your services. You can create a website easily and without programming knowledge with a modular system like Wix.
Use social networks like LinkedIn by creating your profile as a freelance virtual assistant. Through LinkedIn, companies and business owners look for suitable freelancers for virtual assistance jobs. So creating an appealing profile endears you to potential customers.
Various freelance platforms like Fiverr will help you in the long term to win new customers and minimize the time for customer acquisition. For social media like Instagram or Facebook, you can draw attention to your virtual assistant service. However, you should only take action here if you will post regularly to maintain reach.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you have the key information to become a virtual assistant. Get to work, build up your online affinity, ensure that you are multitasking and resourceful. Because of the wide range of tasks, this profession is the key for everyone who wants to work independently from any location.
Whether part-time or full-time, whether on the go or in your home office, virtual assistants decide how they want to work.
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