How to Work From Home as a Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants often work for multiple clients at a time.

Virtual assistants are a version of a modern-day secretary. Technology allows a virtual assistant to work from her home yet communicate instantly with the company she is working for. Virtual assistants do not need to work for a local company and can, in fact, work for someone in another country. Distance is not a factor with the use of Internet, email, text and video conferencing.

Instructions

1. Create a list of the skills you have and the type of work you would like to offer. Obtaining your first clients is often the hardest task, and you must provide quality work to earn repeat business and referrals. Avoid promising work that you cannot confidently and accurately complete.

2. Build a website and other marketing material that you can provide to potential clients. Your material should clearly provide the hours you are available, contact information, the type of work you will provide and any other important details. If you require 72 hours notice prior to beginning a job, make this clear. Conversely, if you are willing to take last-minute work, state this.

3. Inform all of your friends, family, church members and anyone else that you are starting your business to spread the word. Find businesses in your area that may allow you to post a business card or flier. Post ads on Internet forums or sites that will allow you to advertise your business. Be creative and think of sites where your skills may be needed -- sites for entrepreneurs, new businesses, moms who work from home and more.

4. Join freelance websites such as Guru, Elance and Virtual Office Temps (see Resources). The sites allow for you to bid on projects that other people post. You can also post your own ad listing your services. Many of these sites allow bidding from other countries and your competition may bid a very low amount for work. Stick with it -- your goal is to begin to get work and build references and gain additional work. You will find businesses that only want those who work in the United States and that are willing to pay more for this work.

References

• ABC News: Being a Virtual Assistant Offers Women Flexibility
• Blog Stash: Make Money from Home as a Virtual Assistant

Resources

• Virtual Office Temps: The Who, What, Why, Where and How of Virtual Assisting
• Guru: Find Freelance Jobs at the World's Largest Online Marketplace
• Elance: Hire Online Workers. Get the Job Done