Requirements for Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants are freelancers who work for multiple clients at home or in a private office. The virtual assistant utilizes technology such as computers, faxes and the Internet to offer their services and communicate with clients. They perform the same duties as an administrative assistant, but from a remote location. Some virtual assistants offer special services such as marketing, creative and technical services, website development and website maintenance in addition to secretarial duties.
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Education
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Virtual assistants do not have to have a certification to start a business, but it can enhance marketability to new clients. The virtual assistant training programs available teach the student how to run the business, but may not offer courses in administrative assistant tasks such as keyboarding and bookkeeping. While it is not required, a training course that teaches administrative assistant or secretarial duties can enhance the resume of the assistant. Many aspiring virtual assistants take bookkeeping, accounting and website design courses to add to the services offered in the small business.
Experience
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Virtual assistants should have experience as administrative assistants. A virtual assistant can gain experience in a traditional business position. Virtual assistants with a background as an administrative assistant, executive secretary, legal assistant, office manager or bookkeeper can operate a business. Experience in an administrative assistant role enhances the marketability of the virtual assistant business. The duties performed in an administrative assistant position train the virtual assistant to work for clients in a freelance capacity.
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Skills
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Working for multiple clients in a virtual assistant business requires time management skills to manage the duties required by each client. Virtual assistants must also have excellent written and verbal communication skills to work with remote clients. A virtual assistant communicates with clients online and by telephone conference. Organizational skills are necessary when running a small business offering services to multiple clients. To operate a small business, the virtual assistant must have bookkeeping, marketing and business skills.
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References
- Photo Credit Businessman and female assistant working on laptop image by Vladimir Melnik from Fotolia.com
