In today’s fast-paced world, people often find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities, both at work and at home. This is where virtual assistants come in. A virtual assistant is an independent contractor who provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely, from a home office. In recent years, the demand for virtual assistants has increased dramatically, and for good reason. Here are some of the perks of being a virtual assistant and why someone should get started today.
Flexibility
This is the big one! Whether you’re looking to work from the comfort of your home or work on the go from anywhere in the world, the biggest perk of being a virtual assistant is the flexibility it offers. You also get to set your own office hours and decide on your work schedule, making it ideal for parents, students, military spouses, and 9-5ers. You’ll be in full control of which days of the week and how many hours per week/month you work. This makes starting a virtual assistant business the perfect choice for so many people around the world who crave freedom.
Variety
Another perk of being a virtual assistant is the variety of tasks and clients you can work with. You’ll earn a higher rate once you specialize in your zone of genius, but if you don’t already have a specialty service that you love (podcast production, bookkeeping, social media management, etc.), you can start out as a general VA. Then, you’ll get hands-on experience with a lot of different areas of business. You may end up supporting clients with website updates, course support, community engagement, client support, etc. until you find what you absolutely love doing.
you’re the boss
As someone in a support role, you’re probably very comfortable with being a giver. However, it’s important to remember that this is your business! You get to choose which clients to work with, which types of projects/tasks to take on, and how to package + charge for your services. You will also set your own policies and procedures, such as your turnaround time, communication methods, and payment terms. It might not seem important to make firm decisions around these things right now when you’re just getting started but think ahead to when you have a full plate as a booked-out VA. That is when you’ll be glad you have policies and boundaries in place so you don’t end up feeling burned out or resentful.
Low startup costs
Starting a virtual assistant business doesn’t require the upfront costs that traditional businesses do. All you really need is a computer and a good internet connection. You don’t need to rent an office space, buy equipment, or hire employees. You don’t even need to pay for a website or any business tools right away. This makes it a super accessible option for anyone who wants to start their own business.
High demand
If you think you’re too late to the party and there are already too many VAs out there – think again! The demand for virtual assistants is increasing with more and more people starting online businesses and working remotely. The opportunities virtual assistants have to find clients and grow their businesses are endless. Remember, there’s room for everyone at the table.
If you feel intimidated because you don’t have any experience in the online world yet, I totally get it. When I first got started, I was honest with potential clients that I didn’t yet have experience with the platforms they used and emphasized I was a fast learner and dependable. It didn’t hold me back and it doesn’t have to hold you back either! We all start somewhere. Almost everything is Google-able now anyway. Don’t underestimate the immense value of being reliable and caring.
There is so much freedom that comes along with being a virtual assistant. If you are looking for a career that allows you to work from home (or anywhere!), be your own boss, and help others, then I encourage you to start your virtual assistant business today!
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