A real demand for virtual assistants
By Laura Raines, for the AJC
Twelve years ago, the field of virtual assisting hardly existed. “Today, the industry is growing by leaps and bounds, and in the next 10 years I think we’ll see a huge explosion in these services,” said Cindy Opong, owner of Creative Assistants in Colorado Springs, Colo., and president of the International Virtual Assistants Association.
The field is growing on both sides of the supply and demand equation.
Jonathan Bill is the president of Sound Business Services, Inc. in Austell. Photo by Leita Cowart, for the AJC.
“More people are leveraging their administrative, creative, technology or financial skills to start their own virtual assistant businesses, and more large and small companies are in need of their services,” Opong said.
She’s seen her association’s membership and jobs board increase in the past several years.
Virtual assistants perform administrative duties and other tasks from home on a contractual basis for business clients. They command roughly $20 to $75 an hour, depending on geographic location, personal circumstance and skills.
“A company can hire multiple virtual assistants to do different types of tasks, like office management, Web site design or accounting,” Opong said.
For streamlined companies, the arrangement provides considerable cost savings. A virtual assistant is not an on-site employee, so employers aren’t paying for a salary, benefits, office space or equipment, said Jonathan Bill, virtual assistant and owner of Sound Business Services Inc. in Austell.
“They only pay an hourly rate for the tasks performed,” he said.
Bill took his accounting expertise and other skills virtual in 2006 when he saw a good market in helping small businesses that couldn’t afford a full-time accountant. He provides accounting, payroll, desktop publishing, technology troubleshooting and other services to a variety of clients. He’s also a QuickBooks ProAdviser. Bill uses a computer service that allows him to work remotely on his clients’ computers, or he uses his own computer and faxes or e-mails the results.
“It takes a lot of stress off small-business owners to have someone else taking care of their books. I let them focus on what they do best by doing what I do best,” he said. “I love helping them grow their businesses and establish a more professional image.”
Virtual assisting is a relatively inexpensive small business to start. All one needs is a computer, Internet service, office equipment, some marketable skills — and an entrepreneurial spirit.
“If you’re the type who likes the stability of a paycheck and 8-to-5 job, this isn’t for you,” Bill said. “You have to find clients and keep them. Every client is different, so you have to be flexible and have the character and perseverance to accomplish what he or she needs done. The juggling can be hard, but if you work hard, you could make more money in the long run.”
Having worked with her colleagues virtually at Earthlink for eight years, becoming a virtual assistant wasn’t a big jump for Lindsey Schocke, owner of Geeks on Tap in Acworth. She offers newsletter writing, e-mail organization, search-engine optimization and technology support to small business owners, many of whom are business coaches.
“Clients soon realize that a VA can do the job quicker than hiring and training a temporary employee,” Schocke said. “I never know what I’ll be asked to do next. The smaller the business, the more likely they’ll need help with multiple tasks. When you complete a project that has been bothering a client for weeks, there’s always a virtual smile.”
Before starting her Philadelphia-based business, Virtual Business Acceleration LLC, in April, Shari Graham took the 20-week certification with AssistU, a virtual training institution for virtual assistants. She had taken early retirement as a project manager with Verizon when it cut her division.
“I had such a strong skill set from my corporate work, but AssistU taught me how to start and run a micro-business,” she said.
She’s found that being a virtual assistant requires good communication, customer service, project management, networking and organization skills in addition to the skills she supplies to clients. She knows it will take time and hard work to build her business.
“But I love working with different clients, being able to partner with them to help their business,” she said. “Having an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life is very satisfying. I’m so glad I found this industry.”
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174 comments Add your comment
Sherra Scott ~ Virtual Assistant
July 25th, 2009
7:49 pm
As the owner of my own virtual assistant business, it’s great to see an article about virtual assistants that isn’t touting us as cheap labor. Yes, we can be more cost effective in the long run, but, as you can see from the numbers in the article, we aren’t “cheap”. The article says $20-$75, but knowing what my colleagues charge, $30 is much more realistic for an entry level VA. The costs can go up considerably when you look at VAs who specialize in tasks or niche markets (tasks such as bookkeeping, ecommerce support, social media marketing support, HTML/CSS support, or specialize in areas such as real estate support, author/speaker/coach support, etc.).
VAs are a great resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses, but be sure to do your due diligence. Is the VA you’re looking to partner with a member of any professional organizations (such as IVAA – International Virtual Assistants Association or VAnetworking. Do they hold any certifications? Are those certifications relevant to the support you need?
Cindy Opong
July 26th, 2009
12:04 pm
Thanks for the great article Laura! And thanks to Lindsey & Bill for their great quotes and insights – it’s always great to hear from VAs around the country.
Kelly Poelker, Author of Virtual Assistant - The Series
July 26th, 2009
9:00 pm
Great article. It’s nice to see a good variety of real world examples from industry professionals.
I would share that you’re missing one big ingredient in the reference to a VA business being easy to start. “All one needs is a computer, Internet service, office equipment, some marketable skills — and an entrepreneurial spirit.” — you have to have good business knowledge based on a solid track record of experience. It’s not enough to just plug in your computer, hook up to the Internet and hang out your shingle. It takes good business sense, a good plan, and you have to be able to wear the many hats it takes to operate a successful business as a solo professional.
Jonathan Bill
July 27th, 2009
9:45 am
Thanks Laura for the great article. Thank you also to Cindy, Lindsey, and Shari for your involvement. As was said in the article, VA businesses are relatively inexpensive to start compared to starting other businesses, but take a business owner who not only has skill and experience, but strong character and integrity, who is willing to work hard and perform for his or her customers.
Jacqueline Weaver - JWeaver Virtual Office Solutions
July 27th, 2009
11:16 am
As an emerging Virtual Assistant, it’s great to see that the industry is continuing to grow by leaps and bounds. I am so grateful for blogs such as yours and professional organizations like IVAA for continuing to spread the word on the benefits of using a Virtual Assistant. Thank you.
Shari Graham
July 28th, 2009
2:49 pm
Thank you, Laura! You captured the essence of Virtual Assistance and provided a well-rounded view of how skilled, experienced, and varied we are in helping our clients achieve their goals, grow their businesses, and thrive in their professional – and personal – lives!
From bookkeeping to email management, social media to traditional administrative support, anything and everything can be done remotely (or virtually) to help businesses keep moving forward – even in our challenging economic times.
Thanks for helping us spread the good word about a viable industry with so much to offer our small and large business partners!
Helen Smith
July 28th, 2009
5:59 pm
Many thanks to Laura for this great article on virtual assisting! I too am a virtual assistant, specializing in real estate support, and I began my practice in 2001 when everyone you spoke to about the industry said “what’s a virtual assistant?”. They had never heard of a VA! We’ve came a long way and great articles like this one really help spread the word. Thanks again!
Mellissa
July 30th, 2009
3:44 pm
This article is great, can anyone give advise or tips on how to become a VA. This would be a great opportunity for me, I’ve been laid off since November an have difficulties finding work in this small town.
Thanks!
Andre Kellogg
August 3rd, 2009
9:13 am
Love the comments. I am looking for employment and can add value to any company as a VA. It would be great if you could direct us to companies that are looking for this type of assistance.
Andre’
TWIN #2
August 3rd, 2009
9:17 am
How can I take advantage of this.
mslenaj
August 3rd, 2009
9:37 am
I too would like to know how to take advantage of this.
amccray
August 3rd, 2009
9:44 am
I too would like to know how to become a virtual assistant.
Thank you.
Keyonda
August 3rd, 2009
9:45 am
How can I take advantage of this great opportunity?
Belinda
August 3rd, 2009
9:47 am
Yes, I am looking for home businesses. How can I become involved with this type of business. I am in the field of accounting.
Donna
August 3rd, 2009
9:47 am
Any suggestions for the best way of marketing a VA business at startup? Email promotions? Cold calls? My target area is the legal field (which I have worked in 25 years). Thank you in advance for your advice.
Marceea
August 3rd, 2009
9:48 am
I’d love to have more information on this. I’ve been kicking such an idea around for years, but have never taken steps to bring to fruition. During the recession, many of my friends have lost their jobs, all are computer-skilled from Administrative Assistants to Marketing Analysts…my specialty is spreadsheet design and automation…and I’m seeing opportunity. I’d love to learn more on market demands in virtual assisting so that I can explore how to web our skill sets and board the business solutions of the future!
Tara Hawes
August 3rd, 2009
9:52 am
Greetings,
I am a charismatic executive assistant with over 10 years of senior administrative support experience.
I would be delighted to learn more about current Virtual Assistant opportunities.
Have a Dynamic Day!
Tara Hawes
Jorge Romero
August 3rd, 2009
9:55 am
Excellent article. By the way I would like to get me a job doing this kind of work. I have a bckground in translating and PR. I would appreciate any leads.
Blessings to all
Jorge Romero
Steven C. Hill
August 3rd, 2009
9:55 am
I am very interested in becoming a Virtual Assistant. Please send me any information you have regarding this type of employment.
Wanda L. Brewington
August 3rd, 2009
9:57 am
Good Morning,
I would like to know how I can take advantage of this opportunity. I have several years of administrative experience.
Thank You,
Wanda L. Brewington
Terri R. Waller
August 3rd, 2009
9:59 am
Laura, thanks for this article. As a small business owner I was introduced to virtual assisting about 2years ago and I absolutely love my current VA. I have never seen anyone with such amazing turn around time on a project. So, to all the VA’s and aspiring VA’s good luck and continue to do good things for small business owners.
TRW, Food Safety Project Management Firm
http://www.BensonMillsGroup.com
gisele
August 3rd, 2009
10:04 am
I am very flexible and would love VA jobs with several companies. I do it on my own now, in a way. I do staging in homes for realtors but want to expand into other areas. How do I pick up new clients?
Pamela Wright
August 3rd, 2009
10:06 am
I am looking for home businesses and very interested in starting a Virtual Assistant business. How can I become involved with this type of business.
Angela Childs
August 3rd, 2009
10:08 am
Great article! But honestly, I think those certifications are new ways to make money. Do you really need to be certified to be a Administrative Assistant?? No. If you are experienced, seasoned, professional WITH a entrepreneurial spirit, you can become a successful VA. I think your actual WORK EXPERIENCE is better for this job than a newly ‘required’ VA certification. Like this article says, if you are a 9-5 kind of worker, then this is not the industry for you.
Mendi Boddie
August 3rd, 2009
10:15 am
I have been an Executive Assistant for 6 years, I am now working as an Administrative Assistant. I am very interested in becoming a Virtual Assistant. Could you please let me know the process and where I can find employment. I have seen quite a few “horror” stories about people being scammed with trying to work online.
Thank you.
Deborah
August 3rd, 2009
10:15 am
I’m very interested in becoming a Virtual Assistant. I’ve been in the medical field over 16yrs. I’m currently a Reimbursement Specialist/Medical Biller,I also have accounting and office assistant experience, but as of 4 months ago we’ve experienced drastic lay-offs every other week and a significant pay-cut.
Cynthia
August 3rd, 2009
10:16 am
Great article and a market that I did not know much about. In this tough job market, this would be a great way to showcase my administrative skills. Thanks so much.
Karen Moore
August 3rd, 2009
10:18 am
Yes, I am looking to become a VA. How can I become involved with this type of business. I am a software trainer and have years of experience in administrative tasks, database developer using Access and reporting tools such as Crystal, Acuate and Business Objects.
Deborah
August 3rd, 2009
10:21 am
I’m very interested in becoming a Virtual Assistant. I’ve been in the medical field over 16yrs. I’m currently a Reimbursement Specialist/Medical Biller,I also have accounting and office assistant experience, but as of 4 months ago we’ve experienced drastic lay-offs every other week and a significant pay-cut.
Mark
August 3rd, 2009
10:22 am
I think the article is great but a little off base in the $20-75 range that it quotes. Why would anyone think of paying this in these days…the days of outsourcing? I can logon at 8pm, register on any Indian companies website, pay 1/2-1/3 of the price being shown here, and have the work done for me by the time I wake up the next morning!
Tamara
August 3rd, 2009
10:24 am
I too have over 14 years of executive assisting. For the past 4 years I have working in the field of Internet Marketing.
I also would be delighted to learn more about the opportunities.
To a profitable day,
Tamara Smtih
Victor Alvarado
August 3rd, 2009
10:26 am
I will love to get more information also. I have experience translating into Spanish and in the Marketing field. Thanks
T.S. Leonard
August 3rd, 2009
10:26 am
I am very interested in starting a VA business. I have 20+ years of experience in sales support in the telecom/technology industry.
Kim
August 3rd, 2009
10:33 am
I would love more information on how to get started as a VA. I am in the accounting field, and soon will have my associates in accounting. I love doing payroll and would love to become a VA and help small businesses. Very flexable hours.
Constance R
August 3rd, 2009
10:37 am
How can I learn more about starting my own VA business
Constance R
August 3rd, 2009
10:40 am
Where do you get the training to do this
Gigi
August 3rd, 2009
10:40 am
Send more information on how to start as a virtual assistant, Thank you.
lisa landry
August 3rd, 2009
10:43 am
I would love to have a virtual assistance job as I have young children and am unable to go back to work . How does one go about finding such jobs as they aren’t listed much in the newspaper or online?
Michele Tucker
August 3rd, 2009
10:43 am
I became a Virtual Assistant 4 years ago, and have incorporated website design, logo design, marketing, bookkeeping and even personal errands into the mix. Here are some tips that worked for me:
Get a business license, open a separate business checking account, open paypal account for payments, get a website (webs.com, network solutions or godaddy), business cards. I sent out an email to everybody I knew announcing my new business. Then I did a postcard marketing campaign to all of the nearby neighborhoods, and visited small, local businesses. I joined several networking groups and regularly advertised with local newspapers, neighborhood newsletters and coffee shop flyers. It took a month before I had my first client, but it continued to steadily grow from that point on. Still loving every minute of it!
Michele Tucker
http://www.righthandsvcs.com
Carol
August 3rd, 2009
10:44 am
This is for Mark…..that is the problem with our economy today. Outsourcing to India. Sure they will take the jobs out of our mouths and you can pay them 1/2 but what is this doing to our economy??? Nothing irritates me more than calling a major company and being forced to speak to somebody that has no clue what I’m talking about and can barely speak English.
Kathy Anderson
August 3rd, 2009
10:55 am
Enter your comments here
Renata G.
August 3rd, 2009
10:57 am
How do I apply for a Virtual Assistant Job? I have 10 years experience in Administrative Assistant and accounting, customer service.
Janice Pettigrew
August 3rd, 2009
11:02 am
This is a fantastic article. Having been laid off in may from a company I’d been with for over 16 years I know I have skills that could be used in this market. Any suggestions on how to get started and get certification.
I’d appreciate any direction
Michelle Mangen-Your Virtual Assistant
August 3rd, 2009
11:02 am
Great post! I first learned about the VA industry from a fiction book. Was delighted to find that it truly existed. I knew that my many years as an accounting department manager and assistant to higher management would translate well into the skills I needed to run my own VA company.
The fantastic thing is there are so many different areas that small business owners need help with that if you excel in a particular area you can easily become a VA. However, being a business owner is not for everyone as the post mentions above. It takes tenacity, perseverance and collaboration with others.
If you are looking to become a VA there are many resources out there. AssistU, VANetworking, etc.
Tamarra Horsey
August 3rd, 2009
11:04 am
Goodmorning,
I really enjoyed reading your article on VA. I work at Verizon Wireless and I would love to receive more information on VA jobs. Please contact me with information on how I can take advantage of this opportunity.
Katharine
August 3rd, 2009
11:08 am
Yes, please tell us how we can become VAs.
Kathy Anderson, CyberAssist, Inc.
August 3rd, 2009
11:11 am
Started my VA Practice in 2003, following a downsizing from ‘corporate America’! Had taken the 20-week course from AssistU in 1999 and received their certification. Lots of ‘virtual assistants’ don’t see the need for this, but certifications and professional coursework always stood me in good stead throughout my working career and were important to many prospective clients when I first began.
I’ve found that networking groups are my best source of clients, as now are referrals from my clients – even better!. Building a relationship with my clients, learning about them and their businesses so I can offer pro-active assistance in areas they might never have considered, and adding new skills to handle pressing needs of my clients, gives me an ‘edge’ in this ever-changing market.
I’m celebrating my 6th year of business and feel very blessed to have found this fledgling industry when I did – it’s taken time to build and I’m never complacent. I focus on Email Marketing, eCommerce support, Bookkeeping & Payroll, as well as more general administrative assistance. The rewards of learning to operate my own business, work with a wide variety of clients from across the US and in Europe, and having the flexibility to be creative and supportive far outweigh the struggle to ‘make ends meet’ in the early years.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners benefit greatly from virtual assistance – keeping their costs down, while getting much needed work accomplished professionally and on time!
Jeanne Goldberg
August 3rd, 2009
11:11 am
I have been reading about virtual assistants and was wondering if I could connect with a VA who is competent with the computer who knows how to market online. I recently joined a wellness company that has exceptional–actually one of a kind–skin care products and top-of-the-line nutrients. They are marketing in 50 countries around the world and I need help to do internet marketing.
I have been reading about social media and know WHAT to do, but have not started yet. Since my new company is world-wide, it certainly would make sense for me to be using the social media to communicate with people.
Although I assume that most virtual assistants see that entering the field is a way to have a j-o-b, I can visualize that a good VA can actually do many jobs with OTHER people but they can join ME as a representative of my company and produce a residual income from their marketing effort.
I working closely with my niece who is an anti-aging doctor. I am a health education professional,
I taught in public and private school as well as worked in a medical setting in pain management.
I have a degree in Health and Physical Education from West Chester University and a degree in Horticulture from Temple University.
As I was reading about the growing field of virtual assistance and realized that many new companies were starting up, I thought it might be a sensible income-producing plan for the owners of new–and established–companies to consider emphasizing marketing themselves. Along with their usual VA work, they could start a marketing division, join a company such as mine and have a group of employees hired for the different avenues of marketing. Those employees could could be rep-marketers or they could function strictly as employee/marketers who would search out representatives for the owners of the VA company.
Speaking of leverage, the most productive way to build a business…having employee/reps that work hard for the owner and themselves…is a total WIN/WIN relationship benefits everyone involved.
To recap: I am looking for 1) a marketing savvy VA for myself and I am searching out 2) VA people orcompanies who want to explore the idea of adding a marketing division to do network marketing.
The potential income is quite large for people who learn to market professionally. We teach that to people who do not have the know-how.
Because the company I am working with is a huge company with great financial resources, they have web sites in different languages and excellent marketing material. They also provide training by conference call and at their home base. The training is FREE and is given by the successful leaders of the company. Of course my doctor niece and I do training ourselves. We also train right here in our area, Philadelphia and surrounding communities.
If any of you current VA’s, or potential VA’s or owners of a VA company want to explore the
VA/Marketing idea I mentioned, I would be delighted to hear from you.
In any case, I wish all of you success in your choses field. Success is something we all have to go
after. It is not particularly easy to achieve but with persistence we can make it happen. If we fall down, we have to get up–wipe ourselves off–and start again. Cheers, Jeanne
Owen
August 3rd, 2009
11:12 am
Please contact me about a virtual assistant position!
Betsy Robinson
August 3rd, 2009
11:12 am
Great article. I work remotely from my office for a few medical providers. They love it because they do not have to pay a full time staff and office supplies. I started my company PRN Medical Billing Inc. 2 years ago. With todays economy, I am glad I can help medical providers with small practices reduce cost.
Kerry Clay
August 3rd, 2009
11:14 am
The Article is excellent. Sounds like an opportunity am very much interested in. Can you please send me more information about the whole VA opportunity.
Earlene
August 3rd, 2009
11:17 am
I would like more information on becoming a VA.
Lori Montgomery
August 3rd, 2009
11:29 am
This is something i know i can do, i would like more information on how to find these jobs and market myself for this type of work.
Renita Dortch
August 3rd, 2009
11:32 am
This opportunity is very appealing to me. Could you please send me more information about the whole VA opportunity?
Kim Lynk
August 3rd, 2009
11:32 am
This is a great article and I eagerly read all of the feedback. I’ve owned my VA business for 3 1/2 years and I was a little discouraged by some of the comments. What I’ve interested my time and efforts into is not a “fly by night” scam. I’ve worked extremely hard to develop my business connections and skills to give my clients the best possible end result. It needs to be crystal clear that this isn’t a business you just jump into, anyone looking to make quick money from an easy job should probably consider other avenues. I work unusual hours sometimes to support my clients but I do it because it’s what they need to keep their business moving forward.
I do charge considerably higher than $25 for my services and my clients gladly pay it because they know I’m worth it. Their work is done promptly, professionally and in a timely fashion. My rates are higher than what they would pay an employee but they only pay me for the actual time I am working for them. They do not pay any employment taxes or benefits, which is a savings to them. For one client, moving from a traditional 40 hour employee to my VA service, he was able to cut his admin expense by 75% and I did twice as much as work as his previous admin!. I don’t know about you but if I could get 50% more result for 75% less investment, I’d jump all over it.
To anyone considering contracting with a VA, yes, you can find many who charge next to nothing per hour. For most of us, our business is our primary source of income. Do you want to trust your income to someone who is cheap or someone who is good?
Angela
August 3rd, 2009
11:41 am
I am very intrested in gathering information to become apart of this program. Please email me the information so that I can get further information, I think this is a great idea. I wish more people and companies would put something like this together to help more people find that perfect job that they are seeking. angela@johnsonward.com
Cindy
August 3rd, 2009
11:53 am
Michele, thanks for the info on how to market a VA business. Could some of you other VA’s share your marketing tips? Has anyone used Elance? And on the business side, where would they find a VA?
Rosa
August 3rd, 2009
11:56 am
How exciting!, I worked for a fortune 500 company for 11 years in A/R and Customer Service. My strengths were corresponding with customers via the internet. I would love this. Please let me know how?
Anxiously Awaiting Information
Anne Gilson
August 3rd, 2009
11:58 am
My husband and I owned a small business until a year ago, when we sold it. We both decided that we weren’t ready to retire, and that we had, between us, all the skills and knowledge to help other small businesspeople to maintain and expand their businesses. We now do contract consulting work, not as VA’s but we actually go to the employer’s location. I am an accountant, and focus on general office management. My husband has the skills to help small business owners establish procedures to improve productivity; to position a small business for future sale or investment by outside sources, or bank loans; and consults in the field of food safety and security (specifically, how to be ready for and pass food safety audits without disrupting you day to day business!) We have found that there is a great need for our services, and small business owners are happy to pay to have experienced, mature people do these jobs for them! You can find us on the web at Oceana Food Safety, in the Atlanta area.
Angie Thornewell - Virtual Touch Admin
August 3rd, 2009
12:17 pm
I have been a VA for about 6 months now after being laid off from my Office Manager position due to downsizing. I have had a business over 15 years doing Desktop Publishing and Graphic Design so transitioning the 21 years of my Administrative skills into a business was a great thing! I never was a 9-5b type person so this has given me a new freedom but also your desire to excel increases as you are representing yourself and not just company… Definately believe in continuing training and certifications to make you more marketable. But integrity and character also will be a selling point in the business. Also need to be steadfast as there can be slow periods and it can discourage but if this is your passion it is not just about the money but fulfilling a need for your client and having them return~
Good luck to those aspiring to become a VA!\
Angie T – http://www.virtualtouchadmin.com
Renz Smith
August 3rd, 2009
12:21 pm
I am a research and analyst guru whom would really shine as a VPA (Vitrual Personal Assistant).
Please contact me for your needs.
(First name twice at hot mail).
Renz
Kare
August 3rd, 2009
12:21 pm
I would like more info on becoming a VA – have 23 yrs. experience in real estate law office as administrative assistant doing all types of office tasks before being downsized earlier this year. How do I get going with AssistU?
Tara
August 3rd, 2009
12:28 pm
I am very interested in becoming a Virtual Assistant. Please send me any information you have regarding this type of employment. I always wanted to work from home and have years of administrative and IT experience.
Sharon Jones
August 3rd, 2009
12:37 pm
I am a semi-retired Executive Administrative Assistant with over 35 years of experience. I have a desire to begin my own virtual assistant business in the future. In the interim, I’d like to begin my exploring positions in this field and would greatly appreciate more information on how to become a VA .
Tia
August 3rd, 2009
12:38 pm
Currently i am a customerservice for a WAH company, but sitll lookig for possibilites of working with accounting, 5-7 yrs in accounts payable, and customerservice, i do enjoy working from home. littel low paying right now, but keep looking.
staneisa phinazee
August 3rd, 2009
12:43 pm
I am very interested in this opportunity. Please send me more info on this position.
PAT
August 3rd, 2009
12:44 pm
How Do I find the companies that are willing to do this.
Danny
August 3rd, 2009
12:46 pm
I am also interested in starting this type of oppurtunity. Any information will be helpful.
I have an MBA degree with over 5yrs experience in the field of mental health
thanks.
Cathy Bing
August 3rd, 2009
12:49 pm
This article was very helpful in describing the various functions preformed by a VA. Please send me more information regarding becoming a VA.
Thank You!!
Karen
August 3rd, 2009
1:04 pm
Laura,
Thanks so much for this article on VA’s, I was just looking and applying for work this morning when I came across your article, I was feeling really depressed about not being able to find work in my field, I have been and Admin/Executive Assistant for years and this sound just like the job for me. Can you please send me ALL the info you can on how to get start and certified. Thank you my spirits have been renewed.
Glenda Howison
August 3rd, 2009
1:12 pm
I have read your articles and comments about virtual assisting and it sounds like an opportunity that would benefit me and my family. I have been an administrative assistant, a loan processor, an interior design sales manager and a quality improvement coordinator for an Alzheimer’s Center…I am certain I can do this job as well. Please contact me so that I can get more information. Thank you, Glenda
Lucinda Cross
August 3rd, 2009
1:16 pm
I would love to speak with all of the ladies and gents who are interested in this lucrative business called Virtual Assistance. Check out my site then visit my blog I would love to chat and I have success VA’s to give you the nuts and bolts of how to make it.
http://www.ultimatevasupport.com
http://www.corporatemomdropouts.com
Dawn Holland
August 3rd, 2009
1:18 pm
Great article, I love helping people if you have any information you can send me please do. Thanks, Dawn D. Holland
Marie MacAulay
August 3rd, 2009
1:34 pm
I was an Administrative Assistant for a church for three years and also a Sales Support Specialist for two years with Panasonic Broadcast Division. I lost the first job due to downsizing and the second because the company required the Managers to operate from their home offices. I have more than seven years of Administrative experience and am interested in more information about a position of this type.
Thank you for any assistance you can provide me.
Marie MacAulay
Sineice Robinson
August 3rd, 2009
1:45 pm
I would love to find out more about becoming a VA. This can really help me. Plese send me information about this great opportunity.
Thanks,
Sineice
Carolyn
August 3rd, 2009
1:52 pm
How do i get started? I have prayed to get this started for so many years. Tell me everything, I will do it.
J William Haga
August 3rd, 2009
1:58 pm
Thanks to Virtual Assistants I’m a Virtual Millionaire in just 6 mos. Acquiring services on an hourly basis has been around since the first caveman opened a business. Just because you use a computer and the Internet to help doesn’t make this any different.
What is it with people under 35 who seem to have to rename everything before it gets interesting. And by becoming independent contractors you’re also heaping a pile of tax and liability issues on yourselves that this article doesn’t mention.
Depending on the amount of control and the contribution of the VA to a task the IRS may say that what acts, talks, and smells like an employee is in fact just that: an employee.
An FYI…an accountant that I don’t know by face value……and who can’t assist on-site, be for real. And Certification/Accreditation by an agency that itself didn’t exist 3 years ago……………again, I’m chuckling.
The Internet may widen your search area for employment but it does NOTHING (am I shouting?) for adding credibility or proof of experience.
Now I’m going to go work on my Virtual Tan.
Nichole
August 3rd, 2009
2:14 pm
I just told my husband last week that this is what I wanted to do. I got up this morning and have started my website. I know I have the skill set and experience, but I need help with locating the clients. Information on starting and succeeding as a VA is much appreciated!
Thanks, Nichole
Paris
August 3rd, 2009
2:17 pm
This is an interesting article. I would like to read more about how to get started. I have been a successful full charge bookkeeper for fifteen years and recently have been laid off.
Lisa Degen
August 3rd, 2009
2:32 pm
Thanks for the info. I would like to learn more about VA’s. I have been an executive assistant in the past and am presently a real estate agent. Please send me more info on becoming a VA.
Thanks
Lisa
Kim
August 3rd, 2009
2:45 pm
This is a very good article. I was a Virtual Assistant for nearly two years. I loved it and would be interested in finding companies that are looking for someone. Please contact me with more information.
thank you
Frank
August 3rd, 2009
2:50 pm
Wow. Two years ago I was diagnosed with heart failure and I’m only 23. It keeps me from being able to have a normal job but I could probably do something like this if I learned the proper software. Better than just being on disability.
Stacey Heerssen
August 3rd, 2009
2:52 pm
Please tell me how to get in this business.
Stacey Heerssen
August 3rd, 2009
2:52 pm
please tell me how to get into this business.
Cheryl = Atlanta
August 3rd, 2009
2:54 pm
I have over 15 years as an Executive Assistant, what must I do to become a Virtual Assistant? Thanks for your help!
Andrea
August 3rd, 2009
3:28 pm
I would also like some more information please. Do you know of any specific VA companies that are hiring?
Selena Jackson
August 3rd, 2009
3:38 pm
I want more information or websites where I can apply to become a VA. Thanks
Hebert Henry
August 3rd, 2009
3:46 pm
I hold a B.S. degree in Comp. Sci and a Masters in Information Systems, and more than 18 years experience in IT. I am currently out of work and would be interested in exploring the VA alternative. Where would I start?
Your suggestions would be much appreciated!
Hebert
IT7
August 3rd, 2009
3:48 pm
@Mark Getting stuff done in India for 1/3 to 1/2 the cost. It really depends on what you need and the complexity of the task. For simple stuff like a web page sure it’s possible for complex stuff like marketing segmentation and data mining -you’ll run into the issue most big companies run into. Poor communications, cultural biases, and poor translation of task along with high turnover in India.
If you’ve got process sure it can be outsourced but typically processes can be just as easily automated. Six months on task with your firm makes the indian worker worth double right down the street -along with methods and procedures you documented so well. I kid you not as an american one of the tasks a major US firm wanted to hire me for was to cut turnover rates of contracted workers in India.
Most folks especially small businesses feel more comfortable and better served pulling VA talent from the US and Canada, especially for the service side and critical stuff. Classic “4 hour Work Week” by Timothy Ferris. Out source locally or be prepared to have a detailed process for everything, and if you got detailed process why not just automate to begin with?
Web pages I’m all for that, writing my briefs that I might have to correct myself at 8:30 am –I’m going to the US or Canada for a VA. Data mining projects think real hard and ask yourself do you feel lucky? Well do ya?
IT7
Elizabeth Young
August 3rd, 2009
4:07 pm
I have been wanting to do something like this for years. I have over 25 years of customer service and office management skills. I know I would be a asset to any company. Effective is Time and Time is Money.
Jane Zeitouni
August 3rd, 2009
4:45 pm
I would appreciate any assistance or further information on this career. I have over 35 years of Executive Administrative Assistance experience with some major companies. Thank you.
Myrlene Hoyte
August 3rd, 2009
5:48 pm
I own a virtual assistant company and it is refreshing to see an article devoted to what we do. This is still an area that is unknown to a lot of people but with articles like this one, we are on the track to letting the world know about the benefits that a virutal assistant can bring to a company.
G W Etienne
August 3rd, 2009
5:49 pm
This is an extremely good article, it’s very informative . This would be a great fit for me. Please send me all information about this great opportunity.
Barbara
August 3rd, 2009
5:59 pm
I will be graduating in December with a Bachelors in Business Administration/Information Systems, I’m currently employeed as a Systems Consultant. I’m very much interested in Virtual Assisting, how can I get the information that I need to get started.
Kimberly
August 3rd, 2009
6:21 pm
I am in the process of starting my own VA business for the legal field. I am a certified paralegal with experience in civil and criminal litigation. I also have experience in other areas of law such as personal injury, worker’s compensation, bankruptcy, corporate law and estate law. I would appreciate any information on how to generate contacts for my business.
Thank you….great article
Delores
August 3rd, 2009
8:16 pm
I live in the great state of Texas and would love to become a VA any info you have would be a true blessing.
Jean Sturgeon
August 3rd, 2009
8:36 pm
I would love to learn more about being a Virtual Assistant. I have a computer at home with internet access, could get fax access, a telephone and transportation. I am a fast and accurate typist, expert with Microsoft Word, Access and Excel and have used QuickBooks in the past. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Jama St. John - Gulf Coast Office Support
August 3rd, 2009
9:13 pm
Thanks for the great article on Virtual Assistants!! I started my VA business in 1997 — before it was Virtual Assistance. Back then it was business support, office support or secretarial service and working “virtually” was still doable, but more complicated and accepted less.
For all the aspiring VAs, do your research. It is not a “job” — it is a business. You have to market your VA business just like any other business. Check out the International Virtual Assistants Association, VANetworking and Virtual Assistant Forums. All are great resources for VAs just starting out and the old pros!
Patty Munroe
August 3rd, 2009
9:15 pm
I am very interested in the Virtual Assistant business. Please send me any information. I would really appreciate hearing more details. Thanks
Michelle Jenkins
August 3rd, 2009
9:29 pm
Right now, I work 4 days a week. This would really be something great for me to do on my “off” day. I have sales support, typing, proofing, AP, AR experience. Please send me information on the VA business. I would love this opportunity.
Thanks, Michelle Jenkins