What is a VA?
VA stands for "Virtual Assistant". They are entrepreneurs that is like a personal secretary but there is actually a big difference since they can do stuffs that cannot be done by a secretary. They provide customer support, write, answer calls, transcribe, do research and much more. Since they are entrepreneurs, they have clients that need their services. They basically work at home and communicate with their clients through the Internet or through phone. Virtual assistants are a big help to businesses especially if an employer would be able to find a good one.
Finding an excellent virtual assistant is a tough task to do. You can find a good one through the web or either posts a job hiring. There are lots of virtual assistants looking for a job out there but of course you need to find one who can meet your standards or perhaps surpass them. Choose a virtual assistant who has had a background of the job, someone who can work under pressure so that you are assured deadlines would be met and someone that is reliable that can think and work fast but accurate on your behalf.
With today’s advance technology, it would be silly to hire a virtual assistant who does not know the Internet. A skilled virtual assistant knows basic office applications, and must also know how to use the Internet. Most Virtual assistants would be required to do correspondence through email or provide customer support through chat, and Internet knowledge is a must.
To be sure that you hire a competent virtual assistant, it would be good to test the skills of your prospect by giving him/her a test on the type of tasks that you want done. At times, a trial week would confirm if the virtual assistant is skilled enough to meet the employer’s expectations. It would also determine if the virtual assistant would be capable of delivering the work before any agreement would be made or a contract is signed. Hiring a virtual assistant can be made on a long term or short term project basis. This is why it is more practical to hire a virtual assistant than a secretary because anytime you feel you no longer need the service of the virtual assistant; you have the option to terminate the contract at any time.
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10 most important Virtual assistant skills
Not everyone is cut out to be a virtual assistant, and not everyone has the skills and the education needed to succeed as a virtual assistant. The good news is, even if you lack the necessary skills and education, you can become a virtual assistant as long as you are willing to work hard.
Let’s start by looking at the basic skills you will need to succeed as a virtual assistant. I have enlisted 10 which I think is the most important below.
Internet and technologically savvy. To succeed as a virtual assistant, you must be internet and technologically savvy. By being internet savvy, you must be able to use email and conduct online research. It is also vital that you have a fast internet connection. Opt for DSL or a cable connection. Dial-up should only be used if you are in an area where a faster connection is not available or in cases of emergency. By technologically savvy means capability to use fax and photocopy machines. You also must know how to se online message systems such as Skype and MSN and you must be able and willing to keep up-to-date with the advances in technology.
Computer skills. Most of your work is going to be done on the computer so you must have strong computer skills. You must be proficient in word processing programs such as Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect and also has literacy in spreadsheet programs.
Strong communication skills. It is a must to be able to communicate and express yourself effectively with your clients both verbally and through writing.
Strong writing skills. Since you will be communicating with your client through email and fax, you must have strong writing skills. If you are a weak writer, practice makes perfect! Lol! Writing skills goes hand in hand with the ability to proofread. Clients do not want a virtual assistant that produces sloppy work which includes typos, spelling and grammatical errors, which are all simply unprofessional.
Strong organizational skills. You are the glue that holds your client’s business together so you must be extremely organized and efficient. This way if your client calls you, you will be able to access client’s file quickly so you do not waste your client’s time.
Motivated. Are you motivated to succeed? Motivation is the driving force that gives you the fuel to get out of bed, ready to work and deliver.
Motivated. Are you motivated to succeed? Motivation is the driving force that gives you the fuel to get out of bed, ready to work and deliver.
Disciplined. To succeed as a virtual assistant, you must be disciplined. You must be so disciplined that when you are working, you can get your work done when it needs to be done and have that ability to say “no” to outside distractions.
Quick thinking. You must be able to process information very quickly and act on the information just as quickly to be able to succeed as a virtual assistant.
Decision-maker. You must be able to make decisions quickly – in a split second. Avoid being a waffle who can never really decide. Time is precious – to you and mostly for your clients.
Love of learning. Are you up for the challenge? Being a virtual assistant allows plenty of diversity so you must be prepared to learn on a daily basis.
These are just a few of the skills needed to survive as a virtual assistant. If you have worked or are now working in an office, chances are, you likely possess most, if not all, of the skills. Even if you do not have all the skills needed, you can learn them and hone your skills as you work. Now are you a virtual assistant?
