By Tina Hilton of Clerical Advantage
Before beginning to write this post I googled the term ‘virtual assistant’. I got 1,440,000 hits. We’ve come a long way baby. When I first began researching the possibility of starting my own virtual assistance business in the summer of 2007 I didn’t get nearly that many hits. It’s nice to see that at least half of those hits are valid, respectible sites giving honest information regarding virtual assistance. Of course there are a few that pop up that describe being a virtual assistant as an ‘easy work from home job’. I personally get inquiries from people looking to enter the VA industry, I know that those five words grab the attention of thousands of people unhappy in their current job situation. In light of that fact, I thought perhaps it was time I shared some of the advice I’ve been giving to others.
Simply put, If the reason you’re interested in becoming a Virtual Assistant is listed below…Don’t. Don’t become a virtual assistant that is.
1. I want a career that is so simple it practically runs itself. Being a VA requires work. It requires dedication, business acumen, knowledge and expertise in not only computers, Internet and applications, but also in administrative procedures and tasks. Experience working in an actual professional office atmosphere is a requirement. Just because you use e-mail, shop online and play Pogo all the time does not make you expert enough to be a virtual assistant. Nor does answering phones for Smelly Shelley’s Seafood Shoppe.
2. I want to do what I want, when I want. As with any home based business, one of the perks is being able to write your own schedule. If you do your best work at 2 am, then you can work then. If you need to be at lil’ Cameron’s Christmas Pageant at 11 am, you can schedule around it. But as a business owner you still have to work. And you generally end up putting in more than 40 hours a week. Remember, not only will you be doing work for clients, but you’ll have to invoice, market and work on your own business as well. I’m pretty certain there are few, if any, VA’s working a true 4-hour work week.
3. I want to get rich quick. Didn’t your mother ever tell you there’s no such thing as getting rich quick? That doesn’t mean that you can’t become financially successful as a virtual assistant, but it requires lots of hard work, setting up multiples streams of income and above all…time. Sometimes we should listen to our mothers.
4. I don’t want to answer to anyone. Sorry, just because you’re the boss doesn’t mean you don’t answer to anyone. If you want a successful virtual assistance business your goal is superior client service. That means listening to and answering to your clients. Sure, you’re the boss, but what good is being a boss if you have no clients? You also should remember that you answer to the IRS. Yes, the TaxMan cometh.
So there it is. You won’t often find me giving you reasons not to become a virtual assistant as I really love my job and enjoy teaching others about the benefits. Starting a virtual assistance business is just that, a business, and requires time, energy and patience. Lots of patience.
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If you have questions concerning virtual assistance or have an interest in working with a virtual assistant you can contact Tina Hilton or visit her business website for Clerical Advantage.
I’m so glad someone has finally had the leadership to share this type information. I love being a VA and sharing my experience and thoughts with those who express interest in starting a VA business.
This post should not be viewed as being negative but quite the opposite. There are challenges and myths with business especially when starting and it’s important of people to know the entire picture.
Thanks for sharing.
Monique
I,too, look at this type of information as a step forward and positive. Being a Virtual Assistant, I want to know the down and dirty facts of working from home and maintaining a healthy, thriving business. I enjoy the honesty shared on the VAnetworking.com forum site where over 10,000 virtual assistants come together to discuss and share real business situations.
There is so information exchanged and available that after reading through the posts or asking questions one can really get a clear and realistic picture of what it takes to work in this manner and operate an online business. Great post topic and I look forward to reading what other have to say.
Nice post, Tina.
While you’re right that there are likely no VAs living a 4 Hour Workweek, I don’t know any who aspire to that–do you?
Having said that, at AssistU, we heartily suggest that anyone wanting a business that mimics “full time” employment (commonly thought of as 40 hours/week) only consider doing 30 billable hours/week. That leaves time to do the work on the business as well, without having to work so many hours that ones ends up, in time spent, with the equivalent of a full time *and* part time job.
If part of the reason people become VAs is to have more work/life balance, it can’t include working more hours than are actually practicable.
Stacy
Doggone it! Now I have to take Smelly Shelley’s off my résumé!
Nice post, Tina. Most people see owning their own business through rose-colored glasses until they actual get there. Maybe this will remove the glasses for them!
Great post Tina! I only started my VA business this summer and while I was well prepared for it to take a lot of work, I’ve since had several conversations with hopeful VA’s to be who want a great work from home “job”. I always share that being a VA is a business, not a job, and it takes a ton of work (but I love it anyway!!)
Your idea is being negative but it has a very useful side. Being a Virtual Assistant you should be dedicated to your work and all you have to do is to think always positive in order to say in this business. Try to visit the epvirtualassistants. It offer different services that will help in your business.
http://www.epvirtualassistants.com
http://www.epvirtualassistants.blogspot.com/
Bravo! A very good article that speaks to the realities of being a Virtual Assistant. I constantly tell people that you won’t get rich doing it, but you will get freedom, flexibility and variety. Self-employment isn’t for everyone, but for those who have “it” being a VA is a very rewarding career path.
Angela Mattson
http://www.defineyourday.com
Good post Tina! I always look forward to reading your blog posts. Keep up the good work.
I get a big kick out of some marketers of virtual assistance who imply in their marketing that you can wake up one morning and say, “I’m tired of doing X; I think I’ll be a virtual assistant today,” the implication being that it’s just that simple. I find it both insulting and funny all at the same time.
=>Donna Caissie, Virtual Assistant
ExtraOrdinary Assistance
dcaissie@extra-assist.com
Great post. I totally agree. Becoming a virtual assistant is never as easy as marketers make it out to be. Keep up the good work.
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You are right. Being a VA is not an easy task. Sometime I work 18 hours and miss my weekends. Thats how dedicated you need to be. If you follow your rules then everything will be alright.