So you want to be a Virtual Assistant

When I first became a Virtual Assistant, no one knew what it was, I constantly had to explain the role. A self employed professional who provides administrative

services to client mainly remotely. I have now been doing this for over 20 years and the role has changed considerably.

Whereas it just used to be administration, PA/secretarial work, now it covers a whole range of skills including digital marketing, social media, compliance, property, legal and so much more.

So if you are thinking of becoming a VA you need to choose your specialism(s). You can develop new skills as your experience grows, but start with something you do well.

PROS

Enjoy the job

• Flexibility and Independence: One of the most significant advantages is the ability to set your own hours and work from anywhere with an internet connection. This offers a high degree of freedom and control over your work-life balance, allowing you to build a schedule that fits your personal life, family, and hobbies.

• Be Your Own Boss: As a VA, you are an independent contractor, not an employee. This means you have the power to choose your clients, the services you provide, and your rates. You are in control of your career trajectory and can develop entrepreneurial skills. https://www.beingyourownboss.net/

• Diverse Work and Skill Development: The role can be varied, offering opportunities to work on a wide range of tasks for different clients and industries. This allows for continuous learning and the chance to broaden your skillset beyond a single, traditional job.

• Reduced Overhead Costs: Working from home eliminates common expenses like commuting, daily lunches out and clothes especially for work. This can lead to significant savings. In addition, you can claim for your overheads on your self-assessment tax return. https://www.gov.uk/expenses-if-youre-self-employed

• Unlimited Earning Potential: Your income isn't capped by a fixed salary. You can increase your rates as you gain experience and expertise, and you can take on as many clients as you can manage, creating multiple income streams.

• Work-Life Balance: The flexibility of the job can lead to a better work-life balance. You can take breaks when you need them, attend to personal appointments, or work from anywhere in the world, which can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

  
  

CONS

It can be stressful

• Financial Instability: As an independent contractor, your income can be inconsistent. You may have periods with a full workload and other times when you are actively searching for new clients. Unlike a traditional job, you don't receive a fixed salary, paid time off, or employer-provided benefits like health insurance or retirement plans. https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/business-guidance/guidance-articles/finance/how-to-create-a-cash-flow-forecast-in-4-steps

• Isolation and Lack of Social Interaction: Working from home can be isolating. You miss out on the camaraderie, team dynamics, and in-person social interactions that come with a traditional office environment.

• Self-Discipline and Time Management: Without a boss or set office hours, you need a high level of self-motivation and discipline. It is easy to get distracted by home life, and you are solely responsible for managing your time, meeting deadlines, and staying productive.

• Long Hours and Burnout: To earn a good income, you may find yourself working long hours, especially in the beginning as you build your client base. It can be challenging to set boundaries and prevent work from encroaching on your personal life.

• Administrative Burden: As a business owner, you are responsible for all administrative tasks, including marketing your services, finding new clients, handling your own taxes, and managing bookkeeping.

• Competition

  After COVID with people wanting to work from home VAs have increased considerably. Plus there are now several companies who employ VAs paying them a set rate and contracting them out to their clients. https://virtalent.com/ However, this is a good alternative to starting up on your own and a possible first step, but you have to be extremely good at what you do and experienced in all sorts of software.

• Technical Difficulties: Your ability to work is entirely dependent on your technology and internet connection. Technical problems can be a major source of frustration and can impact your productivity and ability to serve clients.

• Technology

  In that respect you need to ensure you have high-speed internet, a good PC and/or laptop. Close to latest model smartphone, possibly a landline, and you will have to buy various software to keep up with technology.

  
  

Website

You will also need a website, which you can create yourself using Wix, or GoDaddy for instance. (I would recommend Wix). Networking events are also good to attend. Often you meet the same people who may not use you personally, but may recommend you as they get to know you. This also helps with the isolation, to get out and meet people.

Tools to assist you: Hubspot is invaluable and free to use for yourself and clients. https://www.hubspot.com.  AI is a valuable time-saving tool. Either Gemini or Chat GPT both excellent. For marketing, Canva is good for creating ads, leaflets and videos https://www.canva.com. For email campaigns, Brevo is less expensive than some others https://brevo.com.

Business Plan

A business plan is a must for yourself, to ensure you can manage financially while you are building up you business, and if you need to approach your bank for a loan. Hubspot offers free templaates. https://offers.hubspot.com/

Contracts

Each client has to have a contract. You set a minimum time of 15 minutes so that if only do 5 mnutes you charge for 15. You can work around this of course as you get to know your clients.

Society of Virtual Assistants https://societyofvirtualassistants.co.uk/

Being run by actual VAs rather than those who get their income from coaching or specialist services, they are able to give real advice about issues that frequently crop up - how to get more virtual assistant clients, what equipment virtual assistants use, how to deal with client issues. Definitely worth joining.

Success!

Hopefully, this has been helpful.

Remember to enjoy it, as it is such a varied job and good luck!