January 24, 2012 • moderator
Outsourcing proves to be one of the best consequences made possible through the internet as it has given way to opportunities to make money without leaving the comfort of your own home. And one of the opportunities that have been given way to is becoming a virtual assistant. A virtual assistant or VA is an independent entrepreneur who work remotely and use technology to deliver services to clients globally. The product is actually the service being provided to employers here and abroad. The virtual assistant handles administrative work and other details as dictated by the client.
Now, how to find work? If you’re a beginner, the first thing you have to do is to visit at least one of the many online job sites that invite freelancers to sign up and look for work. Of course, if you’re serious about making money online, you’ll have to be sure that the site you will sign up in is reliable and has good reputation. You do not want to be scammed and work a few hours for no pay. Also, you have to add persistence to your mindset. If one site doesn’t work for you, sign up for more. More clients will always be good for your business, and this will also obviously help you make money online. The services that being handled by virtual assistants for their clients are article writing, blog posting, bookmarking blog commenting, forum commenting, e-mail marketing, link building, research, graphics, site designation/installation, web 2.0 marketing and E-bay and Amazon marketing.
The following are the tips to help you make money online as Virtual Assistant:
1. Start Small and Specialize: There are dozens of service-oriented websites out there with millions of VAs competing for business. Pick one area in which to specialize and learn that area upside down and sideways before you think about adding in another service. And then learn that next service upside down and sideways before you think about adding in another. This is not the business to be in if you’re a Jack of All Trades and Master of None!
2. Promote Yourself: There are great places for virtual assistants to promote their business. Like for example the Fiverr. You just have to put together some creative little offer that shows people what you can do and show them what you got. A lot of these Fiverr gigs lead to long-term clients. Elance is another great site for VAs to promote themselves. It is a website for anybody who does any kind of freelance work and there are always dozens of listings for VAs. Internet marketing forums are another great place to promote your VA business.
3. Watch Your Fees: The one drawback to building a business around providing virtual assistant services is the fees. They’re not great. And there’s a lot of competition, which makes the fees even lower in the end and that could be one you need to specialize. It’s like anything else. The more you do it, the faster and more proficient you’ll become. Then, instead of working 3 hours to earn $15, you’ll be making $30 or $45 an hour.
4. Be Picky: In the beginning, you’ll be tempted to take whatever job you can get, just so you can get your name out there. Be careful! Don’t low-ball the competition just so you can get the job. If you have to work 24 hours a day, 31 days a month, just to pay the rent, you’re not going to have any time left over to earn the money for your car payment, groceries and you Internet access.
Are you ready to become a VA? It will be a tiring job with more clients, but will be rewarding just as much. Always remember not to rush things, and to relax and enjoy, as you are working at home. But keep your work efficient and worth the pay.
