Virtually Yours: Defining the "Virtual" in Virtual Assistant

So, you've heard the term "virtual assistant" and are intrigued by the concept. Sounds interesting, right? Perhaps you envision yourself working in your cozy home office in slippers, with clients you choose, who happily pay your fees to do only the work that you love. What could be better than that?

This dream can become your reality once you learn what it takes to be a successful virtual assistant. One of the most important distinctions between a virtual assistant and a traditional administrative professional lies in the definition itself:

"A virtual assistant (VA) is a micro-business owner who provides business-support services while working in long-term, collaborative relationships with only carefully selected ideal clients. Using a telephone, fax machine, e-mail, and various web-based tools, VAs support their clients without ever having to step inside their offices or, in most cases, meet them face-to-face."

Skills for Success

Notice how virtual assistants work: via "telephone, fax, e-mail and various web-based tools." So, to be successful, VAs must be proficient in working virtually.

Why is this important?

Perhaps, like me, you come from the corporate world where you never had to know all that much about technology. You had other people to deal with that stuff. You had an IT department to call when your computer got a mind of its own. You had a production department to handle printing large quantities of books and materials. There was a telecommunications department to handle your telephone and conference-line needs. When I worked at Goldman Sachs, we even had a department to type up Microsoft® Word documents, create PowerPoint presentations, and send/receive faxes!

A One-Man (or Woman) Show

But, when you work on your own as a virtual assistant, you're it! You're the only one your clients rely upon to help them with issues that involve up-to-date technology. You're the one who has to know what to do when a client asks you to log into their computer to monitor their e-mail or edit an image on their website. You're the one who's supposed to be the technical expert.

But, don't worry: There are plenty of inexpensive and easy-to-use tools available to make your job easier and make you look good. So, when starting your business, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the technology that's available. This will enable you to make informed choices about what to implement into your own business, what to recommend to your clients, and how to work virtually.

Prospective clients come to virtual assistants seeking specific solutions to problems they're facing. Perhaps they're overwhelmed by managing their contacts' database and are missing out on revenue-generating opportunities because they don't have a follow-up system in place. Or, they may be providing less-than-stellar customer service to their existing clients because they can't seem to keep track of each submitted inquiry.

Maybe they'd like to finally take a real vacation, but need someone to check their e-mail, customer orders and voicemails while they're away. Whatever the case may be, they expect that the virtual professional they partner with will have the knowledge to assist with these requests and be able to solve their most pressing challenges.

Virtual Technology

If there's one thing sure to hold you back from enjoying an efficient, profitable and truly successful virtual-assistant business, it's not knowing the ins and outs of today's latest virtual technology. So, it's critical to your success that you embrace technology and learn how to leverage it in your business. If you find that you're not so tech savvy, that's okay; it's an easy situation to change.

What's most important is that you shift your mindset to not be afraid, overwhelmed or intimidated by virtual technology. It's this technology that will allow you to actually become a virtual assistant. It's this technology that is going to support your dream of running a successful, home-based business where you call the shots, earn the salary of your choice, and enjoy the freedom you deserve.

Are you ready to upgrade your technical know-how and become an efficient, well-paid and highly sought-after virtual assistant? If so, then I invite you to join me for a two-part teleseminar series that begins on Tuesday, May 5th, titled "Upgrade Your Virtual Technology Know-How in Three Simple Steps."

More to Come

During this information-packed series, I will show you:

• A simple, three-step formula to supercharge your virtual technology success
• What "systems" are and why you need them in your business
• The five core systems you must have in your business to be successful
• The best way to get training on software and technology so you really know your stuff
• How to make more money, save time, and work less as a virtual assistant
• How to impress your clients with your technical expertise and upgrade the organization of their businesses
• And much, much more!

Get all the details and register your spot! OfficeArrow members receive a special 15-percent discount, so be sure to use the promo code "OAVA" at checkout.

Remember: Just because you've decided to become a virtual assistant, it doesn't mean that you know how to work virtually. And not knowing how to work virtually is going to have a hugely negative impact on your business. That doesn't have to be your reality. Join the ranks of successful VAs around the world by embracing technology and becoming a real "virtual" assistant!

If you want to learn more about virtual assistance from someone who is successful in field, join us for Transition Tuesdays, our weekly FREE teleconference where Sydni Craig-Hart will answer all of your questions. This event is exclusively for OA members! Learn more and sign up.