Become a Virtual Assistant

So you want to know the difference between a virtual assistant and an actual one? They are almost exactly the same; however, you can do one job from the comfort of your home (and just as effectively). Below, we explore the similarities and differences between a physical assistant and a virtual one and tell you how you can break in to this dynamic field.

Differences between the two positions

A Regular Assistant:

• Provides in-person assistance to one or more managers
• Wakes up at a designated time to get to work at another designated time
• Requires professional clothing including stockings and heels
• Works with co-workers
• Has to deal with office politics and gossip
• May run errands for the office

A Virtual Assistant:

• Assists as few or as many managers as she'd like
• Works on her own schedule, or at her client's schedule
  
• Not even a shower is needed; she can work in her pajamas
• Works by herself (typically at a home office) or hires on other assistants to work virtually
  
• Politics only exist with the clients she chooses to take on
• Only runs her own errands
• All work is done via electronic communication - phone, fax, email and internet

Working as a virtual assistant allows the freedom of working on a contractual basis. You choose who you want to assist, for a fee, and enjoy creating your own job description. While working within a corporate office has its perks, the virtual assisting field is now allowing mothers to make a decent living while raising their children without the constraints of a corporate environment. Many mothers are becoming entrepreneurs by starting their own virtual assisting businesses.

Since virtual assisting has grown in popularity, schools are opening all over the web to educate those in the field. While there are several credential programs for assistants in the corporate community, these prepare VA's for every virtual task that may arise. Virtual Assistance U has been training VA's for seven years now, boasting that they help VA's launch successful businesses.

Whether you're a seasoned office professional or an amateur looking for your niche, starting a virtual assisting job is a great way to use your creativity with your administrative talents. You can market yourself in several places. Elance.com is an auction site where you can bid on projects you would like to do. Many freelancers of all genres have had lots of success on Elance as they are constantly adding more projects to bid on.

If you're into a more proactive approach, simply get your resume out there and search the internet. You would be surprised how easy it is for you to find a job online. Search places like Indeed.com and All Freelance Work.com. These two are currently free sites to use; however, there are many paid registration sites that work even better. Consider forking out the cash to find the more glamorous jobs.

When you're first starting out, remember to be competitive in your pricing. You don't have the credentials or testimonials for clients to want to pay for top notch services. It's important to throw your clients a few freebies in order to keep them coming back. Once you've built a clientele, you should always include testimonials or references when bidding on new jobs.

Don't overextend yourself. It's easy to get caught up in the freelance world and become too ambitious. Make sure you try the job out before you commit to taking on a certain amount. You'll need to determine how much of a work load you can carry before accepting too many clients.

Virtual assisting allows you to create your own schedule, your own pay scale, and the services you'll offer. The idea is revolutionizing the office professional field and many are embracing this electronic advantage and finding great success. Administrative professionals have been living under the guise that we are dependent on corporations and those who run them to keep us employed. The guise is now exposed and admins are exploring their entrepreneurial spirit and finding happiness following their own rules.

If you're looking to expand your skills and build your career, visit the OfficeArrow Career and Education Services section.