[Chrissy Scivicque]

Ok, so I'm not a VA. But I joined the group anyway. I was about "this close" to becoming a Virtual Assistant when OfficeArrow approached me and took over EA Toolbox. So now, I still want to learn all I can about the profession. It's a career that I think is so cool - and who knows, I might decide to do it at some point in the future!

Here's my question now, though: OfficeArrow is hoping to develop some tools and content specifically geared towards VAs. I have some great ideas, but I'd like your input. As a Virtual Assistant, how do you feel your job is different than that of a traditional assistant? Where do you think the two jobs are the same?

Thank you so much for your input. Looking forward to meeting some other VAs!

[katwinter7]

I am not a VA, either, but am interested in it as a future career choice. I did some searching a few months ago, and was intrigued by the flexibility of being a VA, especially the fact that I could work from home.
Things that would be useful to me would be learning what kind of experience is optimal to become a VA, how I should set up my home office (specifically, what type of computer requirements (connection speed, applications I should be familiar with), what kind of travel might be required, what the money is like, and which industries/companies are hiring VA's. Also a list of sites which might have info on VA's.

[Chrissy Scivicque]

Excellent feedback! I'll be sure to include these topics...thanks for your input.

[Linda Clark]

Chrissy, I am a VA. My business name is Valley Virtual Assistant. Would you like me to pull together some great resources on how to get going and submit them?

[LLETT27]

Linda, I am very interested in becoming a Virtual Assistant and would like to get any of your resources to get things started. I am currently commuting 160 miles per day and would do anything to be able to work from home. These gas prices are really taking a toll on me. :-(

LaTanya

[SydniCH]

Hi LaTanya,

I just saw your post and wanted to share some of the resources that helped me. I was a corporate Executive Assistant for 8+ years before I started my Virtual Assistant business over 2 1/2 years ago, so I completely understand your position.

The first thing to do is to educate yourself about the Virtual Assistance industry and see if starting this type of business is a good opportunity for you, based on your skill set, personal, and goals. Check out these websites:

www.EAtoVA.com/AssistU
International Virtual Assistants Association
International Association of Virtual Office Assistants, Virtual Assistance
Starting a Virtual Assistant Business - Entrepreneur.com

Starting your own business requires hard work, dedication and persistence. It is unlike any job you've ever had and will test every fiber of your being. However, I have found it to be one of the most rewarding things I've done in my life and I can't imagine doing anything else. Like so many other Virtual Assistants, I've quickly built a successful business and I know you can too!

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Best regards,

Sydni Craig-Hart

[laurel911]

I am not a VA either, but am very interested in the same questions KATWINTER7 posted, as well as what you might suggest is the most economical way to replace the benefits you lose working for a corporation (healthcare, etc.). I love the idea of being to work from anywhere.