Virtual Reality: Confessions of a Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant (VA) is an independent contractor who provides support to business owners from their own private office. And, the advantages of hiring a VA are numerous. For instance, employers will save both time and money as the VA will use their own equipment and software. Also, the VA does not require the benefits on-site employees necessitate including sick pay, holiday pay and lunch breaks.

As a VA, I feel extremely fulfilled from both a personal and professional standpoint. I have cut my commute down from one hour to two seconds; I'm my own boss who sets my own hours and only accepts projects I feel comfortable completing; and I no longer have to deal with a small cubicle and office gossip.

However, like any career, the VA profession also has its challenges. Below are the top five characteristics necessary for success as a VA.

Must Work Well Independently

Because a VA works independently, the ability to perform tasks alone is critical. Working as a VA is certainly not for someone who needs to be surrounded by people on a constant basis. Additionally, being a VA requires self-discipline and strong time management and organizational skills. VAs must know how to work well without someone delegating work to them.

Must Take Rejection Well

Because the VA industry is still a fairly new concept to many business owners, being rejected can be quite common in the beginning stages. I personally experienced rejection from many business owners before acquiring my first client. Remember, it takes time, patience and a strong sense of self to become a successful VA.

Must be Persistent

Because rejection is part of the process, being a VA requires persistence. When one potential client rejects my services, I must clear my mind and keep placing calls and sending "mail-outs" or e-mails to other business owners I wish to target. If I stopped at the first person who rejected me, I would not be in business today.

Must Separate Home from Work

Because a VA works from home, separating home life from work life is important. Taking time to relax with family may seem difficult when the living room happens to be the office; however, this flexibility is why many people become entrepreneurs in the first place.

Personally, I decided to separate my office from the rest of the house when I found myself turning on the computer at night and on weekends when I could have been spending time with my husband. Since I literally separated my work space from my living space, I now leave "the office" at the end of the day - and don't go back to it until the next morning.

Must Be Willing to Work Many Hours

Although the VA must be able to separate work life from home life, this professional may have to spend many hours in their home office during the start-up phase. As with any small business, the beginning stages often take a lot of time and effort to get off the ground. Being a VA is no easy business - it certainly takes a lot of time, effort and patience.

While there are challenges associated with being a VA, the positives of this occupation far outweigh the negatives. Depending upon an individual's personality and specific needs, becoming a VA can be a highly rewarding career move.