Exactly what is a home based Virtual Assistant business?

It's a business where you work from your home using your computer and phone to communicate with your clients. As a Virtual Assistant (VA), you offer administrative, technical or support services to clients who are typically small business owners, solopreneurs or entrepreneurs. A successful Virtual Assistant carefully chooses the niche she wants to specialize in and the skills she wants to offer. For example, two Virtual Assistants assist me with my internet businesses. One specializes in Membergate software (that's where this site was created and hosted) and one specializes in social media marketing (such as Facebook and Twitter).

How can I be sure there will be a demand for my services?

Demand for Virtual Assistants is growing rapidly. Small businesses and entrepreneurs who need support are discovering that Virtual Assistants can provide it more cost effectively than employees.

Here's just one example to prove my point. In January, 2009, Reuters.com published the article "Down economy a boon to virtual assistants." In this article, virtual recruiter Gayle Buske of Team Double-Click stated, "Demand for our services has actually gone up. A lot of clients are replacing their brick-and-mortar offices with virtual offices. They're staffing virtually."

To determine if the specific services and skills you want to offer are in high demand, do some research online and offline. I'll show you how to do this in the Expert VA Training program.

Do I have to be good at selling myself to do this?

While you do not have to be good at cold call type of selling, you will want to be able to present your skills and services to potential clients. During the Virtual Assistant training, I'll teach you exactly how to do that without coming across as a pushy salesperson. I'll teach you questions to ask, when to ask them, and exactly what to say. It'll be as easy as telling your family about your Virtual Assistant business.

Do I have to have an attorney review my contracts/agreements?

It's always a good idea to have an attorney review contracts/agreements. I've negotiated with an internet lawyer to sell Expert VA Training participants a complete set of legal forms at a discount rate. Because I am not a lawyer, I do not give legal advice.

What equipment do I need before starting the Expert Virtual Assistant training?

You need the following:

• An up-to-date computer with frequently used software such as word processing software
• High speed internet access
• Phone with low cost, preferably unlimited, long distance

What other things will I need to spend money on when starting a Virtual Assistant business?

During the Expert VA Training, I cover exactly what you need to buy, where to buy it and what you should pay for it. In general, here's what you'll want to include in your start-up budget. (Prices are estimated):

• Up-to-date computer (Hopefully, you already have this and won't have to spend any money buying a new one.)
• High speed internet access (about $50 per month)
• Phone with low cost, preferably unlimited, long distance (about $30 per month)
• Website and domain name (Between $500 and $600 to set up and $15 to $25 per month for hosting)
• e-Fax (about $15 per month)
• Skills training (If you're already an expert at the services you want to offer, you won't need to spend anything. If you aren't an expert, many skills can be learned for free online. There are a wide variety of Virtual Assistant skills training available online between $100 and $700.)

How much a year can I expect to earn as a Virtual Assistant?

The average Virtual Assistant earns $35 to $50 per hour, with some going as low as $25 per hour and as high as $75 per hour. The hourly rate you'll be able to charge will depend on the type of services you offer, your level of expertise, and your target market. Many successful, full-time Virtual Assistants are able to work an average of 20 billable hours a week, 50 weeks a year, at $50 per hour, thus earning $50,000 a year.

How many hours a day, a week or a month are required to be successful?

The best way to determine the number of hours you need to work in a month is to figure out how much you want to make each month. Divide that number by your hourly rate. Double that number. That's the number of hours I recommend you work when starting your Virtual Assistant business. Here's an example.

Let's say I want to earn $36,000 a year. That's an average of $3,000 a month. If I earn $35 per hour, I need to work about 86 billable hours in a month, which is about 22 hours a week. When I double that number, I get 44 hours a week.

Why do I recommend doubling your number of hours? You'll need to spend the non-billable hours becoming an expert in your areas of specialization, marketing your business and communicating with potential clients.

Do I have to be available to my clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

No. I highly recommend setting a work schedule and posting it on your website. That way clients know when you'll be available. I also recommend checking your email at least once on your day off (or have someone else do that for you) so that you can respond within 24 hours to requests. Exactly how to word your website and how to take vacations without having to check your emails (and without losing clients) is given in the Expert Virtual Assistant Training.

Is it safe for me to put my credit card information on your website?

Yes, this site is secured by a GeoTrust SSL certificate which provides 256 bit encryption. That's the highest level of online encryption and security possible.

Have questions not answered here? Contact me. I'm happy to answer all your questions about becoming a Virtual Assistant!