The frequently asked question by new virtual assistants is how to become a virtual assistant with no experience. Running your own business is hard work. And if you’re like me, you want to focus on what matters most and delegate the rest. I started my VA business with no experience or connections in the industry, but I learned how to do it right through trial and error.

My goal in this article is to save you time by sharing everything I know about becoming a virtual assistant when you have no experience, and running a successful VA business so that you can start making money ASAP!

How to Become a Virtual Assistant With No Experience

The job market keeps evolving and now more than ever having a 9-5 pm job isn’t a priority for many people. The need for a work-life balance and the desire to be the boss has been a motivating factor. Technological advancements have simplified the way we work. As business establishments and entrepreneurs build an online presence, most of them rely on Virtual assistants to thrive in that space. In this article, I will show you how to become a virtual assistant with no experience.

A Virtual Assistant also referred to VA, is basically any individual who provides support services remotely. They help businesses run and grow with their wide range of skills and expertise.

What services do VAs offer?

Below are some of the services you can offer as a virtual assistant

• Bookkeeping and Finance
• Customer Service
• Content Writing, Editing and Proofreading
• Email and Schedule Management
• General Administrative tasks
• Lead Generation
• Online Research
• Social Media Management
• Web Designing and Management

Where can you find VA jobs?

You can find jobs on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter. Online job boards like Indeed, Flex Jobs, Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour are also good places to find VA jobs.

Steps to being a VA when you have no experience

Are you ready to become a virtual assistant without experience? If yes, I’m happy to tell you it’s easier than you think. Here are the quick steps to follow.

Your Top 5

List down your top five skills that you have or have been using in your previous work. It could be something you learn’t at school, something you enjoy doing, or something you’ve been doing for someone. Then look at the list and ask yourself this: how can any of these or all these skills be implemented on the job I want to do? If you find the answer to this, you’re through with the first step.

Get training

Now that you know your skills, it’s time to improve them. When you are starting out, it’s obvious you will need help learning some skills. For example, you may need someone to teach you more about being a VA. This will help you to become a virtual assistant with no experience that everyone wants.

If you are looking to discover yourself as a VA, learn how to become a virtual assistant with this Writers & Spire VA Course. Learn everything from how to get started as a VA, what software and tools are needed, and tips on getting clients. This is the best way for anyone looking to make money online or just earn some extra cash each month!

Decide on the services you shall be offering

There are many services that a virtual assistant can offer. As you set out to start the VA business it’s important to niche down on what areas you are good at and focus on those. Doing everything at the beginning when there is so much to learn about the new business may not be a good idea. As you grow in the business you may find the need to spread out to offer more services.

Set up your business operations

Once you decide on the services you will be offering; you need to figure the rates at which you will be charging your clients. This should be a figure that will be able to cover your monthly operating costs and offer you sufficient income. Initially, you may have to charge a lower price as you start your business but never undercharge for your work.

Pricing can be done on an hourly basis in which case clients pay for the hours worked. For this, you will need time tracking apps to help you with accurately capturing the time spent on an assignment or task. Some available apps like Toggl come highly recommended for VAs.

You can also charge per project and agree with the client on how much that particular task will cost. You can get payment after completion of the task, or broken down into two or three payments. This will depend on what works well for both parties.

Grow your business

Since you will be working as a freelancer, you are responsible for deciding how you will run your business. You will be in charge of paying taxes, managing the business operations and taking care of all legal requirements per that business.

The success of your business relies entirely on you and the foundations you set it on will determine its future growth. Treat it professionally and it will, in turn, support you and help you achieve both professional and financial freedom.

Market the business online

Virtual assistants work online. Therefore, you need to build your online presence. Some people start out with having a Facebook page or LinkedIn profile that highlights what they do and how they can be reached by people needing these services. Creating a portfolio of the services you offer is a good way of marketing your business. It is also a good way of reaching out to your customer base.

A simple website can also be a great way of showcasing your work. WordPress comes highly commended thus its a great way for your clients to reach and connect with you.  Whatever method you settle on, ensure it clearly shows what you offer in a manner that is credible and makes customers trust you. Remember first impressions matter so work on the layout and presentation. Avoid having typos on your website or page and make it easier for people who visit the site to navigate around it.

Spread word about your business to family, friends, and network

These will be the initial source of your customers many times. Tell them about your business and ask them to help reach your potential client. Word of mouth marketing will help you in the initial days as you grow your business so utilize it as much as possible. Also, reach out to individuals working as VAs or who have been established in the field and learn from them as you grow the business.

Consistently offer great service

Once you start having clients, strive to do your very best, and keep improving on the quality of your work. A satisfied client will most likely be a repeat customer and they will refer others to you. Happy clients can help market your business to other people within their cycle who may be in need of your services. 

Conclusion

If you were looking for how to become a virtual assistant with no experience, there you have it. Follow these steps and you will be on your way to making money as a virtual assistant.