Where do you start? You want to start your own business, so you can be home and create a lifestyle of greater freedom. After months or years of thinking about it, you finally decide to explore the world of entrepreneurship or momtrepreneurship. Becoming a virtual assistant seems like a great way to make money from home and be your own boss. So how to become a virtual assistant?
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I started this blog with the goal of giving other moms the tools you need to break free from the 9-5, be your own boss, raise your kids, and enjoy your life. I realize that this is a very unique group. And there aren’t very many of us. We are truly blazing a new trail and changing the way things have always been done. It is awesome, lonely, and overwhelming at times.
If you are wanting to join this unique group of momtrepreneurs, but you aren’t sure where to start. Then keep reading because I really want to help answer this question, how to become a virtual assistant? When I started, I wasn’t even sure where to start or where to look to find out how to do this. So this post on how to become a virtual assistant includes all the help I wanted.
How to Become a Virtual Assistant—Getting Started
Here is my best advice on getting started. These are not in sequential order. Actually, you can do all 5 at the same time if you want.
1. Decide on your services
Yes, you need to decide what you can do and want to do. These are not always the same thing. But you don’t need to lock yourself into a niche. You really don’t. You also don’t need a certification to be a virtual assistant.
I know everyone tells you that the only way to be successful in business is to make sure you are in a niche. But you can start a successful business without a niche. I’ve been doing it for over 7 years now. As a generalist living in a specialist world, I’ve come to the realization that you can be a great virtual assistant as a generalist.
If someone you want to work with is asking you to do something that is not on your list of services, but you can do it. Then say, “Yes!”
2. Set up your office
Yes, you need a space that you enjoy. And hopefully a space that is somewhat separate from the rest of your life. It is easy to always feel “on” because everything you need is right there. And it will only take a minute to finish this one task. Then scope creep takes over and an hour later you are still at your desk.
It will help you keep your sanity to have regular office hours and a place that lets you hang the close sign out at the end of the day. Now, I don’t have doors on my office. I set up the formal living room as the office/school room/library/etc/etc. So my office does not invade our family room or our bedroom.
Create your amazing office space, even if you don’t have a client yet. Get your essential office supplies. You need to be ready to go as soon as you get your first client.
3. Computer stuff
Just get the basics. Get office programs or something similar. You will need these before you get your first client, so go ahead and spend the money. You don’t need to break the budget on computer subscriptions, so wait to see what your potential clients like to use. Then bill them for the subscription or use the one they have if multi-license is possible.
Make sure you have a good computer. You don’t need to break the bank, but have something that will be reliable. At the moment I have the Predator gaming laptop now, but I didn’t start out with it. I started with a desktop that worked and was reliable. I slowly switched equipment out. My husband is an IT guy, so he swaps out memory and RAM and just keeps things going for us on a budget.
4. Contracts and proposals
If you are starting a business, it is important to create a freelance contract and have your proposal ready to go.
A contract will help you to define the relationship between you and the client, and ensure that your terms are clear. If it is not in writing, you can’t expect the client to do it.
Creating a business proposal template before you get your first client can give you the edge you need starting out and tame your unruly thoughts. It will really get you to think through your processes, procedures, and priorities (a little alliteration for your day).
5. Start telling people
Yep, if you don’t start telling people about your business then how will they know? When you decide to become a virtual assistant you need to tell people, so that you can start getting clients.
You can read more ideas on how to get clients as an introvert but here is my quick rundown. Create a website. Yes, an actual website. Please, please don’t link to a Canva portfolio or something like that. Part of being a virtual assistant is the implied computer savvy skills you offer potential clients. A legitimate website will give clients social proof of your skills. Even if you hire someone to do it for you.
If your budget is tight, here are some resources for you: Bluehost (domain and hosting), Divi Theme (most downloaded WordPress theme, and worth every penny), How to Create a Website for Beginners.
Create your social media profiles. I would suggest at least Facebook and LinkedIn. I’ve gotten clients and client inquiries from both places. Just remember you need to keep reminding people of what you are doing. Be sure to explain what you do, so people don’t need to think hard about it. Let them know how you can make their lives easier.
How to Become a Virtual Assistant—Other Things to Think About
There are a number of things to do when you decide how to become a virtual assistant. Just as important, there are a number of things to avoid too.
1. Feeling like you need the latest and greatest
Starting any business usually means money is limited. So put your money into the important things, like a computer and the right programs. Also, invest in a website. Then make a list of other things you need and start saving your money. You don’t need to buy the latest and greatest to get started. Start with what you have.
2. Be flexible
Work with what you have now, and then build from there. My office space has changed 3-4 times over the years. I’ve had to make accommodations for more kids in our homeschool, and I needed to create more desk space and storage space for myself.
3. Gadget envy
It is easy to feel like you need to have the all the apps that “everyone” is telling you that you absolutely need. Just get the basics, and if you want to expand later than go for it. Starting out, you don’t really know what you will actually need. So get clients first, and then start buying the latest and greatest…if you want.
4. You don’t need to take on every client
I totally understand feeling like you need to take on every client when you start. You need to make money, I get it. But don’t short sell yourself. There are still clients that you want to avoid. If someone is bragging about how difficult they are to work with, then no amount of money is worth working with them. Trust me.
5. Set your expectations
You need to set boundaries with your time, money, and expectations. These should be listed in your contract. Most clients will respect your time. It is very rare to have a client that doesn’t, but there is always the exception to the rule. Make sure your clients know your office hours. Let them know when you expect to get paid. You need to feed your family too. Be clear with your expectations.
Conclusion: How to Become a Virtual Assistant
If you are ready to get started, then download your free 20-page Mom Boss 2.0 workbook. Start your journey to break free from the 9–5, be your own boss, raise your kids, and enjoy your life.
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