There are many disruptions in the business world. The Kindle changed the publishing world, the iPod changed the music industry, Pixar transformed animation, and virtual assistants have disrupted the 9-5 office. But what is a virtual assistant? Before we answer this question, let’s take a closer look at one these disruptions.
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Pixar Transformed Animation
Animation is so much a part of our entertainment now. We can’t think of a time when it would have seemed like a new phenomenon. Even 3D animation is so mainstreamed that it is hard to believe that there was a time when Pixar was losing millions of dollars.
The Pixar computer was originally created for Lucasfilm, but due to personal circumstance of George Lucas, the Pixar division had to be sold. But no one wanted to buy them. It took 3 years to finally sell the company. It is a very lonely place when you are trying to do something no one has done before.
The creators of Pixar had a vision of creating the first computer animated film. This was at a time when this was seen as impossible. Even when they were trying to sell the Pixar Image Computers (only 300 were ever sold). They always maintained their dream of creating a new phenomenon and truly disrupting the status quo.
Like the creators of Pixar disrupted the animation industry, virtual assistants also transformed the business world. But what is a virtual assistant? This was a question I often received, and it was always accompanied by a confused look.
What is a Virtual Assistant and How did it get Started
I am not sure we will ever be able to pinpoint an exact time when virtual assistants came on the scene. It has been a phenomenon that has slowly grown over time. And then, of course, we had 2020 and that exploded the industry.
A virtual assistant can be anyone, in any field, working with any business. My answer to, “What do you do?” I do all the work that business owners don’t want to do, they can’t do, or they don’t have time to do. That is essentially what a virtual assistant is.
It looks different for everyone. How we do it is different for each individual. It is truly a job that you can make your own. And it is an industry that has the potential of disrupting the status quo, like Pixar did with animation.
What to Look for in a Virtual Assistant: Five Traits of a Virtual Assistant
Regardless of your field of expertise. There are certain qualities that a virtual assistant should possess.
1. Self-motivated.
My fellow momtrepreneur, this is you. You are one of the most self-motivated people on this planet. You are working, getting your kids excited about school, and juggling everything else. This is a trait that you possess in spades.
For a virtual assistant, this is also one of the most important qualities you own. Being self-motivated means that you are able to accomplish anything without needing pressure from others. You are able to solve problems on your own. You are motivated to do a job with excellence.
2. Tech savvy.
This is one of those must-haves. If you are working virtually, you did need to know how to use different programs. But let me add that you don’t need to know everything. You really don’t. If a client uses a specific program for something, you can figure out how to use it. There is always YouTube and LinkedIn Learning for programs that are more intense. LinkedIn Learning is great for programs that require more training.
The good news is that most programs have a lot of similarities. As a tech savvy momtrepreneur, it won’t take long for you to master these various programs. A computer guru is not required, but you still want to be comfortable with computers, able to find new applications to assist with the work load, and easily find information online.
3. Organized.
For your own sanity you need to be organized. But find what works for you. Does it help to have a physical planner? Are you better on your phone? Is there a particular program that will help you keep track of everything? Whatever you decide to use make sure it works for your whole life.
I use a physical planner to write everything down and to plan my day. One thing that keeps me organized is writing everything down in one place. I only want to use one place because it is easier to keep track of everything. I know exactly where to look if I need to find something. It keeps things streamlined. I also use actual file folders for each of my clients. Even though we are digital, I still can’t totally get away from paper.
I’ve worked with people who used this program for one thing, another program for something else, and another system for another thing. It was a little chaotic. It would take a couple of hours just to update all the systems.
My strong recommendation would be to find the one program or system that will work for you and stick with it. You don’t need all the programs out there. I promise. Find what will help you streamline everything and keep you organized.
Find a system that keeps you organized and things easily accessible.
4. Information savvy.
There is so much information out there, it is so easy to get overwhelmed. But there are also so many benefits. Like you can truly learn anything. There is nothing standing in your way.
Knowledge is also power. It is important to know where to find credible information. Working as a virtual assistant it is important to quickly find information and assimilate it into any project you are working on.
5. Trustworthy.
This will be the most important quality you possess. I rank this above everything else. I would rather hire someone I can trust, and teach them the skills they need.
As a virtual assistant you will routinely handle sensitive and confidential information. Your clients need to know that they can trust you. And you need to be a person worthy of that trust.
There are so many answers to the question: What is a virtual assistant? How have you defined it for your business? Or for those people who give you a weird look as they ask what exactly is a virtual assistant? Tell us what systems keep you organized. And what qualities do you value. Let us know in the comments below.
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