Ideas to start Earning - Becoming a VA
The next ideas I want to look at in this series is becoming a VA.
I talked about becoming a virtual assistant a few months back in What is a Virtual Assistant anyway?
Again these ideas are for moms who are not ready to create their own website, who do not want to get into an mlm business, and who are not really ready for affiliate marketing.
A VA is someone who works over the Internet for a business in a temporary capacity. Regardless of where the VA and the business are located the work is generally done remotely and so you would likely never even meet the business owner in person.
The demand for virtual assistance is on the rise. When I did a Google search on “Hiring a Virtual Assistant”, it showed that 18000 pages have been indexed on that search term alone. I did another search on “How to be a Virtual Assistant” and saw another 39400 pages indexed on that keyword phrase.
One of the articles that my search pulled up was about looking at hiring a VA from a business owners perspective. This is really good information for you to be aware of when thinking of cracking this market. What is a business owner looking for? That in turn will tell you what kind of VA type positions are out there. The article is “What is a Virtual Assistant”.
A valuable resource for you to have if you are thinking at all about getting into this business is:
This 65 page guide to starting a VA Business is really a valuable resource. Alice Seba has done her homework, and in fact uses VA’s as part of her business plan. $13.97 is a very small price to pay to have the research done for you and the experience of someone like Alice Seba or Mila Sidman.
Becoming a VA would allow you the perks of having time flexibility, to work around the needs of your family. It would also allow you to receive the benefits of owning your own business for tax purposes. It really can offer you the best of both worlds 
alice seba, becoming a virtual assistant, earning income, ideas to earn money online, Ideas to Start Earning, moms making money, start a home business, starting a virtual assistant business, va, WAHM, ways to make money at home, work at home
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May 2nd, 2007 19:35
Hi! I am a Virtual Assistant and one of the best places that I have found is the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce (VACOC). You can find it at http://virtualassistantnetworking.com.
If you are interested in becoming a Virtual Assistant, this is one of the best places to learn, build friendships, and have like-minded colleagues help you in your business.
May 2nd, 2007 19:45
Hey Karen,
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the link. It’s great to be able to network with like minded people and form friendships.
May 2nd, 2007 23:00
Hi Heather
I am a Virtual Assistant based in Australia and although I agree with most of what you have said, I just wanted to add a few things.
Firstly, being a VA is just like any other business. You need a business plan, web site and the skill set to be able to provide high quality services to your clients. It’s not just something ‘anyone’ can do if they have a computer and can type. VAs are highly qualified office professionals.
Secondly, it doesn’t matter if you have the skill set, you need to think like a business owner and not as an employee. A VA business is not for those wanting to make some money on the side. You need to either know how to manage a small business or know that you need to do some research to find out how to manage a small business.
It’s very rewarding, frustrating and fun often all at the same time, owning a VA business. I have three children under the age of 6 and so my business structure allows me the flexibility I need.
Thank you for showcasing the VA industry!
May 3rd, 2007 05:45
Hi Kylie,
Thanks for your insight, that was great.
I have no doubt that being a VA is very rewarding and also very challenging. I like that you do have the flexibility with your kids.
I would think that when you are good at what you do, just like any other business model, you would get a lot of return business. Is that mostly the case?
May 3rd, 2007 06:38
Definitely!!
When you provide a fantastic service, not only do you get repeat business, you get referrals. I love referrals as it’s FREE marketing!
All of my clients are ones where we work together on an ongoing basis. I have only had maybe 2 clients that required my skills for once off projects.
Because I am a night owl and work best when the children are sleeping (don’t we all!), I do all my work at night.
I love what I do and my biggest piece of advice is, RESEARCH! Google the term Virtual Assistant and visit some web sites. Go to online networking forums such as www.vanetworking.com not only are they a great bunch of people, the sheer number of information on the forum is just astounding. Oh and passion. Make sure you are passionate about what you do, otherwise it’s just not fun anymore.
May 3rd, 2007 06:46
Awesome - thanks for the info Kylie.
I talk to so many moms that are afraid to take the plunge.
It’s not easy, but it is so rewarding to be able to stay home and raise your babies.
I believe anything worth having is worth working for
May 3rd, 2007 06:54
It’s like you are reading my mind LOL.
I started my business 15 May 2006 34 weeks pregnant with my third child.
I had so many people (including loved ones) who told me that I was either mad or stupid. Look who’s mad or stupid now!
I get to stay at home with my kids. I get to drop off my kids to school and preschool and be the one to pick them up. I get to say to clients, “hey, can’t talk now, I’ve got a function on at school” and they usually say “have fun!”.
My husband is so supportive and is my code monkey. He helps with all things technical. He even told me the other day that I am more techie then he is. Fancy that!
To any mum wanting to take the plunge and start their own business, just do it. Do your research, write a business plan (even if it’s only one page), find yourself some virtual friends (aka other mums in business) and surround yourself with people who are supportive and enabling. You won’t regret it!
May 3rd, 2007 07:04
You’re so passionate about it. I love that. That’s what I want moms to see…
Yes some parts can be scary, but like Kylie says get with some people to help you. Find a good mentor, find your “code monkey” and just get started.
Kylie, like myself sounds like she didn’t know a thing about creating or operating a website before she started just DOING IT! Now she’s the techie in the family!!
Thanks Kylie - I’m sure you’ve helped a lot of moms…
Have a fabulous day!
May 3rd, 2007 11:48
Hi everyone! I also work as a VA and business manager, although I’m willing to do on-sites and errands also – I have a hybrid business. I love it because I love the variety and I was doing it for a few years before I even called myself a VA. I have clients in the entertainment industry and they expect me to be very available for whatever they need. I get calls from wherever they are in the world and they need it yesterday. This works for me but many VAs wouldn’t do this.
I also agree with most of what has been said, and Kylie pointed out some great exceptions. This is a real business. You must have a website. Since you are offering to work via the internet your clients are going to want to see that you have one. You do need to learn to run a business. The good news is there is SO much information out there about all of this!
You need professional-level skills, so just offer the services that you are good at. We all have those! Specialize. Join the VA forums and make connections with other VAs so you can refer the work you aren’t qualified for to someone who does offer that service.
My goal is always to create a long-term working relationship although I sometimes do temporary projects. When you build a relationship the client can count on you and many times will give you even more work and responsibility – and refer you to others.
I know this article is for stay-at-home-moms and I say this not to discourage anyone, but to advise you to think: What can you get done with your kids around? Can you work with them there? Do you need childcare? Can you get the work done at night?
I have 6 kids – the youngest two are now teens – and I wouldn’t have been able to work the way I do now (available at the drop of a hat!) when they were little. It depends on what services you offer and what your clients need from you. You may want to avoid phone work with young children around. If you plan to work at night, be sure your client doesn’t expect you to be doing their emails all day. There are lots of VAs with young kids at home. Just really think it through. Write up a plan that includes your family and your business, and make it work for you.
May 3rd, 2007 14:31
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for your input, I appreciate all the great pointers.
With any business, you need to do your homework to see if it is a match for you. Make a business plan to decide what you want your business to be. What will work with you and your families schedule?