Today, if a task is achievable remotely, employers utilize virtualization technologies to get the job done. Because such a method became commonplace, virtual assistants are now working all over the world, providing services that make a certain workplace experience a better flow of operations.
If we are to jot down the advantages of being a virtual assistant, the list would be endless. You can just work at home in your pajamas, or in any clothing, you feel most comfortable with. You can just wake up from your slumber, do some minor preparations for yourself, and you’re already set up to start working – that’s a set of comforts that any commuting worker would certainly be envious of.
Because the job of a virtual assistant is within the “independent contractor” scheme, their employers are not obliged to pay employee-related fees like health insurance or work benefits. Offices that employ them are also free from the hassle of providing office space cubicles, supplies, and equipment. Without a doubt, the virtual assistance mode of employment is indeed a revolutionary way of providing jobs to countless workers regardless of where they are.
What are the common tasks of virtual assistants? Basically, they do the following:
Typing or data encoding – with the data and information you gathered, you need to input them into a document so that they can be sent to the client for use. This is a very basic job for virtual assisting.
Building/setting up systems – some clients want to build their own blog, but don’t know how to do it. Some of them want to set up their online community sites but are not well-versed enough to do it. Others want to configure software or hardware but are not aware of the technicalities that comprise it. Tasks like this are done by virtual assistants as well.
Researching – some clients are actually too lazy to do research on their own, that’s why they let others do the deed for them. Businesses, for instance, need to know stuff about their competitors, about the latest ins and outs of the niche they’re having, and a whole bunch of other things. Since most proprietors don’t have the time or hate giving time to make research, they let virtual assistants do it instead.
Content creation – the vast expanse of the internet is due to one thing and one thing alone – content. Articles, photos, videos, etc. – these are what comprise the digital realm known as cyberspace. Some webmasters are just good at managing their businesses but when it comes to creating content, they are not skilled enough. As a remedy, they hire someone else to provide content for their blog, vlog, or any form of website.
Troubleshooting – every once in a while, pieces of technology give troubles to their human masters. There are times when those human masters are incapable of fixing such troubles. Small trouble, medium-sized trouble, big trouble, very big troubles… they are everyday supervillains that clients get to deal with every day of their tech-driven lives. Who are they gonna call? Virtual assistants.
The aforementioned are just the most common ones. Please note that they are not the only VA jobs available online. The possibilities for this gig are just endless. What the above list implies is that an aspiring VA like you should have the idea of starting from there.
Given the basic job descriptions, it is crucial to think about acquiring the following additional skills if you want to land into virtual assistance. In addition to learning how to encode text on a word processor, which I assume is already in your skillset, you may want to add the following:
Knowledge of database management
On many occasions, a virtual assistant will deal with sensitive data that pertains to names, addresses, dates of birth, etc. These kinds of data can be typed in a word processor but many businesses would certainly prefer that they are entered into a database software. As a start, learning how to use MS Access of MS Office should be ideal. Excel would serve just fine as well, although it’s not really regarded as a database manager.
Attention to detail
Today, with the prevalence of online technology, data is consumed by users almost as fast as it is manufactured. To address this issue, data and content need to be created and published in a very streamlined manner. Of course, erroneous data is as good as no data at all.
It is for this reason that a virtual assistant must have a very sharp eye in targeting errors and correcting them. Better yet, errors must be prevented even before they appear. Only someone with a high level of attention to detail is capable of handling a task like this.
Handling administrative tasks
It may seem inappropriate, but sometimes, clients and business owners just leave the running of the business to the VA. To some extent, a VA might appear to work as if he is no longer an assistant… he may be placed with the task of managing an online business! As a precaution, you as a VA should learn how to handle admin tasks.
Never have too much fear though, the managerial tasks that you will perform will just pertain to managing social media accounts, email accounts, website pages, etc. In doing so, you will most likely be tasked with responding to messages, running ads, and spreading promotions.
Basic knowledge of visual arts
The world today communicates visually. Be it via print or moving media, no person would ever hate seeing pictures and videos that can help them understand a set of information better. With this notion, it is a good thing for a VA to be knowledgeable about the basics of visual arts.
You don’t have to be really well-versed in using Photoshop or some sophisticated graphics software. What you need to have are just basic insights on what looks good and what doesn’t in presenting graphics and visuals. If a picture is not presentable enough, you might be tasked to put some brightness or contrast into it so that it can be nicer to look at. If a video is too long, you might be tasked to shorten it. In situations like that, it would be great to have some basic skills that pertain to such tasks.
Proficiency in making presentations
Pertaining to the ‘content creation’ item that’s one of the jobs of a VA, and on the visual arts issue, the ability to make comprehensive presentations must be an innate skill as well. Since the online workforce is mainly about data, the presentation of it must be a topmost priority.
As such, you have to be knowledgeable in working with presentation software like PowerPoint or Impress. This is to ensure that the information you can present is absorbed in the most visually-appealing manner.
Good communication skills
In almost any type of job, good ability in communication is really a great advantage to anyone. In virtual assistance, the rule still applies. If you’re a VA, there will be instances when your client calls you so that you can communicate in real-time.
Although not all VA jobs require you to be available for phone calls, some companies have the policy of making their employees be available for phone conversations. If you want to be an effective VA, you should work on your English-speaking skills since most clients communicate using that language.
Now for the earnings. How much can you possibly acquire while working as a virtual assistant? Since there are a gazillion companies out there where you can work, the pay varies. The safest bet would be that on average, you can earn around $200 to $2000 a month. Of course, the better you are with the job, the bigger your income will be.
Where can you find jobs as a virtual assistant? This is where Goggle can help you. Or you can just check on the most popular freelancing sites: Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, Flexjobs
Picture this: you’re at home, sitting comfortably in front of your computer, with your cellphone beside it. As you do so, you’re earning a decent amount of money. Such a setting could really happen to you if you try out what this post is talking about.
It's good to become a virtual assistant but I personally prefer a job with interaction physically to people, I don't want my mind to deteriorate :(