Are you thinking of changing your career as a VA, but don't have the experience yet? Do you want to work from the comfort of your home and earn better with your time? In today's environment, opportunities come from places beyond the traditional channels we know. Virtual Assistance has become more popular each day as we go through the daily challenges of our lives, and it helps us visualize what we can achieve beyond the corporate arena. In this post, we will discuss how you can start your virtual assistant journey. You will learn what starting points you should know and how to embrace the needs of virtual assistance, preparing you to make an informed decision in pursuing your VA career.
Delving Into VA As Your Career!
In the past few years, you have heard the term virtual assistant, VA, or as an independent contractor. These terms refer to a remote worker or assistant who provides professional services to businesses, local or abroad. It has various categories or niches with which you can specialize in either of these fields, whether it is in the administrative, technical, IT, marketing, sales, or creative side of business. Moreso, in the field of virtual assistance, the work you do can exceed or expand based on the agreement between you and your employer. It is the complete opposite in working in a corporate environment, where you are limited in the work you do.
How Can I Start As An Aspiring VA with No Experience?
To start as a VA, you should first know the fundamentals. It first starts with your mindset and how your employer from other countries thinks and behaves. It is not immediately about the software and what things to know for you to get employed and function properly. It comprises complex things that start with a serious intent, up to your actual employment. Here are some of the things you should ponder to actually realize your intent to become a virtual assistant.
Your Niche As The Centerpoint Of Your Career
There are plenty of people who enter the world of freelancing not knowing what their niche is, and you might be one of them if you don't know what you are doing. And for context, what you call a niche is your specialization or focus on a targeted field within a market. People aspiring to become a VA often go as generalists, which is the most abundant and common form of virtual assistant. Therefore, the competition for this position is also tough and precarious. To identify what your niche is, assess yourself on what your most viable skill is and how effective you are with it.
- Generic VA = Replaceable, Unstable, Abundant, Competitive, Weak bargaining power
- Specialized VA = Desirable, Valuable, Limited, Unique, Strong bargaining power
- Generic VA + Experience + Upskill = Specialized VA
It is not bad to be a generalist VA, as many start with this. But your niche should be the center point of your career. You should not aim to be a generalist long-term, but slowly but surely become a specialist in the field. This not only secures your work but also ensures long-term clientele. Additionally, there is the upskilling factor, which is an initiative for you to develop your skills and remain competitive in the industry. More of this topic is discussed below.
The world of freelancing is fast-paced, highly competitive, and demanding at best. You will be left behind if you are not competitive enough, and discouraging if you do not stand out.
Showcase Yourself As Someone Professional And Worthy Of Time
Imagine you are the business owner and you will hire your first VA. How do you communicate with him, and what do you want to know about him? Showcase yourself in a way that your employer would be delighted to hire you, and retain you in the long term. Actual proofs and a credible portfolio make a huge impact in delivering your expertise, and these things can drastically change the outcome of your application from rejection to employment. Additionally, clearly and properly communicate your intention and practices that will help your client.
Always be presentable, professional, and prepared at all your appointments. Be a person your employer would be comfortable talking to and discussing things with, while being cordial and professional at the same time. And if you think you are not that confident enough to showcase yourself to an employer, you should consider taking time to learn more and practice it to gain confidence for your first interview.
Building Your Foundation And Doing It With Purpose
As you aspire to be a freelancer/virtual assistant, you usually don't have the experience to start properly. With this in mind, you will generally get overlooked, ghosted, or ignored by employers and choose those who are already in the game. Even if you get your first client, it will be challenging, and, at worst, some people will take advantage of you. However, this should not be the reason you hinder yourself or limit your potential as a successful VA. These things are part of the process of the learning curve, which you need to acknowledge and will experience further in your career.
Starting your freelancing career also does not mean that you should immediately quit your traditional corporate job, due to personal reasons or the allure of working from home. This mistake is made by many, thinking it is/will be easy to get a remote job after quitting their own. Establishing yourself as a VA will usually involve working as a part-timer, which will help you familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of remote work. Additionally, learning various VA materials either from people you know or social media (YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.). It will be your training ground and exposure to learn the VA tools, to build proof of work, to expand your credentials beyond corporate experience, and to move forward and become full-time in the field of freelancing.
Becoming a full-fledged freelancer/virtual assistant is a challenging mission. Don't be attracted just because of "potential" earnings, which depend on the niche, experience, and the employer you have. Do it with a purpose in mind, and not just a goal to earn more. Do note that freelancing work is not as stable as a regular corporate job. It takes time, effort, dedication, and commitment to build one's credibility in this field, and it has no shortcut if you aim to build your freelancing career long term.
Strategically Build Your Credentials Through Experience
Realistically, it takes time for beginners to get hired, especially if you have limited knowledge or experience. If the opportunity does not yet present itself to you, know that you can create it. Get yourself a reality check that without solid proof of work or viable credentials your just a nobody. You can build your knowledge and expand your experience by offering free work. Not because you want to work for free, but because of the experience that will hone your skillset and help you build a good portfolio.
Remember that you are not wasting time but making a good investment of your time, even if you are not being hired yet. You are capitalizing on the free time you have by building the skills, expertise, and confidence that you can leverage for your future clients. You can do this for a month or more, depending on how confident you are with your skill set. After all, the free work you do will accumulate and generate a good case study, a viable proof, and testimonials for a beginner like you. This will be worth more than any amount of salary you could think of, as it will also be your stepping stone as you become a full-time virtual assistant.
Setting The Goal With The Right Assessment
Many beginners set their freelancing goals too high, which makes it hard to apply when they are already in the game. Some set their salary rates based on their desired amount, disregarding their own capabilities. You have to acknowledge that, as a beginner, you will start at the minimum. The minimum amount typically ranges from $5.00 up to $7.00 U.S. Dollars per hour, and not less. Additionally, many want to have a direct client, which is best for freelancers. However, not all are lucky to have a direct client, and worse, many are vouching to have one even if it takes a long time.
There are other avenues you can look at to have your first client, even if it's not a direct hire. You should include in your options applying through a virtual assistant agency. There are plenty of VA agencies that hire beginners, even without VA experience. These agencies have programs that provide training and the tools you need as a VA. This is a good start for many beginners, as it helps you familiarize yourself with the actual tools and functions of a VA.
The Right Equipment And Tools To Build Your Career
One thing that many freelancers seem to forget is that they are an independent contractor, and they are not an employee of the company. You are your own business, signing a contract with other businesses for your services. You will work with other people using your own tools and equipment, unless it is provided by your employer. Anyhow, as you start your journey, it is best to come prepared with capable equipment that can handle various tasks and applications. Buy a brand new or a second-hand computer, or a laptop, and a headset, and most of all a reliable internet service.
It will be difficult for you to fulfill your tasks if your equipment is problematic to start with. Decent equipment may cost you money upfront, but if you are willing and committed to becoming a freelancer, then this is a necessary expense to begin with. Also, get familiar with software tools and applications like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Slack, Trello, and Canva, etc. These tools have free versions, and you should at least learn the basics of them, as these tools are common workhorses in freelancing.
Upfront Communication And Transparency Equate To Retention
Delivering exceptional output is always the standard advice to many freelancers, so that you last long with your client. While it is not wrong, it is lacking in two things: communication and transparency. As a Filipino freelancer, this is crucial for your survival. One of the most prevalent workplace behaviors within the Philippines is being non-confrontational and avoiding accountability. While these kinds of behavior are common, it is not the same within North America or English-speaking countries. They are more inclined to receive professional advice or recommendations, which help them recognize or acknowledge the problem or solution for the betterment of the company.
It is liked by Western audiences that their VA communicates relatively well and is willing to speak up front. Much more to this is a person's ability to be transparent in their work, which builds trust and confidence in both parties who work together. Transparency in your work mitigates the risks of mistakes or misconceptions, as it is your way of accountability. The Western type of work environment is different and is built on professionalism, which promotes a more robust work culture and behavior. While doing excellent work, do not forget to communicate very well and be transparent with what you do so that you may retain your job and partnerships long term.
Coaching Makes Development That Sharpens Your Talent
Your employer will, at times, coach you on how you should do the work. On many occasions, as well provide you with recommendations and changes you should apply. These things are common in the field of virtual assistance, and you should be open to this type of interaction. Some people tend to see this as an insult or a distraction from what they do, and become aloof or unteachable to change. They appreciate that you are knowledgeable and independent in your own way. However, employers are wary of people who are resistant to being coached.
Take this as an opportunity to improve yourself and learn further about the works and ways of the business. This not only sharpens your skills but also provides you with an opportunity to find new ways to be proficient in your workspace, which reduces mistakes and opens up a path of recognition just for you.
Upskill Is A Continuous Effort For A Competitive Future
Do you want to retain competitiveness? Do you want to increase your bargaining power? Or do you want to be an in-demand virtual assistant? These things usually apply to VA, with a vast amount of experience and a high level of expertise. The secret to this type of achievement is through training, or known in the VA community as upskilling. Upskilling makes you a valuable asset, and it shapes you to become someone who is a subject matter expert. Successful virtual assistants don't rely on experience alone, and they make sure that they know at least the latest trends or efficient practices in their respective niche.
VAs that are usually retained are the ones who have an edge in the field, and they offer something better and more beneficial than the rest. While you work, you should dedicate an ample amount of time to the growth and expansion of your skillset. It can be exhausting and time-consuming, but rest assured that it is a worthwhile investment and security for your future. While it is good that you know the work, it is best that you are a specialist when it comes to work.
Conclusion
To build your career in the world of virtual assistance, it is not always a single path. It is a complex application of things, from choosing your niche to making a stable and fulfilling freelancing career. Learn the trade and continuously improving yourself is the key to your success, while communicating proficiently to deliver what the client needs. It has its benefits and challenges that will polish your skills and talents, which will then lay the foundation of your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I start my VA journey without work experience?
- A: Yes, but it will be difficult to stand out. Most clients prefer candidates who already have a basic understanding of the work. For beginners, you need to put extra effort into learning and building your skills.
- Q: Is work experience needed to show credibility?
- A: No, but you must understand that you cannot build credibility on zero proof of work. At least have experience through practice, free work, or self-training so you have a case study you can present to your potential client.
- Q: Should I resign when I transition to a VA career?
- A: No, becoming a VA is not a stable job, and transitioning early is risky. Consider doing it part-time and test the water. If it is a good fit for you, then you can decide.
- Q: Is communication more important than technical skills?
- A: Yes, both are important, but communication is a huge deciding factor for most clients. Most clients prefer those with whom they can comfortably communicate rather than those who are difficult to communicate with.
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