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what is a virtual assistant?

A Virtual Assistant is a self-employed business owner who acts as an extension of other businesses. They are able to work remotely and choose their own hours. Usually, VAs offer administrative and social media services.

If one of your relatives asks you what you work as the best way to put it, is that you are a personal assistant who helps with social media.

VA’s/ Social Media Managers have become so valuable recently because as businesses grow the admin increases and as a result, they spend less time doing what they love. So, they employ a virtual assistant to give them some time back.

what exactly does a virtual assistant do?

Depending on your skillset there are a vast range of services that you can offer.

Tasks can range from book-keeping to copywriting, as you learn more skills you can add them to your list of services. I have 30+ services that you can offer in my ebook!

how to decide which services to offer

Before deciding which services you will like to offer, picture your ideal client in your head and write down what you think they would need help with.

Next, answer the following questions and add/ remove services as needed.

???? What do you enjoy doing?

???? Are there skills that you have that people would pay for?

???? Can you identify what you are good at?

The skills I currently offer:

what platforms can you market yourself on?

1. Instagram

For me, Instagram is the best place to market yourself as a virtual assistant because you are in control. There are no fees to sell your services and there is no threshold on how much you can charge.

2. Pinterest

Pinterest is a great way to market yourself visually, essentially acting as a mini portfolio. Graphics could range from past work you have done for a client (make sure to get their permission first!) to graphics listing your services. Also, don’t forget to link any graphic you make back to your website or social media page.

You can also reach out to potential clients on Pinterest, this is not as easy but it does work! Similar to Instagram another advantage of Pinterest is that you are in charge of your rates and there are no third-party sites charging you for any money you get.

3. Upwork

Upwork is a platform where small and large businesses advertise job roles with a small description. You pick, choose and apply for the job that is the perfect fit for you.

A disadvantage is that each company chooses the rate they wish to charge you and Upwork also takes a percentage of what you earn. Personally, I found that the platform was quite saturated, so it was difficult to secure a job that also pays well.

I’m not the biggest fan of Upwork but I have heard that it has worked for a lot of people, especially if you are starting off your VA career.

4. Fiverr

Fiverr is a great way to advertise yourself. You can either advertise specific services or advertise as a VA, generally either way is effective. Showcase some of the work you’ve done to attract new clients. Just so that you are aware, it is likely that you will get approached by a plethora of industries instead of your chosen niche.

Personally, I use Fiverr to do odd virtual assistant jobs rather than find permanent clients as I want to avoid being charged large amounts by Fiverr. So, if you get approached on Fiverr by someone who wants you to work for them full time explain your onboarding process to them.

Fun fact, I got my first full-time client from Fiverr!

5. LinkedIn

Depending on the industry your ideal client works in, LinkedIn could be a great way to find new clients. Also, if you don’t mind having a “boss” some companies advertise virtual assistant opportunities too.

how do you know how much to charge?

In the UK the base rate for all virtual assistants is around £20. The longer you are a virtual assistant and as you continue to learn your craft and improve your skills you can start to increase how much you charge.

5 steps you need to follow to be a virtual assistant

1. figure out your niche

2. decide what services you want to offer

3. set up the platforms you want to be on

4. start creating content

5. interact with your niche and the VA community

6. become booked out!

my story…

how did you get into virtual assistance?

I actually fell into virtual assistance by accident. Around two years ago I was flicking through Instagram stories and saw that an influencer I was following was struggling with organisation. I’ve always loved organising so I just messaged her asking if I could be any help and she replied! I helped her with some admin and social media tasks. At the time I had no clue what virtual assistance was, I called it an “online PA”. As time went on, I developed my skills and niched down into an industry that I was interested in and aligned with my skills.

what has been my experience as a VA so far?

I’ve definitely learnt a lot over the past two years. I’ve had some great clients and some not-so-great but it’s safe to say that I’ve learnt a lot. I’m so happy with the progress I’ve made and I’m looking forward to the future!

I believe in you guys, let this post encourage you to start your VA journey!

This blog post is about how you can be a successful virtual assistant.

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