My decision to become a Virtual assistant started during the pandemic when the lock down started I decided start a new business and becoming a virtual assistant was an opportunity to explore and so Correct Virtual Assistant Business was birthed www.correctva
This article written by https://kaylasloan.com/ helped and guide me in starting mine and I believe it can guide you too if you are interested in starting up the Virtual assistant business
Before I first started as a VA, I worked with Training institute as their social media manager and also helped some of my friends in managing their social media accounts, I knew I wanted to do more but not as a social media page manager, while exploring the digital space I stumbled on virtual assistant article by Kayla Sloan https://kaylasloan.com/ and I instantly fell in love with the business. But I never really had the opportunity to explore it until the lockdown and I needed an extra source to make more money.
Becoming a Virtual assistant for me involves a lot of online learning and training, I have to register for different training to up skill myself and one of the good thing about this business is anybody can do it all you have to do is to have some basics digital skills , a mobile phone and access to internet.
If you’re starting from scratch, don’t worry! It’s just as easy to build a virtual assistant business from the ground up.
Steps To Start Your Virtual Assistant Business
Starting a Virtual assistant business is actually fairly simple. Here are the steps to follow to start your virtual assistant business today.
1. Know your Why? Before starting any business, you have to know your why? Your reason for starting the business.
2. Decide On Your Virtual Assistant Business Name
While you can keep this simple and just use your own name, some people want a catchy name and title for their new virtual assistant business.
If you go the route of catchy, just make sure it’s easy to pronounce and search for. You don’t want a name too long or too confusing, especially when you first start.
PS – You can always change your business name later. Don’t get too hung up here
3. Decide On Your Services & Rates
What are you good at? Are there any specific services that you’d prefer to offer? When I first started, I offered social media services, Email management services, and even technical services.
As time went on, I narrowed down my offerings and also up-leveled my skills to include some services that may pay more, like project management.
When you first start, choose what you’re comfortable with. You can always change it later!
The same goes for setting your rates. I’ve seen many VAs start out charging monthly. Just remember that as a business owner, you have to cover your overhead, technology, taxes, and more. Make sure you add an extra amount to help cover other necessities like these if you didn’t factor them into your rates already.
If you already took on a client and undercharged, here’s how you can raise your rates.
4. Make It All Legal
Depending on your state, county, and city, you may need a business license to run your virtual assistant business. Be sure to check with all three to see what you need or don’t need. Also, if you do decide to name your business differently from your own name, you’ll most likely need to fill out a DBA (doing business as) form as well.
While you’re figuring all of that out, it’s also the perfect time to decide how you want to structure your business. This step may be best decided with the help of a lawyer and CPA, because setting up the right business structure will help as far as legalities, taxes, and more.
5. Create a Business Plan
A business plan doesn’t have to be a long, boring document. Your business plan really only needs a few points, including the services you’ll provide, the contract you’ll give potential clients, how you’ll pay for your business, and what you can offer that sets you apart from other VAs.
6. Develop a Marketing Strategy
Will you use social media as a tool to gain new clients? Do you want to have a blog and email list? How will you market your business to get new clients?
These are questions you need to ask and answer so you can pitch yourself and your services a little easier.
7. Reach Out To Your Network
Once you’ve figured out the above steps, it’s time to reach out to your existing network! Even if they don’t fall within your virtual assistant business niche, they may need your help or know someone who does.
This is a great way to get your first client, and you don’t even have to step out of your comfort zone!
8. Advertise Your Virtual Assistant Business
If you don’t find a client from your network, or if you want to branch out, it’s time to advertise your services! Post on social media, write a blog post, and create a YouTube video— whatever you need to do in order to gain a new client. Part of doing business is advertising what you have to offer.
Also, don’t forget to create a “Hire Me” page or even a portfolio of work that you’ve done, so people can message you or book a call to hire you.
9. Keep Your Clients
Even once you’ve found your first clients, or even once your business starts growing, it’s important to continue making your clients happy.
Finish your tasks on time, communicate, and go above and beyond for your clients. They’ll appreciate that you care about their businesses and companies, and will be more willing to continue working with you and refer you to others.
10. Ask For Referrals & Testimonials
Along with keeping your clients, you can ask for referrals and testimonials! Don’t be afraid of leveraging the work you’ve done for your current clients.
Ask them if they’d be willing to put a testimonial on your site or social media. Record a video of them stating all that you’ve helped with. And ask them to refer you to people in their network if they’re happy with the work you do.
Because of the hard work I’ve done and the value I’ve provided my clients, I haven’t had to look for new clients in years. All of my clients come via referrals, and it’s all because I wasn’t afraid to ask questions and do the work.
11. Use the Right Tools
As I’ve progressed with my business, I’ve also realized the importance of having the right tools at my disposal.
On my “must-have list” is an accounting tool, like Fresh Books. I also use Asana as my task management system, so I never forget anything that I need to do.
If you create videos often, like I do, you’ll quickly come to realize video storage is important. I use Vimeo, INSHOT because it’s professional, secure, and affordable.
So there you have it, the simple steps you need to take in order to start a virtual assistant business. It will take work, but it doesn’t have to be complicated!
