Are you looking to become a Virtual Assistant and help small businesses? It can be daunting to consider all the tasks that a Virtual Assistant performs, but it doesn't have to be intimidating. With the right skill set and mindset, you can become a wonderful Virtual Assistant for any business. In this blog post, we will go over 10 things that will make you a great VA and help you succeed in this rewarding profession.
And remember - As we covered in the last blog post "7 Reasons to Start Your Own Virtual Assistant Business", YOU get to choose which services you offer. If there's anything that's not your jam - don't offer it!
1. Be Teachable
If you're a self-starter, you know that the key to success in any new business, especially as a virtual assistant, is to always be teachable. As a business owner, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to learn something new. However, it's essential that you take advantage of every opportunity to increase your skill set. Whether you're taking an online course or accepting feedback from a mentor, being teachable allows you to hone your existing skills and build upon them with each new project. Taking advantage of mentors and teachers who have been in your shoes can help propel you forward and make you an even better virtual assistant.
Your new best friends? Google and YouTube. You don't have to know it all. You just have to know where to look and be willing to learn.
2. Take Initiative
As a virtual assistant, one of the most important skills you can possess is to take initiative. Taking initiative means that you are proactive and don't wait for someone to tell you what to do; instead, you take it upon yourself to figure out what needs to be done and get it done. This is especially important when you're working with a small business owner momma or dad who needs help juggling work and home life. As a VA you're a helper, and part of your job is to be proactive and anticipate the needs of the client before they even ask for them. When you take initiative, you demonstrate your commitment to the job and show your value as a VA.
Don't be afraid to share your opinion - I know it can be daunting at first, but your input is valued and needed by your clients.
3. Stay Organized
Being organized is essential for any Virtual Assistant, especially if you plan on offering calendar, project, or email management. It can be difficult to keep up with the demands of a new business, a busy lifestyle, and personal commitments. For this reason, it's important that VAs stay organized in order to help their clients remain organized.
To do this, you should create systems and processes that will help you to manage your tasks effectively. This could include using an online task list or calendar to keep track of upcoming events, deadlines, and commitments. Additionally, you should be able to prioritize tasks according to urgency and importance.
Organization is key when it comes to helping your clients get organized, whether it's a new business needing administrative assistance or a new mom needing help juggling her busy schedule. As a VA, you can provide much-needed relief by staying organized and helping your clients stay on top of their commitments. This will ensure that your client feels supported and that you are doing your job well.
You'll learn everything you need to know about the best tools to help you stay on top of things in The Wednesday Project!
4. Have Good Time Management Skills
Being able to manage your time well will help you get more done in less time and will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
Some tips to help you become a master of time management include:
Creating a schedule and sticking to it. Set aside specific blocks of time for each task so you can stay focused and on track.
Prioritizing tasks. Take the time to decide which tasks are most important and focus on those first.
Being realistic about how much time tasks take. Don’t underestimate how long something will take or you may be setting yourself up for failure.
Taking breaks. Taking regular breaks will help you stay energized and productive throughout the day.
Time management is a skill that will benefit you in all aspects of life. Becoming a master of time management is an ongoing process, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods to find out what works best for you.
Your clients will thank you for being timely and organized, as they usually have a million things on their plate and need a source of peace and calm - you! :)
5. Be Resourceful
As a virtual assistant, it's important to be resourceful. You do NOT have to know everything. All you need to do is know where to look for information. It also helps if you can provide suggestions and ideas based on your research. Being resourceful not only means finding the answers but also being able to give your opinion on what may be best for the situation.
6. Be Personable
Remember that your relationship with your clients is that of two business owners. You are not in an employer/employee situation. Don’t be intimidated by them – instead, build a strong relationship and trust with them. That way, they will feel comfortable coming to you with any needs they have and you can establish yourself as a valuable asset to their business.
7. Communicate Effectively
Good communication is essential for a virtual assistant. This means being able to express yourself clearly in emails, phone calls, and video conferences. Try to be a good listener and accurately interpret instructions. Having great follow-up skills will come in handy, too, so that you can stay on top of tasks and ensure that deadlines are met. Don't be afraid to ask questions. We're always intimidated by asking questions but doing so is so important in order to clarify any misunderstandings. By having strong communication skills, virtual assistants will be able to provide their clients with top-notch service.
8. Enjoy Helping People
If you love helping people and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with it, you're sure to make a great Virtual Assistant. Your job will be to help a new business grow, assist them with daily tasks, and take a weight off their shoulder. No matter the task, it's important to remember to always do your best work and go above and beyond for your clients. The more you're willing to help, the more successful you will be as a Virtual Assistant.
9. Be Honest
When starting out as a VA, you may be asked to do something you haven't done before. Don't be intimidated! It's important to be honest and tell your prospective clients that you haven't done this specific thing before, but that you're more than happy to look into it and learn how to do it. If possible, let them know about a previous job or task you did that was similar, and how the skills you learned from it will help with what they are looking for. Nobody expects you to know it all. With the right attitude, determination, and effort, you can become an expert at anything.
10. Handle Criticism Well
Learning something new comes with challenges and there will always be things you can do better. Criticism is an opportunity to learn and grow, so listen carefully and consider the feedback your clients give you. Don’t be discouraged when you receive constructive criticism – use it to better yourself and your work. Instead of feeling embarrassed or overwhelmed, take the feedback in stride and make sure to use it going forward.
A really important thing to remember is that you'll learn and/or a lot of these skills as you become more established as a virtual assistant. So don't feel like you need to know it all right here and now. This is just a basic guide of things that will help you succeed beyond any level you ever dreamed of! :) No matter where you start, however, you got this. And I got you. I'll teach you all the skills needed in The Wednesday Project. Let's do it!