As, a virtual assistant, I come across all kind of projects and enthusiastic candidates who wish to work as a virtual assistant from the comfort of their home. However, the reason to do so may vary from person to person. But I do notice something common in almost all of those in the initial phase attempting to make a foray into the virtual assistance industry, which is reluctance.
Many newcomers are reluctant to express their skill in a genuine manner. Or, rather, they have a misguided notion “requisite skills” for a Virtual Assistant. This is how it goes. Hours of painstaking googling and watching freelance sites, newbies arrive at a conclusion that , I can only do data entry work because,
- I don’t know Photoshop, flash and web designing
- I don’t know accounting and statistics
I must agree that graphics, web designing and accounts management are coveted and most placed projects in the job board along with copious data entry jobs. But this is not all.
You could be a graduate, post graduate or perhaps even a retired professional. Don’t fear to mention that you have a degree in aquatic biology, or did some thesis on a certain chemical assay, or were actively involved in the astrophysics workshop. Remember, every skill has a market, and there is a client looking for the very same skill in the market. Unless you make it clear that you have the experience, the client will not know.
Data entry and web designing seen at the corners … in the Virtual Assistance job spectrum. Perhaps your skills fit better in the middle. Revamp your VA Profile and express your core area , the one you are best at. This little tweak in your VA-Resume should give you an added edge when the right client passes by.
There is no steadfast rule on “requisite skill of VA”. A Virtual Assistant is hired for the skill he / she performs best.You may not be rocking as a data entry specialist, but you could be a great content generator for scientific journals. The trick is to identify what you do best, and tap that market as a virtual assistant. Remeber, Every skill has a market, and every market has a client.
If you wish to discuss this further focussing on your area of expertise, here is the orkut community where you can share your apprehensions.