A simple search in google for the term “Virtual Assistant” might lead to a conclusion that anyone with a computer , internet connection and a decent knowledge of MSOffice can be a virtual assistant. However this is the popular notion, this is far from truth. Unlike other profession, this too requires careful deliberation and in-depth research and information gathering – sharing – and eventually learning.
Being a Virtual Assistant almost happened to me by accident. My educational background and academic credentials, did give me a fair chance to involve in the corporate environment. But , for various multiple factors on a personal level, I could not progress with my corporate dream. I was bombarded with advice from self proclaimed know-it-all on do-at-home, data entry jobs. I knew my skills were worth more than that.
A casual glance at this article on Virtual Assistants kindled the spark and I rolled up my sleeves and got into research. I had to separate the chaff from wheat from what Google has placed before me. It was about 2 weeks of rigorous search and cross references, and more googling, when I finally came to a conclusion on what virtual assistance is all about. Having a computer, internet and MSOffice skills does not even begin to define virtual assistance.
MSOffice suite caters to those virtual assistants who are inclined towards publishing articles and e-books. For these Virtual Assistants, MSOffice is indeed the most needed tool for their business. But for the rest, MSword , and MSexcel will allow us to keep track of events for a certain project and compile reports. So you see… there is more to virtual assistance than just MSOffice skills.
Most Virtual Assistants show case their resume which reflects “I – can – do – anything – that – can – be – done – online “.This gives the impression that “They have lot of time – but nothing to do “. I really feel sorry for them, because , either they have been badly advised, or they are less-informed. Friend, take this from one VA to another. Start by being your own virtual assistant, before becoming someone else’s VA. I am sure that you must be have at least three strong marketable skills as a virtual assistant. Tap into those skills and showcase a demo in your profile. You are not begging for job, neither are you a distraught employee. Express confidence in your resume by being self assertive. By deciding to be a virtual assistant, you are stepping into the path of entrepreneurship.
Virtual Assistants are self motivated individuals who have decided to provide services (over the interent )for a decent remuneration. Virtual Assistants, in addition to their respective skills, also have to manage finance, PRO , marketing all by themselves. A Startup company employs at least 5 -10 people to take care of these activities separately. But with virtual assistants, this is a one man / woman show. This should only emphasize the fact that Virtual Assistants are not just “on call or a stand by temp” who is always at your disposal. Virtual Assistants command more respect than that.
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Deepa,
Very interesting article, this one. Just a passing comment. You have a software background and hence can easily blend into a professional VA. What are the prospects for an Electrical Engineer like me? Or is it only for techies? Could you suggest where I could start off? Incidentally, I was seriously thinking of relocating to India and starting off on my own, when I saw this blog.
EG
Welcome here, and I wish all the best with your private venture.
S/w background is juse one aspct of a Va’s job. For instance, I hold a Life science degree. So, with this BG, i am approached to perform specific reserch and gather information. Here s/w is just a tool.
Similarly, There must be somethinng with “electrical engg”, that can be performed on a PC and distributed via the interent.
Perhaps, circuit design and layouts, reading elect. drawings and putting them into “understandable english paragraphs”,etc .. may be there is more.
I am not familiar with Elec.Engg. So pardon me if i am wrong with the specifics. Before actually taking the plunge devote a couple of hours per day and bookmark sites, blogs, and feeds that supply information on your field. I am sure you can tap this market.
EG-
If this may intererst you,
Here is the orkut community where specific fields can be discussed
The VA hub
Deepa,
I'm very late to read this post. But, it's nice to read so much info in on place. Yes, I totally agree that it's a respectful position and one can not do anything for a client and work for 24 hours. For every career there is something or the other that we can do virtually. For instance, the other day I read it in a website that if somebody can not be entrepreneur he/she can be a infopreneur where a person picks a topic of her choice and does extensive research on it and displays it on her website and earn money from it. For this kind of business, you need to develop your researching skills. I think for some one who is very serious to have his own business, the opportunities are endless.
Hi Jessie
Thanks for dropping by 🙂
I have come across wanna-be-VA's dropping out when they learn that relience is indeed the need of the hour & without that, being VA is not possible.
With resilience & due delignece, it is possible to get a break as VA. It took me over 6 months to get my first VA gig. So if the projects are not "pouring in", donot fret / complain / or loose heart. Remember, it takes a while to get your foot on the door.
All the best
Regards
Deepa
Thanks you so much Deepa. Your words really inspire me!!! I'm glad that I found you in this small world.
Cheers!