How Can You Market This Business? Showing clients how much you can help them as their VA isn't as hard as you think. Julie McMann explains, "Using a virtual assistant allows clients to outsource any projects that can be done from a remote location. It allows them to accomplish more with less time. Since time is so precious to business owners, anything that frees up time and keeps the business moving ahead is extremely valuable. It's also convenient to be able to hire and utilize a virtual assistant whenever you need them. One month you may have more projects than another. It's much less expensive than hiring a full-time employee who doesn't get used to their full potential. Clients also benefit by not having to worry about providing employee benefits such as insurance, 401K, vacations, etc. Finally, office space and equipment are provided at the expense of the virtual assistant, which again saves the client money."

Do You Have What It Takes To Become A Successful VA?

Here are some questions to ask yourself when you think about starting your own virtual assistant business:·

• Do you have excellent typing and proofing skills?· Do you enjoy helping people?
• Are you familiar with the Internet and enjoy learning new things about it?
• Do you already know several people who could utilize your services?
• Are you capable of making a great income and will stop at nothing to make it happen?

SKILLS NEEDED Diana and Kelly explain, "Every virtual assistant has their own unique skills and experience that enables them to start their business. The right skills are those that you have perfected and can perform well. As you further develop your skills, you can expand your service offering. Skills range from the basics such as typing to highly specialized areas like web design, graphic arts, technical writing, and more.

A professional VA will be proficient on the Internet, computers, software, word processing and spreadsheet applications, etc. In addition to the technical skills, a professional VA will have good business management skills as well as knowledge of marketing, advertising, and public relations. Business management skills not only help you in operating your own business, but allows you to aid your clients in running theirs. VAs must be motivated. You can't get discouraged when you experience minor set-backs. Start fresh each day. If the phone didn't ring yesterday, make it ring today.

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The very act of doing something every day such as sending e-mails to existing clients, phoning prospects or just giving out 10 business cards WILL bring in work, it takes time and you need to ensure that you have enough cash to get started. Our rule of thumb was always 3 months money in the bank - and we still hold to that today.

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