Starting or Growing a Virtual Assistant Business
January 14, 2009 by Jason Montero
We got a comment on one of our Podcasts from a visitor named Collette Schultz. Her question about the Virtual Assistant industry is one we get pretty frequently, so I thought I’d include my reply here as a post.
Collette Schultz on October 26th, 2008 11:21 pm
As a new virtual assistant subcontractor I’m getting into researching the VA industry through podcasts. I listened to this one last week and am bound to hear more. What I find most frustrating is knowing where to start. Do you offer a beginners series to help getting started?
While we have never blogged or done a segment specifically on Virtual Assisting, I do not believe it differs greatly from other types of internet based businesses: that is to say that it relies mostly on abilities and training, networking, and marketing.
There are several places people can obtain training to become a virtual assistant or, as in Collette’s case, improve their existing skill base; some of them offer certification:
Certification Programs
- AssistU
- International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA)
- VA Certification
- Certified Virtual Professional (Thanks to Collette for this resource!)
Our Jumpstart Kit is also intended to improve people’s fundamental skills with virtual teamwork and remote work technology. Also, Phil wrote a book called Lose Your Commute about finding legitimate work-from-home opportunities in general and it contains a lot of insights and resources.
In terms of networking there are a growing number of professional organizations and communities for Virtual Assistants (this list is by no means exhaustive):
International Organizations
- Clayton’s Secretary
- Canadian Virtual Assistant Network
- International Association of Virtual Office Assistants (IAVOA)
- International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA)
- International Association of Virtual Assistants
Networking and Support Groups
- Virtual Assistant Networking Forum (VANF)
- Virtual Assistant Forums
- Virtual Business Group
- Virtual-Professionals.com
- Real Estate Virtual Assistant (REVA) Network
- Work-the-Web
When it comes to marketing a good starting point might simply be exploring some of the reputable freelance job sites. Guru.com and FreeAgent.com have specific categories for virtual assistants and IVAA affiliate Staffcentrix bills itself as a “Virtual Assistant Internet Portal.” Other directories exclusively for virtual assistants include:
Free Worldwide Directories
Beyond that, once someone has their own site or VA business there is a remarkable amount of advice about internet marketing online. Just shooting from the hip I would put Marketing Sherpa out there as a place to start an eye-opening trip into THAT rabbit hole. We also have a site that is specifically focused on internet marketing and running an online business: www.smallbizemarketing.com.
(thanks to Carolyn Moncel for compiling many of the resources I’ve listed here in an excellent article called Starting a Virtual Assistant Business).
Diane M. Hess of Certified Virtual Professional replied to me by email and added:
Jason:
I’d like to personally thank you for adding the Certified Virtual Professional website link to your site. I am honored that Collette Schultz even thought of passing on the information to you. I do think it is appropriate that I clarify one thing though if I may. The program I offer should not be categorized under certification programs rather professional certification. There is a major difference and it is this difference that makes the Virtual Professional Pro program unique.
To be true to the definition of “professional certification”, the parties offering such a program must provide the end user with training and education that is sponsored by a registered business (i.e Microsoft Certification). The other programs (such as said certification programs) I’ve encountered do not offer the level of training, education and hands on experience that I do. The certification programs simply ask the participant to participate in a paid testing process and then issue a .jpeg image emblem to say they’ve completed the test successfully.
Diane M. Hess
Executive Officer / Sponsor of CertifiedVP
Hess Business Professionals & Associates LLC
Awesome post – some great information. Virtual assistants are really starting to increase in numbers opening up the world of freelancing to so many more talented people. I thought I might add that oDesk also has some excellent opportunities for virtual assistants and might make another great resource for your readers.
Thanks Rebecca. I haven’t had a chance to really dig through oDesk but it looks high and tight and very well populated. If you have used them yourself I would like to hear more about your experience.
Great information. I also highly recommend starting a blog. This way your prospective client can quickly get a glance of what your areas of expertise and your knowledge in various areas – Kind of adds credibility – have a blog not just a website.
Great advice Sandy. A blog helps share your personality, expertise, and viewpoints more than a regular website. Plus it gives you an opportunity to connect with people through the comments like we are doing here – which is not only valuable but a lot of fun!