SELF IMPROVEMENT

sap business husband tables My husband was working for a small web services firm as head of their web design department. They were often asked if they offered services such as web content writing, editing and proofreading and/or data capturing services for order forms or entry forms. I was working from home as a data capturer for a local company. I knew that I had the experience for what his clients were looking for, and with the data capturing position, I knew I had the discipline and time management skills needed to work from home. Offering to help with a few minor projects, I didn't realize that a few years from that meager start, I would be working full-time (or at least as full-time as I'd like) from home as a Virtual Assistant, fully self-employed. Since 2000 when this started, I've expanded my services and my office. I now enjoy more writing & editing assignments and helping others establish their Virtual Assistant practices.
What is a VA? sap business partner tables naw
A Virtual Assistant, or VA, is an independent contractor who provides administrative, secretarial, creative and/or organizational services to his/her clients viathe internet, email, snail mail, fax and telephone, whatever gets the job done! Virtual Assistants have a vested interest in their clients' success. The more a VA learns about a client's business, the more valuable he/she becomes.
Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in his/her area of expertise from her own office on a contractual basis. Working together virtually opens up a whole new talent pool to draw from that was previously unavailable to professionals and small business owners. VAs look for partnerships - long-term relationships with partners, not quickie tasks or one-time assignments.
What are the qualities of a great VA?
 Open ears, great listening skills
 Active mind, willing to learn new things
 Able to simplify life and work
 Intelligent, fast learner
 Proactive
 Attentive and focused
 Confident
 Committed
 Self-disciplined and self-motivated
Education vs. Experience
Since the description of a "Virtual Assistant" is so ambiguous, an emphasis on education or experience depends on what services will be offered and what skills are already possessed. Experience in a variety of fields can be helpful: secretarial/administrative, reception, customer service, human resources, billing, etc. When doing tasks for specific fields, such as medical, legal or technical jobs, you may need additional certificates, degrees and/or on-the-job training to provide these services.
Sharon Williams, MVA, Coach and Author (www.the24hoursecretary.com) has mixed feelings about certifications versus coaching versus only experience:
If the virtual assistance industry could develop one credentialing process that is universally accepted across the industry, I would be its staunchest supporter. That being said, I do believe that coaching/training is a vital part of an aspiring VA's growth. There are many aspects and skills needed when owning and running a business that are not acquired by secretaries, admin assistants, and clerks entering the VA industry. Traditional brick and mortar marketing and promotions do not apply to an internet-based/focused business. Aspiring VAs need to become better educated about the nuts and bolts of running a virtual assistant business and adapting those skills and their niche to a global marketplace. Perform due diligence before investing money into courses. A.J. Horne of Horne Communications (www.avamas.com) writes that "some type of professional certification is absolutely essential in establishing credentials. A good education is necessary when applying for a job, but that does not quantify you as a VA when you are an independent business person. One good way to get helpful experience while building your business is to volunteer services to local church groups, non-profits, etc. Setting Up Your Home Office
If web-building abilities are lacking, hire a reasonably-priced web designer to design the site. It's good to include a page about yourself (why you do this/your experience), rates and/or pricing information, the services offered and contact information. It's also a good idea to include any projects worked on, letters of commendation, any awards won, or certificates achieved.
The other pieces of office equipment needed to complete your home office depends largely on what services are being offered and what instruments are needed for the day-to-day operations of your business.
Kimberley Kenney (www.vakk.biz) says that her most important piece of office equipment is her filing cabinet. Most times, a contract will specify what kind of internet connection you will need. For software, purchase at least the basics: Microsoft Office Suite, Quickbooks (for your bookkeeping and if you offer bookkeeping as a service) and any others that are specific to the services you want to offer. I chose to work from home as a Virtual Assistant because of our first daughter Brady. Deciding What Services to Offer (Niche vs. General)
When figuring out what services to offer, don't offer anything you don't like to do. If you have the training and/or experience in a specialized field, and the desire to work in that field, go after a "niche" in that area. If you don't have the necessary skills or training, but are interested in a specialized area, try getting in with a firm/company as a general VA and learn the skills you don't already possess.
There are many VAs who work as general VAs, but market themselves towards certain types of businesses. I have worked as a chiropractic assistant, so it's a natural extension of my business to do billing and transcription for chiropractors. I have three clients who I do "overflow work" for in this capacity. Most VAs charge $25-50/hr., depending on the services offered, years of experience and how specialized their field of expertise is. When starting out, it's good to start in the $15-$25/hr. range, especially if just doing general administrative work. Research what other VAs who offer similar services are charging. Some VAs opt not to list their prices on their sites and charge a per-project fee instead of hourly. Be fair both to yourself and your client.
Another good suggestion is to give first-time clients a discount on their first project or contract, especially those clients with whom you would like to work. Make sure they know that this is a "First Contract Discount" that you offer to new clients in order to show them the quality of your work and the dedication you have to your clients.
Contracts
A contract is one of the most important tools you should have for this type of work.  Your client's name and company name
 Your legal name and/or company name
 The scope of your work on the project or for the client
 The signatures of all people listed in the contract
Whatever payment or contract policies you choose, make sure you're willing to enforce them.
Marketing, Advertising and Getting Gigs
Included in this is an updated copy of resume, a complete list of services (detailed), a list of projects you've worked on (complete with references), and any client testimonials you've collected and a list of awards/certifications/degrees you've earned.
A VA can market him/her-self under a variety of titles, depending on the services offered: Virtual Assistant, Virtual Administrative Assistant, Remote Secretarial Services, Virtual Personal Assistant, Virtual Executive Assistant, Virtual Medical Assistant, Virtual Legal Assistant, Virtual Paralegal, etc.
For example, if you write web content, pair up with a web designer to cross-promote each other.
Carry business cards with you everywhere! A.J. Horne of Horne Communications offers this thought regarding working from home:
"Working at home should be treated just as working at an office, just without the commuting. It takes stringent time management and requires flexibility from you as well, juggling the home tasks while doing the work projects. Even though the internet is becoming a bigger staple in people's lives, some business owners and/or individuals will still try to discourage you from this type of work with comments like "How do I know you are really working if you're not where I can see you?" Do
something every day to build your business.