Tips For New Virtual Assistants From Experienced Virtual Assistants
Are you considering becoming a Virtual Assistant? This post includes some tips for new Virtual Assistants from experienced Virtual Assistants. It’s what a Virtual Assistant should know before making the decision to go self employed..
Tips For New Virtual Assistants From Experienced Virtual Assistants
Shona Cherry-Gall – Virtual Executive Assistant
How did you get started as a Virtual Assistant?
I did lots of research over at least a year whilst in full time employment. During my notice period (which was three months) I set about getting everything put in place: website; contracts; social media profiles; insurance; ICO registration; laptop; extra screen; printer; software; a business bank account; accounting software Free Agent; sole trader registration with HMRC. I had everything set up so that I could hit the ground running the day I left full time employment.
What’s your niche? Who do you serve?
I don’t have a niche, I’ve never believed in them. I’m an EA, and as such have the skills necessary to cover all business types
Have you completed any courses or additional training?
No
Did you start out with experience in your niche?
I do not have a niche but have vast experience in the financial sector, marketing, broadcasting, music, media and banking
Do you think that a VA can get started with no experience?
As long as a person has solid foundations and isn’t scared of technology then yes it’s absolutely possible
What has been your biggest struggle about being a VA?
Telling myself its ok to down tools and walk the dog, or go out and ride my horse, the world will not come to a standstill
Where do you get most of your clients?
I have been fortunate enough not to have had to look for clients, they have all come to me via my social media profiles and website
What has been the most rewarding about being a Virtual Assistant?
Being my own boss, being able to take holiday when I like, being able to work when I like and the lovely clients and colleagues I’ve found along the way
What advice would you give new Virtual Assistants just starting their business?
Ask questions, ask lots of questions, there are no stupid questions
What’s your website or social media? Where can we find you?
Amanda Johnson – VA Coach And Mentor
How did you get started as a Virtual Assistant?
I had a life changing event in 2008 when my children died, it caused me to re-evaluate life and realise that life was too short and so I chose to leave my military career of 23 years and become a VA. Back then there were only a couple of VA Training Providers and I did a VA Training course with one of them. I now own that company!
What’s your niche? Who do you serve?
When I started out I didn’t have a niche, in fact it stalled me as my coach said I had to have one. So in the end, I decided to work with people who I could get to know, like and trust and what I found after about 18 months of working as a VA – most of my clients were coaches, trainers, speakers and consultants.
Have you completed any courses or additional training?
I did the VA Mastery Course with Carmen of VACT in 2012, in 2014, I became a licensed trainer for VACT and later that year, I bought the company… I then ran my training business alongside the doing business for a few years. Since then I have done a variety of professional development, in our industry – “everyday really is a school day” – new systems, software, ways of working.
Did you start out with experience in your niche?
I was an experienced professional administrator but hadn’t worked in the “real world” ie in business – I had been in the military for most of my working career.
Do you think that a VA can get started with no experience?
Hmm – 5 years ago, I would have said No. Today I think the job title “Virtual Assistant” means so much to so many and so it really does depend on what you are looking to offer as a service. I don’t believe in faking it til you make it though or lying to clients. But I believe there are things that can be learnt.
What has been your biggest struggle about being a VA?
I sold my doing business and now focus on coaching, training and mentoring Virtual Assistants – however, I run several companies and still support my husbands business as it allows me to keep my hands in when it comes to business struggles, ways of working, technology, marketing etc.
Where do you get most of your clients?
As a VA, I got my clients through the traditional methods of: existing connections, face to face networking, followed by social media. For most VAs these things scare them but to be successful in business we do have to put our big girl pants on and get out there.
What has been the most rewarding about being a Virtual Assistant?
Being a VA is a great business but I am a firm believer in playing the long game, no get rich quick here weird ideas. It’s about knowing what you are looking to create and why – and going from there. So for me the VA industry allows VAs to create a life that suits them, so be that the freedom and flexibility to run a business on their terms, to travel the world, care for elderly relatives, look after children, earn an extra income or something else – it’s down to personal choice.
What advice would you give new Virtual Assistants just starting their business?
Research, Research, Research but then STOP. Take action. Don’t try and follow every VA trainer – download their freebies, chat to a few of them and then choose 1 or 2. That’s not because I am a trainer and I want someone to pick me but because if you research too much you will cause paralysis and overwhelm.
What’s your website or social media? Where can we find you?
Danielle Thompson – Personal Assistant
How did you get started as a Virtual Assistant?
I had recently left my corporate career and wasn’t sure what to do with myself. I had a day of chores where a guy came out to repair my Dyson and whilst he was there he asked if I was looking for work because he liked my telephone voice/manner and he needed someone to go phone bookings for him. Later the same day I was telling my hairdresser this story and she asked if I did social media as well… my business sort of happened to me, the universe was giving me signs I couldn’t ignore!
What’s your niche? Who do you serve?
I prefer to work with online retailers – product or service based – as my range of skills from project management, to tech, to marketing across micro, small, medium and large companies makes this a perfect fit for me.
Have you completed any courses or additional training?
I already have a degree in Business Studies which gives me a broad range of skills (plus GCSE and ALevel), I also have advanced Microsoft Excel skills and I have trained to be a qualified social media manager.
Did you start out with experience in your niche?
Yes, although I only realised it was niche recently when I was going through business coaching/mentoring
Do you think that a VA can get started with no experience?
It depends on your niche/area of working, you need some experience and a lot of knowledge of tech to make the transition easier
What has been your biggest struggle about being a VA?
Learning to say no and put boundaries in place for myself and my work/life balance
Where do you get most of your clients?
Through word of mouth but more recently through the work I’m putting in on social media
What has been the most rewarding about being a Virtual Assistant?
The flexibility I have, I’ve been able to spend time with my children as they’re growing up and still do something I love doing
What advice would you give new Virtual Assistants just starting their business?
Nothing is 100% perfect all the time, don’t believe the hyped up version of everything you see on social media – there will be ups and downs and it’s hard work but it’s worth it
What’s your website or social media? Where can we find you?
Gemma Hare – Canva, Pinterest and Etsy Virtual Assistant
How did you get started as a Virtual Assistant?
I decided to start out as a Virtual Assistant because I was looking for a better work-life balance. Being able to work from home has given me the flexibility that I needed allowing me to fit my work around my family life.
What’s your niche? Who do you serve?
I support busy and overwhelmed Female Entrepreneurs who want to have more time to work in the areas of their business that bring them joy. There are many things I can offer support in but I consider my main zone of genius areas of work to be Canva, Pinterest, and Etsy.
Have you completed any courses or additional training?
In a nutshell, yes! I am always learning and love to learn new things all the time. For example, as well as being a Virtual Assistant I also wanted to learn how to create Digital Products. I have learned how to create Digital Planners, Digital Stickers and Printables etc which is great because I can now help my clients in new ways.
Did you start out with experience in your niche?
I was a very general VA to begin with and didn’t really niche down until I had figured out what I enjoyed. I had not worked directly with my niche beforehand but I was not concerned about that because I have always worked in customer support roles, so I knew that I could use my previous skills and experience to help me.
Do you think that a VA can get started with no experience?
Yes! but they might also benefit from some VA training or a VA Coach perhaps to help them get started to guide them along. If they have a customer support background or have always enjoyed helping others I think they can offer support using their skills they have already gained.
What has been your biggest struggle about being a VA?
For me, my biggest struggle is that you have to hustle for new clients quite regularly and also being found in the crowd of VA’s that are already out there. I find that side of things a big drain on my energy. In my experience if I have managed to retain a client for a year or more (which thankfully has happened many times) then I consider myself to have done well. There are many clients that I have worked with that have either pivoted themselves or changed their strategies to acheive new goals, which means that when they begin taking their business into a new direction the VA support that they once needed may no longer be required anymore.
Where do you get most of your clients?
Mainly networking and word of mouth.
What has been the most rewarding about being a Virtual Assistant?
Getting to meet new people from all over the world. I have made some amazing connections and I am a raving fan of all of my clients. I love learning about them, their businesses and watching them on their own journey flourish and grow.
What advice would you give new Virtual Assistants just starting their business?
Take the time to carefully think about the kinds of VA work that you want to be involved with and who you truly want to work with. From there, decide on your niche and create services based around doing what you love, but making sure that you are also solving the problems for your dream client at the same time.
What’s your website or social media? Where can we find you?
Hayley Hudson – Personal Assistant/ Virtual Assistant
How did you get started as a Virtual Assistant?
I started in November 2019 as a Virtual PA to a VA. I built the business with a strong value of support small and local.
What’s your niche? Who do you serve?
I mainly work with purpose led entrepreneurs and start ups, I don’t really have a niche as offer an all round business development service.
Have you completed any courses or additional training?
Power Hours on Zapier and Airtable
Did you start out with experience in your niche?
I have been in the admin industry for over 20 years, led teams, trained people and been very customer and business growth focused.
Do you think that a VA can get started with no experience?
Yes
What has been your biggest struggle about being a VA?
Self belief and changing mindset from being employed to self employed
Where do you get most of your clients?
LinkedIn and Word of Mouth
What has been the most rewarding about being a Virtual Assistant?
Freedom to build my way and create a life that is true to my values
What advice would you give new Virtual Assistants just starting their business?
Just do it, and surround yourself with other VAs to support you
What’s your website or social media? Where can we find you?
Stephanie Sheargold – General Business Support
How did you get started as a Virtual Assistant?
I set it up while I was working full time for the family business.
What’s your niche? Who do you serve?
I would say my niche is ‘General Business Support’, your traditional executive assistant duties and also working for nice clients.
Have you completed any courses or additional training?
Yes, I have had a business mentor and attended online training course to learn how to run a business.
Did you start out with experience in your niche?
Yes, I was a PA in the city before I was a virtual assistant.
Do you think that a VA can get started with no experience?
No, you need to have some previous admin experience or be specalised in a particular field like marketing.
What has been your biggest struggle about being a VA?
Growing the team and finding good associates.
Where do you get most of your clients? Linkedin, word of month, google adwords
What has been the most rewarding about being a Virtual Assistant?
Helping other business owners and being part of their journey
What advice would you give new Virtual Assistants just starting their business?
Keep going even when it gets hard and be confident with your decisions when running your business.
What’s your website or social media? Where can we find you?
What A Virtual Assistant Should Know
Since I became a Virtual Assistant in August 2022, I’ve become extremely passionate about the industry. Being a freelancer can be challenging, particularly if you are in-experienced. Despite this, it can be incredibly rewarding and the benefits definitely outway the more challenging aspects.
You might be wondering do Virtual Assistants need a website, I answer this question and talk about the benefits of having a website as a Virtual Assistant.
Can You Be A Virtual Assistant No Experience
You might be wondering can you be a Virtual Assistant no experience?
The simple answer is yes, although it might be a bit more difficult for you to get clients initially. Clients want to hire a Virtual Assistant with a particular skill or because they’re an expert in a certain service.
Most people will have skills that they can utilise to choose their service offer. For example, if you have experience in Retail you can use this experience to do Customer Service as a Virtual Assistant. If you have previously worked in a Finance Department, you can become a Bookkeeping Virtual Assistant.
Many Virtual Assistants with little to no experience, can get started as a General Admin Virtual Assistant straight away. It just might take a bit of time for you to make a full time income (if that’s what your aim is).
I’ve heard it said that the average Virtual Assistant can replace their full time income with between 4-6 regular clients.
There’s a lot more flexibility as well, if you wanted to choose your own hours and decide when you want to work – you can. If you want a good work/life balance and want to spend more time with your family.. then being a Virtual Assistant might be the perfect job for you!
There’s a lot you need to know about becoming a Virtual Assistant and that’s why I wrote a full guide on how to get started as a Virtual Assistant, to help you out.
I do hope you enjoyed these tips for new Virtual Assistants, I’m very grateful for the lovely answers these experienced Virtual Assistants gave. Being a Virtual Assistant certainly is rewarding, I’m glad that I can easily work around school runs and family life and still provide for my family.
Damaris
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