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Many people love the sound of being your own boss. It has a nice ring to it and you don't have anyone standing over your shoulder barking orders throughout the day. What they might not realize is becoming a virtual assistant is not an easy task, even for the best. The following are three areas where focus is key, and can be the make or break it for your Virtual Assistant business.
The Right Equipment--The first step in becoming a Virtual Asisstant is to ensure you have the right "stuff". Technology and equipment is key to having and keeping a successful virtual career. Some items that you MUST have in your office include, but is not limited to up-to-date computer hardware, recent computer software, high speed internet, a dedicated phone line, a desk for work only, and a quiet working environment.
A new or seasoned Virtual Assistant will have a difficult time running a remote business with a seven year old computer, out-of-date anti-virus software, a phone line that keeps receiving your personal calls while you're handling business or a desk cluttered with family trinkets or other personal items. Your Virtual Assistant business is just as important as if you were going to a job as a permanent employee; there are some things that aren't acceptable.
Finding Work--You've accomplished setting up your virtual office with the latest in technology and software and you have your new business phone proudly sitting at your desk. You stare at it patiently waiting for someone to call and jump-start your new professional life as a virtual assistant. Hours later you sit in the same position, eyes low with sleep and the phone still hasn't rang.
Finding your first project as a virtual assistant can sometimes be quite difficult and take some time. It won't happen by itself and you will have to perform some constant daily tasks to get your name and experience out there. Joining Virtual Assistant forums, creating a Facebook and LinkedIn profile (mentioned in previous articles), are good first steps to generate some new business. Joining job boards or doing job searches via the internet is another step you can take to find more work. Just remember, for the most part, the jobs will not come to you, you will need to be proactive in finding work.
Determination and Perseverance--Being a virtual assistant requires that one have strength of character, determination to move forward in the face of perceived failure and the patience to know that your efforts will soon pay off. A business is similar to adolescence. There is a period of time when there are growing pains and it feels uncomfortable and at times overwhelming. In the moment it is hard to understand why the pains must be present. In the end, it becomes clear...it was meant to bring you to your full professional stature.
Becoming a successful virtual assistant takes hard work and dedication to your clients, colleagues and ultimately yourself. If you have a passion to work remotely by providing your services to assist business owners be successful, then this just might be the profession for you!
"It may take little time to get where you want to be, but if you pause and think for a moment, you will notice that you are no longer where you were. Do not stop-keep going."
- Rodolfo Costa
About the author:
William Burley is a high energy, in demand virtual paralegal and virtual assistant with more than twelve years as a paralegal and six years providing freelance support services to clients across the United States. He is the owner of Burley-Wilson & Associates and manages a team of nine virtual independent contractors. To contact William you may email wburley@burley-wilson.com or visit him online at http://burley-wilson.com. | 
