Where can I apply to be someone's virtual assistant?
You are aware being a Virtual Assistant means you are a business owner and self-employed? I hope so, because that’s important for you to know. It is not a job - but a business.
Next, you need to ensure you do have suitable skills for the services you wish to provide. If you’ve already been working in the corporate world providing administrative or other office based work, then you should be suitably qualified.
Do a search for VA networks and directories - these you can register with so you have a presence on their websites for clients to find you. Plus many of them also provide client connections through requests for proposals.
Create your own online presence - a filled LinkedIn profile, a Facebook page and a website, if you can afford or manage one.
Join VA discussion groups via Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram so you’re mixing and mingling with other VAs. The best way to learn is to be amongst them.
Finally, seek out local business networks where you live - this is where you will find potential clients, and probably your very first clients too.
If you search online for Virtual Assistants you’ll find a range of serviced offices. These firms employ a small number of support staff who will do a range of tasks. As a Virtual Assistant you could be answering the phone for 50 different companies as well as performing a number of different administrative functions. In a serviced office these could be organising building repairs, liaising with IT specialists, keeping the kitchen tidy and stocked with basics, scanning/emailing/printing/posting items for clients who may either work in a hot desk within the serviced office, or not work there at all. You would also be responsible for arranging meetings in the shared boardroom (quite a common option). Primarily your role would be to give the impression to your clients’ customers that they have an office (maybe at quite an impressive city address) and employ staff. In reality they could be operating simply as a sole practitioner.
Below are the set of best websites that would help you begin your journey in the world of Virtual Assistants:
1. Flexjobs
2. Upwork
3. Fiverr
4. Indeed
LinkedIn: For the US, I would suggest that you update your LinkedIn profile and add in there VA services. You would usually get offers if your profile is updated. Look up “how to make your LinkedIn profile stand out”
Fiverr is another way of getting clients. I would suggest that you look up the list of VA companies accepting applicants from the US. There are many of those— before you launch yourself as an independent VA, best to start with an “agency” or VA Company as an applicant/member.
Source: Quora
I am Gyan Biswal and I have been a professional virtual assistant for over 10 years now. I have worked with clients from all around the world and have learned a lot in the process. I love to write and share tips that I have learnt so far being a virtual assistant in this blog. My aim is to help other people who are looking to foray into this profession or are already working as virtual assistants.
Whether you're looking to start your career as a virtual assistant or you're looking to hire one for your business, this blog is the place for you. Virtual Assistant Tip provides all the information you need to know about virtual assistants, from what they do and how to hire them, to tips on becoming a successful virtual assistant yourself.
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