| Now, more than ever, people are looking for a way to | | | | education. |
| supplement the household income or create a thriving | | | | Becoming a highly successful virtual assistant requires |
| business using learned skills and core competencies. | | | | that you have a good marketing strategy. Do you |
| There has never been a better time to become part | | | | have one? Are you a social media marketing expert? |
| of the fast growing virtual assistance industry. But are | | | | If not, you will need to become one very quickly, for |
| you really ready? | | | | yourself and for your clients! |
| These are some very important questions that you | | | | If you were your ideal client, why would you hire you? |
| need to answer as you create your business model. | | | | Take the time to sit down and make a complete list of |
| Answering these honestly and without flinching will go | | | | the programs and systems you can currently work in. |
| a very long way in shortening the learning curve as | | | | Do you have experience in shopping carts or can |
| you begin your entrepreneurial journey. | | | | manage email campaigns? Identifying your strengths |
| Why do you think you have the mindset and | | | | and weaknesses will go a long way towards |
| self-discipline to effectively work from your home? | | | | determining if you are ready to launch out on your own |
| How tech-savvy do you consider yourself? On a | | | | or if you should partner with a flourishing multi-VA firm |
| scale of 1 to 10, how computer literate are you in | | | | to bring your skills up to speed. |
| regards to the following programs? Microsoft Outlook, | | | | Is your home office adequately equipped with the |
| Microsoft Office Suite)? | | | | equipment that you absolutely must have to effectively |
| Do you know just what type of services you want to | | | | operate your home office based business? Is your |
| offer? Have you analyzed your skills to determine | | | | home office perched on your breakfast counter or do |
| where your niche market is and that your experience | | | | you have a dedicated (and quiet!) office space? |
| is fully up to the task? | | | | - Computer (preferably with dual monitors) |
| Do you know if you want to work part time or full? | | | | - UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply). We |
| Have you decided just how much energy and time | | | | recommend Belkin. |
| you have to commit to your new business? | | | | - DSL or other high speed internet access |
| Do you know how to find your new clients, who they | | | | - Shredder |
| are, where they are and how to gain access to them? | | | | - Telephone with caller ID, speaker and mute button |
| How well do you handle rejection? Can you overcome | | | | - Copier / Scanner / Printer |
| objections? | | | | - Filing and other storage |
| How would you describe your work style? When | | | | - White Board |
| working, do you approach things in a linear way, having | | | | - Office supplies - postage, copier paper, etc. |
| a set timeline and way of doing things, or do you work | | | | Remember, we are always here to help. If you have |
| in a more circular fashion, knowing the big picture and | | | | any questions about the Virtual Assistance Industry |
| jumping around as needed? | | | | you are very welcome to email them to me at info at |
| Are you teachable? Becoming a successful online | | | | virtualassistantindustry. |
| entrepreneur requires times, persistence and on-going | | | | |