How to be a Virtual Assistant - Brenda Stokes

Knowing that many are finding a doorway into this career doesn't mean it is time to tell your boss that you are leaving for good.

The job of the virtual assistant is not something that just anyone can do. It does take a certain type of person. There have been many individuals who wished to work at home and failed because they lack the discipline needed for such a job. During the startup phase, it is not uncommon for a virtual assistant to work 14 to 18 hours per day. Weekends and holidays may have to be worked as well and days off may be far and in between.

What Does a Virtual Assistant Do?

Virtual assistants are entrepreneurs that work independently and remotely. Because of the Internet, these individuals can service clients all over the world. All they need is a computer, an Internet connection, and a telephone. Amazingly, the telephone may not be needed at all at times.

The services that are offered by virtual assistants are secretarial tasks. Clients hire these individuals to help them save time and money. By outsourcing secretarial tasks, clients are able to focus on what makes their business profitable. The clients give their virtual assistants their assignments via email, instant message, fax, or telephone.

The jobs that are assigned include typing, making telephone calls, sending emails, processing documents, taking on marketing tasks, and so much more. Virtually anything a client may need assistance with they assign to their virtual assistant.

How to Become a Virtual Assistant

When you want to become a virtual assistant, there is a path that you need to follow:

*Choose the services you want to provide. This means searching your past work background to see what you can offer. Try to offer at least two to three services. You may even want to search the industry to see what virtual assistants are being hired for.

*You will need to take a look at your personal income and see how long you can "float" until you start bringing in a steady income. This will tell you whether or not it is time for you to tell your boss that you are going out on your own.

*You will need to create a business plan for yourself. An effective business plan will help you manage your goals.

*Market your services often. You will need to frequent job sites, classifieds, and you will need to build yourself a website. A website will highlight what it is you can do for clients and give them a means to contact you so that they can utilize your services.

*You do want to be competitive on your rates. Make sure you charge a rate that you can live with. You don't want to work slave wages. Although working from home can be a relief, you will find that it can be daunting if you don't charge enough money.

When working at home as a virtual assistant, don't be surprised if you have to juggle your family and your work at the same time. It can be difficult to separate home from work when working at home, but it also has its rewards.

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Five Businesses You Can Start for Under 20 Bucks - Rayzelle Forrest Young

Starting a business can put a serious financial strain on your pocketbook. If you've been thinking about becoming an entrepreneur but feel you just don't have the money to do so, there are a few businesses that you can start for as little as $20! Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Consultant

The qualifications for being a consultant are relatively easy. All you have to do is be better at doing something than the average person is. You will be surprised at what people will pay for when it comes to receiving helpful advice. All you have to do to break into this business is spread the word about your new profession and let everyone know the area you specialize in. Some simple business cards with your name, number and your field of expertise is enough to get you going in this line of work. The key to your success as a consultant will be networking, not money.

Webpreneur

Becoming a webpreneur or selling goods and services by way of a website can be done by just about anyone. Although this line of work requires a lot of time and website promotion, it's a fairly inexpensive business to start. The easiest thing to do if you don't have any goods or services of your own is to sign up for affiliate programs. These programs provide the products for you to sell and in turn, you split the profits with the providing company. You can set up a website with several affiliate programs on them in order to maximize your sales potential. The key to success with this business is to promote, promote, promote. There are tons of free ways to advertise your website. Make use of classified ads, social networking sites, banner ads, etc.

Tutoring

If you're good in a particular subject and feel comfortable with helping others, then a tutoring business could very well become a part of your future. The dire state of today's educational system has sparked the need for more tutors than ever. A good way to get started as a tutor is to approach private schools and home schooling organizations. You will obtain more than enough clients using this free marketing method.

Pet Sitter

In recent years, the pet sitting business has experienced a surge. This is largely due to the fact that people are on the go more than ever before and need somewhere for their pets to go when they are away. This is particularly true when pet owners go on vacation. Rather than leaving their cats and dogs at a kennel, pet lovers are beginning to look for pet sitting services that serve as a sort of pet vacation even. An easy way to start this business is right in your own neighborhood. The cost of putting out flyers and talking to your neighbors will keep you well under the $20 mark.

Desktop Publishing

If you're good at designing flyers, business cards, postcards, etc. and you have a computer and decent laser printer, you can easily and inexpensively start a desktop publishing business. To get this business started, develop a design portfolio that you can showcase on and offline. You could go door to door and offer your services to businesses to get started. You could also upload your portfolio to a website and direct traffic to your site and generate new clients in this way. Both of these methods are inexpensive and will keep you within a $20 budget.

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