Virtual Assistants
A growing number of people are turning business skills and a home
computer into jobs as virtual assistants. Entrepreneurs and their clients
are both benefiting from the trend.
"The whole concept is really based on the idea that technology is changing
the way businesses operate and that's what makes it possible and desirable,"
says author and telecommuting expert Gil Gordon.
"It separates certain office work from the place called the office."
Virtual assistants offer services in a range of areas, from bookkeeping,
telemarketing, party planning, writing and editing to real estate support,
transcription, website design and software and hardware support.
"The virtual assistant industry is as diverse as the people who work in
it," says Renee Shupe, a virtual assistant. And she says the industry fits
with the downsizing that's a big part of how today's companies operate.
Gordon agrees that the growth is part of change that has seen companies
move to more part-time, job sharing and contract workers.
"[VA's] have somewhat flexible hours and can be a half mile or 100 miles
away. They are hired for their brains and abilities, not their ability to
bring their body to the office at 8 a.m.," he says.
Angela Allen is president of the International Association of Virtual Assistants
(IVAA). She says the industry is growing in many different areas.
"[VA's] were used primarily by small business and entrepreneurs for administrative
work, but many more technical and creative services are now being offered
to a wide range of customers," she says. "It's a technology-created industry."
The IVAA offers members a chance to network with other VA's and potential
clients. There are currently 600 members worldwide.
But not all of those doing this kind of work belong to a professional organization.
"Stats are a challenge," says Allen.
"I can tell you that doing a search for virtual assistants bring up a greater
number of websites than ever before," says Shupe.
Shupe worked in administration for more than 10 years before becoming a
VA. She likes the opportunity to control her own destiny and how she spends
her time.
Lorraine Carol launched her VA business in November 2002. She loves working
at home on marketing, writing and editing.
"I like working flexible hours. I'm single with no kids and don't mind
working evenings or weekends," says Carol. "It seemed like a leading-edge
type of profession and I like being on the edge."
Because virtual assistants work in the comfort of their own home, they
don't have to spend as much money on gas and work clothes.
There are challenges, however.
"You are required to get the work done, so you have to be self-motivated.
Your reputation is going to be determined by you," says Belinda Stringer.
She is the director of a placement service for virtual assistants.
"You need to have good morals and a good work ethic to succeed in a virtual
workplace."
Working as a virtual assistant can be lonely. Experts recommend getting
out to meet others in the industry who understand isolation issues.
"I couldn't do what I do, I couldn't handle it, without people interaction.
But it's very much there if you're involved in a professional organization
where you can create, develop and nurture through a network of peers," says
Allen.
For companies that hire virtual assistants, expenses for taxes, rent, supplies,
equipment, wages and employee benefits can be reduced.
And virtual assistants are paid only for the time it takes to do the job,
rather than a full-time salary.
Shupe estimates the average hourly wage for virtual assistants at $30 to
$50 an hour, depending on the task and required skills.
Some associations offer their members additional training or even certification.
"While this [certification] isn't necessary, it does create the effect of
being a professional virtual assistant," says Shupe.
Virtual assistants also need the equipment required to complete their tasks.
You'll need a good computer with the latest software. Accessories such as
scanners, color printers, headsets and job-specific reference materials are
also important.
Allen says many don't realize the job is not just about taking care of
clients, but also running a business. "A lot try to do everything themselves.
It's difficult when you get started to decide to get the help you need. You
end up getting stuck learning web pages or doing your own books."
She suggests VA's trade services with each other and then concentrate on
what they enjoy most. "Others are equally happy to do what you don't want
to," she says.
It looks like the industry will continue to grow. "People are becoming
more and more familiar with the term VA and more comfortable working at a
distance to get the services they require," says Allen.
"I can only see the industry growing and growing over the next few years,
especially as people are downsized and looking for other alternatives to the
standard corporate world," says Shupe.
Links
International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA)
A professional trade association
VirtualAsstants.com
Offers a matching service for virtual assistants and prospective
employers
Specialist Virtual Assistants Club
A meeting place and referral service for virtual assistants and
companies seeking VA's
AssistU
Offers information, training and certification for virtual assistants
Back to Career Cluster