What Makes a Successful Virtual Assistant?

A Virtual Assistant (also known as a virtual office assistant) is someone who is generally self-employed and works from home, providing social, creative, marketing, PR, admin, technical and various other tasks remotely to a wide-range of clients from all areas.

A VA therefore has to be a "jack of all trades" kind of person (or superman).

Based on my personal experience, I drew up a basic infographic of the foundations of tools and qualities that a successful Virtual Assistant is likely to have:

In all seriousness, a VA doesn't need to have extensive business experience or certifications (although this obviously helps.)

I started off with nothing but determination and a burning will to make something of myself after dropping out of a Medical Degree a few months prior. I had extensive computer skills, however, and ran my own blogs for several years, so I decided to advertise my skills and see what I could do to grow my client base and provide quality knowledge and VA services.

The Successful VA Checklist

Common Sense:

First and foremost, you have to know how to learn new concepts quickly, and be able make effective, forward-thinking decisions. You should be able to work independently, but also be able to follow guidelines and instructions as set out by your client.

Internet Connectivity:

In today's online-obsessed world, it shouldn't be too much of a struggle to get hold of this resource. If you do not have the means for any home-based connectivity, consider looking for a nearby internet cafe that you wouldn't mind spending a lot of time at.

The less ideal option, (that works though!) is to use a mobile hotspot on your phone, and connect your PC to it. This is how I initially ran my business, as it was the most convenient method for me.

Be aware though: You may end up needed up to 5GB a WEEK depending on the amount of Skype / Conferencing calling that you do that involves video streaming. You should work this into your budget once you start earning enough money.

Computer Literacy:

This should be a no-brainer, as a Virtual Assistant's work is solely based around online and computer work. Also be prepared to never stop learning new skills and techniques - even the most brain-explosive computer-hacking super geniuses will come across the opportunity to learn something new.

If you think you could do with brushing up your computer skills, try out this Free Computer Class by Alison. Alison also has a variety of different courses (free and paid) available, so it is worth giving it a look at no matter how competent you are in computer literacy.

Time and Determination

Being an assistant of any kind often means dedicating your time to do certain tasks that your client does not have time for. I once worked for an Events Planner who needed me to place over 200 photos in different categories on her WordPress site. It is a tedious, and time consuming task - but maintaining a well-updated site is imperative for the smooth running of a business!

You need to be prepared to spend hours on end writing, organizing, adding, uploading, changing or recording for a client.

Also bare in mind that there is no "boss" per se to loom over your shoulder and make sure you get things done.

You need to be your own boss. Hold Yourself Accountable. Stay Productive.

Figure out what it is about your VA job that motivates you to do it every day, and use it to keep going. As with anything, you need to find the discipline and drive within yourself to make things happen and to grow your reputation successfully. There will be off-days where you will wonder why you gave up your full-time job to sit in front of a computer and be at everyone's beck and call, but the personal rewards of being a VA are greater than you could ever imagine. (A post about this is to follow soon.)

*What do you think makes a successful Virtual Assistant? What can you add to the checklist? Let me know!

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