These are some simple steps on how to Become a Successful Virtual Assistant.
1. Set up a Suitable Work Area
If you are a virtual assistant, the first task in the to-do list is to inquire about the equipment that you would need while performing your job.
These are the following things you will need. A personal computer with a stable and secure internet connection is mandatory. Ensure that the software applications used by you are all updated. As there is no need of going to the office, you should start preparing to work.
Make sure you have a place that is comfortable, so that you can concentrate solely on your work. Peace at work would bring more clients as you are able to deliver your best all day long.
2. Know Your Skills & Abilities
The communication skills both in speaking and in writing is of vital importance as well as managing abilities.
These skills which you must have are as follows, Good speed for typing, preferably 40 words per minute. A good knowledge about email construction and marketing. Knowledge about how various social marketing tools work. Good abilities of research
3. Align Your Priorities with Your Job
All you need to do is to ensure that your chosen time period and setting complement the requirements of your job specifications. If you think your suggestions or advice can help your clients achieve greater success, feel free to share it with them. Learn to take responsibilities in such a manner so that you can establish a mutually nourishing relationship.
4. Always have a plan
Planning starts with some important questions which you should ask yourself before choosing a job as a virtual assistant. Do you want to work independently or you prefer an office setup with similar job role? How many hours would you work each week? How would you secure your insurances? What are your working policies that you are going to follow with your clients? Once you have decided on the answers of these questions, make sure to convey them to your prospective emplyer during your interview.
5. Understanding Your Clients Needs and Communicate Accordingly
Communication channels are very important, if its by Slack, Email, Zoom, Hangout etc then they must be used effectively and efficiently.Consider the following while dealing with clients: Take time to interpret what they want to say. Clarify doubts and queries related to tasks but avoid being repetitive. Enhance your communication skills, both speaking and writing. Ask for feedback on a daily basis. Take criticism positively. Try to show promptness in communication
6. Develop Expertise on Particular Areas Your Job Needs
If you really need to know how to become a good virtual assistant in the company you are working, find out the areas in which you have interest. The following areas are always important in an Virtual Assistants work.
- Social Media Marketing
- Email Marketing and Management.
- Market Research
- Content Development and Marketing
7. Let Your Employer Rely on You
You need to be a hard worker and a dedicated worker so that your employer feel assured when you are handling their tasks. So they feel they can trust you in any task they give to you.
Just keep the following points in mind:
- You might have a lot of tasks to be performed each day. But, you can sort things up quickly when you work as per priorities.
- Have the “first things first” policy and go as per your planned schedule.
- Keep your employer informed about the progress of the task so that they can assist you accordingly.
- Look for clarifications before initiating to work on any task. A clear mind always provides better service.
- Be prompt to respond to your employer/ manager or follow up with them when you miss their calls.
- Improve your communications skills to persuade your manager that gaining their satisfaction is your top-most priority.
- Do not let your manager look for you. Rather, be responsive to their needs.
8. Manage Your Time
Most probably you will have a couple of tasks on a single day and you have to manage them all. You can perform more tasks within a set time frame if you know how to be a virtual assistant with a good knowledge of time management. It is a fact that human mind works best when it concentrates on a single thing. All you need to do is to schedule your tasks so that you know how much time you have for each task. You can also use different software packages, such as Google Calendar, to have an effective schedule.
9. Achieve Your Best Every Day
Know that managers do not always seek productivity and efficiency from you always. But they would rather see how much value you can add to their tasks and in such a way which brings better quality to their organization. These are some things that will help you be a Virtual assistant: When you receive a work, do research before initiating to work on it unless its a repetative task. If you are doing a creative task always use your ideas in a logical manner and approach the work with a plan. It might involve trial and error process but the final product would build good relationship between you and your manager about your work. Always look for more innovative ways of doing the tasks and take the challenges in the path with a positive mindset. And always take critisism in a positive way.