Since I recently took on another VA client, I thought it'd be helpful to share what it is exactly that I do. I've written previously about how I've built a diversified business, as well as my experience securing my first VA client, but I've never written much about the different activities I do for my clients as their virtual assistant.
Today, I'll unlock some of the mystery behind it.
How I Got Started
I didn't set out to become a virtual assistant.
It kind of just fell into my lap. I've tried to remain open to different opportunities as I started building my web-based business. I've also been used to supporting the senior financial advisor I worked with for the past six years, so VA work was a natural fit for me.
The first virtual assistant client that I contracted with is a successful webpreneur. Through back and forth emails, I sensed he was having a little trouble keeping up with his inbox. We had a friendly banter going and I sensed that I could help him, he'd be fun to work with and that I might benefit in more ways than just earning a paycheck (by learning the inner workings of his business).
Basically, I stepped out and boldly told him he should hire me.
He said yes and we've been working together ever since. I'm happy to say that my feelings were right on the money - I enjoy working with him, I'm learning a ton and the regular paycheck is nice!
Update: This relationship has been going strong for over a year now. I'm happy to say it's still a win/win for us both!
Where to Find Clients
As far as I know, there aren't any job boards dedicated to finding VA work like there are for freelance writing. You could go the route of looking for clients on sites like Elance, Odesk or People Per Hour, but I'm not sure you'd find the caliber of clients that can afford you unless you are comfortable working for minimum wage.
Instead, if I were you, I would do something similar to what I did. Brainstorm if there is anyone you know or that you've recently come in contact with that you feel like would benefit from your help as a VA. Then boldly reach out and ask. You won't know unless you try!
And for goodness sakes, put it out there via social media (FB, Twitter, etc.) that you're looking for VA clients and what it is that you can do them. Or set up a "Hire Me" page on your website if you have one like I've done in the past.
These are a few ways to get started. Hopefully down the road, you'll start getting some word of mouth referrals - this is how I got my most recent client!
Update: I still work with just two VA Clients. I enjoy it, they appreciate me, and I appreciate the predictable income it brings in, especially since I quit my job to freelance full-time at the end of 2014!
What I Do as a Virtual Assistant
There's no cut and dry list of activities that a virtual assistant does (although we've recently compiled a list of 125 common ones to add to our upcoming course geared towards wannabe VAs). A common example, is someone who checks email, returns phone calls and manages their client's calendar.
Working with internet entrepreneurs (webpreneurs), it can mean this, but also a whole host of other things. One of the main things I do for one of my clients is to manage his inbox. I check and sort his email, respond on his behalf and draft templated responses for different inquiries.
We also have a weekly call (or Google Hangout), which has been hugely helpful. The more I can learn about his business, the better equipped I am to help him. He's got a ton going on from consulting, coaching, writing courses, managing his blog and subscription list, and much, much more.
He's brilliant and an inspiration, but I like to think one of the ways I help is to reign him in from time-to-time and keep him accountable to some of the things he needs to do, that aren't always his favorite tasks (like email!). He's also voiced that our weekly meetings are his favorite part of working together (because we get so much done).
In early 2015, I started editing his blog posts and writing for his site as well. These tasks have crossed the line from VA work to more traditional writing and editing work that I do.
As I said, there's no cut and dry list of tasks for a VA. I think it depends on what it is your client needs and what it is you excel at doing. Here are a few great questions to ask in order to find out how you can best be of help:
- What are you doing right now that you don't like doing?
- What do you put off doing that needs to get done?
- What could I take off of your plate that would free you up to do what you do best?
Everyone wants to know what the going rate is and how much is enough (but not too much) to charge. The reason this varies so much is because the role itself can vary quite greatly - and so can your skill set.
When you're setting your rate, figure out what would make it worth your time. Basically, you're trading time for money, so start at a rate that makes it worth your while and excited to get to work.
Remember also, that you're not an employee. You're a subcontractor and will be responsible for both the employer and employee taxes that are due. Because of this fact, you can't really compare what you make at your day job (or what you could make at a part-time job) with that of your new VA role. It should be inflated by at least 10%.
To give you some personal context, I started out charging $34 per hour. My clients and I have since moved on from this hourly model and now have a daily rate. One of my clients pays me weekly and the other pays me monthly. Both are automatic payments, which makes it easy!
I charge a flat rate (rather than an hourly one), as I would rather have a set of tasks to complete and complete them on my schedule, rather than having to track my time and feel like I'm "on the clock." This is why I escaped Corporate America! (And luckily, this works just fine with my two clients, but be prepared for prospects to think in hourly terms.)
I like to believe I'm fairly educated and skilled (and learning new web-based skills by the day!), which is why I'm comfortable charging adequately for my time. It's a bit of you get what you pay for here in the world of working via the web, so keep that in mind as you're bidding for jobs or hiring your own support staff.
I'd suggest to reach a little higher than the number that pops into your head. It's easy to under-charge in order to secure the job, but that's not what's going to keep either of you happy for the long-term.
What Else You Need to Know
Be careful just building someone else's business, if it's not your goal to become a full-time VA. I don't know that I'll do this type of work forever - it's my goal to build my business and my brand, after all. I like the work, the pay is nice (and consistent) and I'm still learning a ton, which is what makes it a good fit for me for now.
If this seems interesting to you, I'd suggest joining the VA community by taking my newly released course: 30 Days or Less to Virtual Assistant Success, a course for wannabe VAs. It will help you figure out what services you plan to offer, how much you're going to charge and get started finding your first client. I hope this post gave you an inside look at what being a virtual assistant means to me and how I've gone about building my business. Remember, there are plenty of people who need your help, so they can continue focusing on building their brand and business.
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