Should I become a virtual assistant?

Should I become a virtual assistant?


by Tanya Pickering



When deciding to become a virtual assistant there are many things you need to ask yourself. What is a virtual assistant? What exactly do they do? A virtual assistant s someone who works remotely from either their place of business or home office. Virtual assistants specialize in providing one on one and collaborative administrative support. In being a virtual assistant you are attesting to the fact that you are an expert with a qualified background to work with your clients or employer. Some of the areas virtual assistants specialize in are bookkeeping, typing letters, answering phones, researching, human resources and many other roles. It’s important that you are qualified to handle the tasks given to you since there is little or no supervision.



What are the pros and cons of being a virtual assistant?



There are many pro’s to becoming a virtual assistant. One of the greatest aspects of working virtually is that you are in a sense your own boss. You can create your own schedule and not have to worry about taking a day off as long as you meet your deadlines for assignment or projects. Another great quality about working as a VA, you work in your pajamas if you like. If you don’t feel like getting dressed one day its not obligatory. You don’t have someone hovering over you while you are working and telling you what to do. However, you do have to remember that you have clients and deadlines to meet. Another pro is that you have more time to spend with your family. Think of all the time you spent in the office and were unable to go that play or football game. Not too mention potential earnings with being a VA could be quite limitless.



As with any pro there are cons to boot. One is uncertainty of financial stability. If you aren’t retaining enough clients or employers you are uncertain if you will generate enough income to survive. You also have to be able to manage your time wisely. If you don’t complete project after project you could possibly lose clients. Another con of being a VA is that there is a wide range of competition within this industry.

As the VA world is expanding and becoming more desired it is difficult to obtain work. You need to know how to market yourself and build your client list.



What are the pros and cons of starting your own VA company?



There are many great things about being a business owner as well as hardships. It’s important to look at all of these pros and cons when deciding to be a business owner. One of the pros to owning your own VA company is that you are your own boss. You have the ability to create a prodigious cash flow and have stability since you are the owner. You will have a shorter commute to work. You will gain experience in a variety of different positions. You will be in a field that you truly enjoy and you will be the one that can expand your company. With the right tools and business education the opportunities are endless. You will have a chance to build rapport directly with your clients. One of the greatest pros to owning a VA company is that it is your business. This brings great satisfaction.



When you acquire your own business there are cons. Although working from your home office gives you time with your family it can also create interruptions with family time. Building up your clientele could become difficult as well. If you have employees you are responsible for the quality of work they submit. You would be responsible for obtaining your own health insurance and would have to keep excellent records for financial obligations.



What are the pros and cons of working for an established VA company?



Working for a VA company can create a stable income for you. You are still working for someone but have the ability to create your own hours within reason for your employer. You would have the support of an employer or even colleagues. You are able to enjoy those family or life moments that you would not have been able to get time off otherwise. Some VA companies offer perks, insurance, and training.



Some cons of working for an established VA company is that you are still just an employee. You will have a supervisor to communicate with and answer too. If you do not remain organized and have the ability to work on your own you could get fired. There are rules and guidelines to follow and possible quotas to make. You can become more isolated when working from home. Certain companies do not allow any noise or interruptions while working for them.



With any of these options you need to research and understand all of the pros and cons. It is important when making this life changing experience that you are able to adapt to many different situations. Working at home is an excellent opportunity that people could only wish for. However, you have to be very disciplined and organized whether you are working for yourself or working for another company.