If you are a VA currently or aspire to be one, here are some great tools that should be in the armoury of every successful VA. A computer and internet are essential but what else do you need?
VA’s are no longer strictly administrators, they are marketers, salespeople, designers, coaches, tech, HR….. the list goes on.
Choose your niche
Depending on your experience drives what your niche should be. This doesn’t have to be just one area, there may be several that you offer, but it helps the client to picture how you can help their business if you list your skills and abilities.
Create a killer website
Fill your website with testimonials from previous clients, examples of what you do, what makes you unique, how you help businesses to grow and just how darn amazing you are! If you have completed any courses or training then make sure you mention these. Your website will act as your CV.
Social media
Your social media profiles should be on point. Clients WILL look at you on social media before hiring you. Set up business pages and ensure that you add as much information as possible to your profiles. Avoid posting anything controversial or risky it will make you look unprofessional. Make sure that you answer all comments and messages as the algorithm reads your interaction. If you never reply the platform doesn’t show your posts to as many people as if you always comment and reply. Post regularly and consistently.
Professional accounts
Open up all the accounts needed for your business eg, Quickbooks for invoicing, Canva for design, Later for social media scheduling, MS Office, Zoom, Mailerlite for email campaigns.
Work area
Set up a dedicated work area which is comfortable, well-lit (for zoom calls) and quiet. Have everything that you need around you organised and easy to put your hands upon.
Phone plan
Get on a decent phone plan that gives you free calls and texts. No doubt you will be using your phone a lot! While you are at it, shop around for your broadband deals to make sure that you get the fastest connection at the best price.
Set your boundaries
Many new VA’s forget this important point and find themselves answering calls and emails at all times of the day and night. If you have multiple clients (which most VA’s do), setting boundaries will help you to organise your time, and avoid distractions when you are working on something else.
Get networking
Successful VA’s are strong networkers. They aren’t afraid to join a room full of business owners, either online or in person, and share what they can do to help business owners. There are so many networking groups, visit a few different ones and find the one or two that you feel comfortable in.
Enjoy what you do
Being self-employed isn’t for everyone. It takes discipline, organisational skills, patience, understanding and exceptional communication skills but more than anything you should love what you do. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with being a VA. You are often trusted with sensitive information and when you carry out work for a client, you are representing them as an organisation.
Keep all of the above in mind and you will be a great, in-demand VA!
Good luck on your journey.