Can You be Virtual Assistant? 7 Attributes to be a Successful Virtual Assistant

For some who hear the words virtual assistant or anything in the administrative field, they assume, “I can do that!” However, I would like to explain to you that holding a position in the administrative field (especially as a virtual assistant) requires skills that can “make or break” the growth of your business. There are certain attributes that are needed to be successful in the field of virtual assistance.

1) Organizational Skills – A virtual assistant needs to be organized because the amount of client information is vast and ever growing. You will need to keep track of your company information along with your client’s information.

Teresa’s tip(s):

For each new client you obtain, immediately make a folder in your C drive and your email account with their name so it is easier to place all of the correspondence in specified folder. Create a customer hard copy folder or system to keep this type of information as well.

2) Internet Savvy – Now, this is kind of a given, however, it is important to say that you don’t have to be an expert at all aspects of the internet, however, the more you know about the internet, the better you can market your efficiency to other internet business owners.

Teresa’s Tips

The internet is constantly evolving so don’t feel as if you can’t be a virtual assistant if you don’t know all the ins and outs of the internet. However, you will need to recognize that it will benefit you to learn about those “pieces” of the internet you would like to concentrate on for your clients. The more you learn the more you can offer to your clients.

3) Passion – For any business owner, (and it isn’t any different for virtual assistants) having passion for your work is important to your success. If you don’t have passion for doing this type of work, your success will not be as great or as rewarding unless it is something you really want to be doing.

Teresa’s Tip:

When you have a bad day (for whatever reason), it does help when you at least know that you are doing what you really want to be doing.

4) Knowledge – To be a good virtual assistant, you will need to have those skills that you can truthfully and accurately market to potential clients. If you possess the skills of a data entry virtual assistant that helps business owners with such things as creating databases, you will need to have the knowledge of usage of MS Excel and/or MS Access, typing accuracy to name a few.

Teresa’s Tip:

Don’t shy away from learning and gaining knowledge. Online there are many opportunities to read and gather information about the virtual assistant industry. As my husband would say: Knowledge is power. The more you obtain the more you have.

5) People Skills – Being a virtual assistant requires very good people skills from those you network with, to your clients as well as those vendors and suppliers you will be working with to make your business grow and expand.

Teresa’s Tip:

I say, be yourself. That way you aren’t pretending to be something you aren’t. Be genuine to who you are and you will see the benefits.

6) Time Management – as a individual business owner, good time management skills are important to your success of your business and to your clients. Your clients will want to be assured that when they lay down time lines for a project that you have ability to complete the task in that time; effectively and efficiently.

Teresa’s Tip:

As a business owner you need to have a set business schedule. Stick to it the best you can (of course emergencies happen). Be sure to let your friends and family know this schedule and be firm with them regarding calling you during these hours—just like if you were working for someone else.

7) Networking – the ability to properly networking with others, online and offline, is a good skill to either obtain or have “under your belt” in order to gain access to those who will wish to utilize your services.

Teresa’s Tip:

Networking is all about building relationships with others by providing helpful tips, resources and information to others…it is not about selling your services.

So if you think that being a virtual assistant is just something anyone can do…I hope you will realize that there are many skills that one should possess in order to be a successful virtual assistant. It isn’t just about doing what someone else asks you to do for them…it is about also running a business. This list only touches some of the basic things to be successful…the list continues with things to run a business.

Teresa Morrow is on Board of Advisors with The WECAI Network ™ (http://www.wecai.org) and Editor at Large at WE Magazine for Women ™ (http://www.wemagazineforwomen). She has over 15 years working with various industries to include property management, landscape architecture and financial planning firms in executive administrative positions. In 2007, Teresa started Key Business Partners, a virtual assistance & online promotional company for coaches, speakers and writers. She cares about her clients and is available for 20 minute free consultation. You can contact her via email at keybusinesspartners@verizon.net or visit her website at http://www.keybusinesspartners.com.