Making Money Online: Virtual Assistant

Working as a virtual assistant is a practical and potentially lucrative way of making money online. You can work from home, keeping in touch with clients through e-mail, instant messaging, phone and videoconferencing.

Typically, work as a virtual assistant includes answering phone calls, writing e-mails and letters, managing diaries, event bookings, marketing and e-mail campaigns, making travel and hotel reservations, designing presentations, proofreading and document editing. You can opt to specialize in specific areas like marketing support, web design, e-newsletters, e-commerce and squeeze pages.

Several factors determine how much you can earn as a virtual assistant. Some of these include your skills, your area of specialization, your experience and the value you bring to your employer. With experience and excellent skills, you can make $12 - $50 USD per hour.

1.Target an area of specialization

Identify your interest in a specific area such as legal, graphic design or general administration. With expertise in a specific field, you will be able to build a strong client base from referrals you get from your initial clients.

2.Research

Investigate the field in which you want to specialize. Understand what is involved in the job, as well as relevant terminology.

3.Focus your resume

Tailor your resume to reflect and highlight your experience and skills in your field of choice. For example, if you want to be a virtual legal assistant, but have no prior experience, highlight any related administrative or research skills.

4.Set up your work space

Equip your home office with necessary office supplies, like file folders, labels, paper and envelopes. Also consider signing up with Internet-based fax and postage services.

5.Set your rate

Factor in the cost of phone bills and general office supplies like printer ink, and any other expenses you may incur during the course of your work. The more experienced you are, the more you can charge.

6.Look for job opportunities.

Target specific areas such as law, medicine and administration. In the beginning, try out part-time jobs, even if you have to go to an office initially.

7.Evaluate jobs that can be done by telecommuting

Be sure to justify how you will fulfill the duties of the job from your home office and how this will save employers money.

8.Compete.

Virtual assistant jobs are competitive. Make an attractive offer that your employer cannot refuse. Do all you can to stay ahead of your competition.

9.Be the best

Perform exceptional work, providing good customer service. Satisfied clients come back and refer you to their colleagues.

1.Virtual Assistant Jobs

The site is a free to join with no monthly fees. Sign up, read and understand the requirements, post your resume and you will be ready to go.

2.Elance

This is one of the largest online marketplaces. You will spend almost $20 a month on fees, but you can earn $1,000 - $2,000 working as a virtual secretary.

With paid membership, you get "connects" that you can use when bidding for jobs. Ensure that you have a competitive rate and a good proposal when placing your bid. Your clients submit payment to your Elance account; you can then transfer funds to a PayPal or bank account.

3.Guru

Like Elance, this is another popular online market place. You can either have free or paid membership, with varying privileges. Present a good proposal and competitive bid to increase your chances of getting hired. Payments are made through Guru; you can then transfer funds to a PayPal or bank account.

4.oDesk

This is a unique marketplace, as you are required to log on to your "work room" so that your hours are logged and employers can monitor your work. The site is free to join and you do not need to pay to get work. Competition is very stiff, so craft an appealing proposal. Payments are made through oDesk and you can withdraw funds to a bank or PayPal account.

Working as a virtual assistant has its benefits, like working from the comfort of your home. Better still, you can make good money without the hassles of commute traffic or dealing with office politics. And think of the money you will save on work clothes.

Last update: Oct 6, 2010