Tips for the Aspiring Virtual Assistant

Not just for virtual assistants but for small business owners too.

VA Connection recently had the honor of interviewing VA Expert, Tawnya Sutherland, with VAnetworking. In the interview, she shares some really great information; not just for virtual assistants but for small business owners too.

Virtual Assistants are small business owners, right?! So we asked her what it takes to start your own virtual assistant business. She provided a few tips to get started.

Clerical Skills

Va Connection asked what it takes to start a virtual assistant business and the response was, “you need to have a background with clerical skills.” Some of the skills Ms. Sutherland mentioned were: word processing such as Microsoft Word, email and calendar management, file sharing, and some computer technical skill.

Have a website

Your website is your storefront, Tawnya stated. It makes perfect sense! A retail store has an entrance. Once inside you find the inventory of their merchandise or products. You should have a website. When people arrive at your website they have a good idea of what they are looking for so your website should answer their questions and provide enough information to help them solve a problem.

Social Engagement

People do business with people they know, like, and trust. Although our business is virtual, we need to engage with people, just as we would if we were working in an office with ten other employees. Participating in social engagement allows people to get to know you. As people get to know you the like and trust will follow (if deserved of course!).

Marketing

Social media platforms are great but Tawnya suggests that we “get local”. Visit your local Chamber of Commerce. It is a great way to connect with other business owners in your local community. Attend seminars and webinars with like minded people. Connect.

Go into local businesses and introduce yourself. Be sure to leave a business card with your contact information. Who knows when they just might need your service.

Hone in on your target market. If you have the skills for sales and support for an Insurance Broker you would target those businesses.

A target market is a group of customers a business has decided to aim its marketing efforts and ultimately its merchandise towards. A well-defined target market is the first element of a marketing strategy.

Clients don’t just fall out of the sky! We have to make an effort to find them.

The interview with VA Expert, Ms. Tawnya Sutherland, is provided below for more excellent tips.

Listen here

Stop by Administrative Services Direct Facebook page to find out more about upcoming broadcasts as we will be providing more information and valuable tips from experts in the VA industry.

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