By Jan Harris
Work at Home as a Virtual Assistant A VA, or Virtual Assistant, is anyone who works at home from their own home office to provide services remotely to a small business, entrepreneur or company on a contract basis rather than an employee. It can be a great way to earn extra money from home or even generate a full-time living.
Consider the following advantages to becoming a Virtual Assistant.
#1 Chance to Work at Home
Being able to make money from home can be a blessing for many mothers, caregivers or anyone facing layoffs in this tough job market. Being a virtual assistant allows you to work from your home office and manage a variety of clients completely online. You can literally work for anyone...not just local businesses. This creates a completely new employment opportunity.
Working at home from a virtual office is easier now than ever before thanks to modern technologies such as the Internet, faxes, and telecommunications like Skype. Gone are the days when you need to dress up, fight the morning traffic and spend your days in a cubicle.
A terrific benefit to being a VA is it is possible to work anywhere. If you are heading to the beach for spring break, you will be able to take your work with you. Get work done while you wait at your child's doctors office or at your favorite coffee shop. However, you will need a laptop, iPad or Netbook for this much freedom.
#2 It can be Rewarding and Interesting
You can provide any services you want as a Virtual Assistant, as long as there is a market for that service. You'll be able to establish your business around a number of general services or focus on a specific service like Web design and maintenance. This assortment can keep the job interesting and reduce burnout. No more long, tedious work days.
#3 In-Demand Services and a Booming Industry
Virtual Assistants are in demand now and it's a booming industry. Companies these days are outsourcing more duties and conducting more business on-line. Also, a growing number of small business owners and other entrepreneurs are realizing they cannot do everything themselves and are seeing the real value of outsourcing. This puts you in a prime position to create a successful home based business and a career.
#4 Low startup Costs and no Specific Requirements
You can easily and inexpensively become a virtual assistant. You will need to have a computer, business phone, high-speed online connection, a website and the means to market and grow your business. You probably have some of this equipment currently and can be up and running with an investment of a few hundred dollars. You also don't need any particular education or certification. While VA certification can be found, if you have the skillset you're ready to launch your own home based business.
#5 You are the Boss
In addition to being able to work from home, there are also many other freedoms. You now have the freedom to decide when you will work. For anybody who is a night owl, this means you can work at night when you're more alert. If you need to take care of something important, you'll be able to take time off. You don't have to stress about asking for time off or using up your sick days.
Probably greatest advantage to being a VA is that you may choose who you will work with. Now you are able to choose the clients you want to work with and the services you will offer.
For anybody who is interested in a full-time career or just a little extra money, consider becoming a Virtual Assistant. VAs are crucial in today's business environment. You can build a home based business that works around your lifestyle rather than compromising your home life for your job.
Jan Harris is a veteran administrative professional with over 20 years of experience and currently works at home as a Virtual Assistant. She has a passion for helping others learn how to work at home and make a living being their own boss. Visit her site for information on the Virtual Assistant Profession http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com.
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