Thursday, May 23, 2013

Start Your Virtual Assistant Home Based Business


Internet as opened the doors for many people to start their home based business and offer various services online. The number of services you can offer online and monetize your expertise is huge. You can use internet to monetize your skills of transcribing audio files, typing manuscripts, your knowledge of word processors, web design, marketing, sales, customer service, office administration and similar  by working as a virtual assistant. If you enjoy helping people, know how to use computers and internet an ready to work hard then starting a virtual assistant home based business maybe and the right for you.

You can offer your services to individuals or companies and start your lucrative career as a  virtual assistant.

What is a virtual assistant?

Virtual Assistant is someone who provides support services to his clients working virtually which means you will be using means of communication such as internet, fax, email, telephone. Your clients can be individuals, executives, businesses, companies or everyone else who has work to be done and has a need for assistance from someone with your skills and knowledge. 

What services do virtual assistants provide to their clients?

You can offer services depending on your skills. Many virtual assistants offer variety of service while some specialize in particular niche. Virtual assistants need to be proficient in basic services like typing and using internet. Services like word processing, spreadsheet applications,  sending emails,  legal transcription, technical writing, web design, desktop publishing, online research and many others you can offer to your clients when you work as a virtual assistant.  Virtual asistants  can offer the services in which they are proficient and later when they learn new skills they can expand their offering of services. It is also an advantage if you have knowledge in advertising, business management and  public relations.

How to get clients for your virtual assistant home based business?

You can start posting ads in local newspapers and  online ads.  You can also promote your home based business with brochures and fliers. Another great way to get clients is by starting a blog and write useful articles and use the blog to offer your services to potential clients. Freelance sites like Odesk and Elance are also places where you can find potential clients.

How much can you make as a virtual assistant?

Virtual assistants are usually paid by hour and the pay is somewhere between $20 and $45 per hour. They can also be paid by page or by a project completed. Some virtual assistants negotiate a monthly retainer option. With retainer option you can negotiate a minimum number of working hours per month. If you work less than the minimum hours you will be paid the agreed amount and if you work more you will be paid for  the extra hours.


Working as a virtual assistant is a legitimate home based business opportunity.  The hardest part about being virtual assistant is get started in the first place. If you have any of the skills required than being a virtual assistant maybe the right home based business opportunity for you.

2 comments:

  1. This is an insightful article George. Glad I came across it....

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