Planning to start a virtual assistant’s business is very easy. But who will provide you work? I started my virtual assistant office seeking voluntary retirement from a central government employment, when people were desperately running in search of job. ‘Utter foolishness’ was the remark of relatives; friends conveyed their regrets and there was a strong disapproval. The beginning was excellent; soon I realized that the job is going to be tough because there was no ongoing work. Lack of knowledge about the business, insufficient information, meager fund, lack of contacts was the limitations. Soon I learned that unless I tell people about my business, nobody will know what I am doing. For that I had to design a web site. I used the spam emails and sent messages about what I am doing. I also registered my name in freelance web sites. Yes, that was all.

Virtual assistants are hired by clients to save money and time. They save money because the clients don’t have to provide equipments, software and other benefits, which a company may provide to regular employees. Clients save time as virtual assistants are ready to work any day any time. There is no limitation to his/her areas of work. Virtual assistants have started working in more areas like web designing, programming, accounting and legal. Needless to say that internet is the most helpful media for communication and marketing. Search key words like virtual assistant, freelance work, remote worker, article writer etc. in Google or any other search engine. There are web sites which help service providers in locating buyers and vice versa. There are forums and networking groups ready to help you whenever you need so.

If you are going to start a virtual assistant/freelance business, this article may help you a little. Before you begin, I recommend that you make a thorough study of these points.

What are your skills? (Online research, data entry, graphics, article writing etc.)
What type of work are you going to do? (Research and article writing)
What is your expertise on this subject? (Masters degree in English language and excellent writing ability, )
Do you have previous experience? (Has been working with M/s Abc for last 5 years)
Do you have a comfortable office at your disposal? (Yes)
Are you going to work full time or part time? (I will be working full time)
What type of marketing are you going to do? (I have a Blog in which I will post articles and register on relevant web sites.) Do you have a fast internet service provider in your area?

If you are able to answer the above questions satisfactorily, proceed to next step.

1. Prepare a brief resume.
2. Prepare a cover letter. I prefer sending a covering letter along with resume and feel that it is the best practice.
3. Keep ready a sample work to be sent on demand.
4. One or two references, if any.
5. Conduct a research to find out who may need your services.
6. Outline your clients
7. Prepare a budget and business plan if your work is going to need investment.
8. Make sure that you have all equipments and software required for the said work.

I have learned that I work odd hours, paying much attention to each and every point; rise early because the office is my own of which I am very proud. After all, I am paid for something that I enjoy doing.