Getting a virtual assistant job.

How did you get your start doing virtual assistant work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

I'd like to point out a clarification--Virtual Assistance is a profession, not a job. Working a virtual job is called "telecommuting" rather than Virtual Assistance.

Virtual Assistants are professionals who run their own businesses.

Ok, But how did you start?

I have a home office and I could easily do any administrative work except medical billing and telemarketing....but I have no clue how to start!?

Ok, Thank you for explaining that, but do I have to BE the business? I was just looking to be an virtual assistant for a company, I don't have any means to start a business.

Thank you,

Ok, Thank you for explaining that, but do I have to BE the business? I was just looking to be an virtual assistant for a company, I don't have any means to start a business.

Thank you,

Oh no, you don't have to have a business--but then you aren't a Virtual Assistant.

What you are looking for are telecommuting jobs--that's something entirely different than being a Virtual Assistant.

Virtual Assistance is a profession of self-employed (in business) service providers who specialize in administrative services. They aren't employees, they are service providers. They don't get "jobs," they get clients. They aren't working for an employer, they work for themselves performing services for clients. The don't get paid a salary or wages, they charge fees for their services.

Do you see the difference?

You can earn far more money running a Virtual Assistant business. However, some people aren't cut out for business ownership, and really only want to make a little money on the side. If that's the case, telecommuting is the way you want to go. I think using the right terminology will help you find exactly what you're looking for.

:)

I didn't know about these differences before, Thank you for explaining.

I am just looking for legitimate work from home in the administrative field, and so far I got scammed several times....as I can't find anything legitimate, I don't know where to look, all I did was Google search and found nothing.

I would much appreciate it if you could give me a starting point.

Thank you,

Yes, that is indeed a huge problem with telecommuting. There are probably vastly more scams out there than there are legitimate opportunities, and the vulture never stop preying on the hopes and dreams of others.

I have never been a telecommuter so I can't give you good advice on where to look, but I can tell you that if anyone wants to charge you to work, run the opposite direction. Those are definitely scams.

Thank you. I appreciate you time to answer me.

Alexandra

You need to do a lot of research about the business. Find your niche or figure out what services you want to offer - data entry, administrative tasks, bookkeeping, customer service, etc. Brand your business. Come up with a name, website, logo, etc. This is very important so clients will be able to find you. If you don't know how make a website, there are many resources on the web that you can find, like this one: www.vawebskills.com/

Next, come up with a marketing plan to reach those clients. Never stop learning, researching and educating yourself on various business topics to help run your VA business.

VA in Tacoma, I agree with you, it´s a profession, wonderful indeed!! I love it and if you know of a friend of yours requiring a VA just let me know. Blessings!!

Virtual Assistant in Tacoma, Washington said: Yes, that is indeed a huge problem with telecommuting. There are probably vastly more scams out there than there are legitimate opportunities, and the vulture never stop preying on the hopes and dreams of others.

I have never been a telecommuter so I can't give you good advice on where to look, but I can tell you that if anyone wants to charge you to work, run the opposite direction. Those are definitely scams.

I did some research recently since while there are so many scams, telecommuting makes economic sense. There are some real companies that do this, and a lot of pyramid schemes that pretend to offer work at home jobs.

First clue is that real companies never ask for money, bank account or credit card during the hiring process. Second clue is that they are SELECTIVE about who they hire. Finally, they talk about a virtual workforce, or telecommuting, but never "Work at Home". You can read the rest of what I wrote at career-hunter.blogspot.com/2008/11/can-you-really-work-at-home.html