In an earlier post, So How Do I Become a VA, I covered ways to become a Virtual Assistant since it is a question I get asked so often in my other networking sites I participate in. And while I mentioned 3 different ways, starting a business, working as a sub for other VAs, and working for a virtual staffing agency. the comment from Stacy Brice gave me a thought that I need to clarify on that subject.
Being a Virtual Assistant is not something one does on a whim or something you do for a hobby. It is not something you do to make a quick buck or something that takes little effort. Stacy is right in saying that working as an independent contractor, you ARE a business owner. And really, to be a successful VA, your endeavor needs to be taken seriously and really treated like a business. It takes some work and dedication, but you can be a successful VA if you set things up right and have the right frame of mind towards your business.
In my opinion, it is especially important to view being a VA as a business when you expect to support yourself or make your ideal income from it. Though there are the options of being a subcontracting VA or virtual “staff” for an agency, I don’t think one should ever rely on those sources alone to support your ideal income.
Since subcontracting work can be irregular or sparse at some times, waiting around for someone to hand over work to you is not going to make the money roll in. I mean as a subcontractor, you do receive the work without making the effort in marketing and securing the clients. But if you are looking for a situation to make steady income and by having work given to you without much effort, then you probably are better off getting a 9-5 job.
Successful VAs, part-time and full-time, subs and non-subs, put forth effort to set up their business properly, they market regularly, and snag clients of their own. It is a regular occurrence for a VA to sub for other VAs to help supplement their incomes while having their own clients. That is something I did that helped when I first started my business. But again, I don’t think subcontracting should be one’s sole source of VA work.
In my experience of adding Associate VA team members to my practice, I have decided that I will only accept those who are serious about their own VA business. It is a good sign to me when I see that they have some clients of their own and have their business set up properly (appropriate business filings, business name, etc.) It lets me know that they are dedicated and that they don’t view this as a hobby. If one is not passionate and working to make an effort in their own business, how can I know if they take the work I have them seriously and make a good effort?
One great idea that I have seen a few new and emerging VA’s go for is setting up their business and marketing specifically to other Virtual Assistants. If one wants to be a VA and work for other VAs, why not design your business to work with that niche? Be a VA’s VA! Virtual Assistants need help too, and it is a great target market to get started with.
So, if you’re a new Virtual Assistant or still thinking about becoming a VA, hopefully I’ve given you some food for thought on how serious you should take the VA world.
About Megan Barber
