Elite Virtual Assistants

EVA Blog Article
10 Steps: Be A VA
August 17, 2016

Updated: Oct 11, 2022

be a VA be a VA be a va

So you want to be a VA?

Being a Virtual Assistant has many advantages, but still requires you to maintain a certain amount of professionalism. Although others aren’t able to see what’s going on at your home office doesn’t mean they can’t hear what’s going on in your home office. Aside from the obvious background noise that may occasionally occur, being unorganized and unsure of yourself will also come through to the person on the other end.

There are initiatives you can take as a Virtual Assistant to ensure a successful virtual relationship with your clients.

The 3 cornerstones to being a great VA:

Communication:

  1. Communication is Key. I think I mention this in every blog I write because IT’S SO IMPORTANT! Transparency is essential in order to be a VA. Be sure to ask about your client’s expectations for you on day one and how they want to communicate. The first day you start working with a client, you need to have the preferred form of communication in place to help the beginning stages of the relationship run smoothly. Determine the best form of communication whether it be email, text, or an instant messaging system like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Twitter; whatever will work best for both of you.
  2. Plan Your Updates in advance. Find out whether the client would like an update on a daily or weekly basis and be sure to adhere to that schedule.
  3. Progress Tracking. This is important in the beginning to build a healthy virtual relationship. It helps both sides understand how much time is being spent on a task or project. This not only allows you to see where the most time is spent but can also help your client plan for the coming months. You can use a time tracking program like myhours.com where you can create a free account and track your progress. You will be able to create separate client accounts and within those accounts, you can create different projects or tasks that you’re working on. This also allows you to pull a report that you can then email to your client showing them the tasks that were handled, where time was spent and the progress that was made.
  4. Ask Questions. If you don’t understand a task or project, don’t hesitate to ask. Keep all lines of communication open. Always take the initiative to communicate with your client.

Integrity:

  1. Keep Distractions To A Minimum. Avoid background noise. Although it can’t always be helped, finding a quiet place to talk when you’re on the phone with your client is always preferred. Having a crying baby, kids fighting or the dog barking in the background while you’re trying to ask a question or provide an update is distracting to you and more than likely annoying to your client on the other end. This could also give the impression that is what a typical day is like working for them. If the call comes at a bad time for you, at the very least give a brief explanation & apology if necessary.
  2. Be Confident In Yourself. Most VAs are experienced across many channels from executive assistants to digital marketing specialists. If you’re given a task that you haven’t done before but know you are capable of, don’t be afraid to tackle it. Google is a wonderful learning tool; there is always information that can help you learn something new. Think of it as an investment in your future by adding another skill set to your resume.
  3. Be Honest. Being confident doesn’t mean lying about your capabilities. If you haven’t done something and know you can or are willing to learn, that’s half the battle. Be honest about not having the experience. Consider learning the task on your own time so the client knows upfront they aren’t paying for your training. It’s a learning experience that will look good on your resume.

Organization:

  1. Keep yourself organized. If you don’t have a complete home office available to you, set aside an area of the house that can be designated as your office. Have a system in place whether it’s on your computer or via hard copy where you can keep your work safely stored out of reach and view of kids, animals, and house guests.
  2. Have A Designated Computer. You don’t want to share your laptop with your 13-year old that is forever downloading the latest app or games. With these come viruses and with viruses comes the loss of information.
  3. Back Up Your Files. No file is forever safe in the “Cloud” no matter what anyone tells you. Always back your files up on a hard drive in addition to a cloud application for double coverage. I’ve lost years’ worth of pictures and files due to viruses that I didn’t back up; hard lesson learned.

The Bottom Line:

Open communication, being transparent in the time it takes you to complete your tasks, and having confidence in yourself and your work are the best ways to start off what is sure to be a successful relationship with your clients!

Have tips to share with others on your VA successes tips? Follow us on social and let others know!

And if you’re ready to become a VA or hire one, check out our website below and find your path!

Click Here!

3 Critical Steps to Take Before Hiring a Virtual Assistant

Don’t Waste Anymore of your Time!

We have a simple process; learn what you need to get you started with a VA!

Download our handy Action Guide that will walk you through the 3 Critical Steps To Take Before Hiring A Virtual Assistant.  When the time is right, you’ll be prepared!

})()