A virtual assistant is an employee that works remotely, offering administrative support to individuals and their businesses of different sizes and across all industries.
VAs handle tasks similar to that of an executive assistant or secretary: managing email accounts, arranging and scheduling travels and appointments, making and answering phone calls, and handling client or stakeholder interactions. They are usually part-time as independent contractors, although they can work on a full-time arrangement.
What Does A Virtual Assistant Do?
VA tasks encompass quite a lot. While VAs do work that is usually associated with clerical tasks, they can effectively fill these positions:
- Customer Support Representative tasked to handle customer complaints, questions and customer interactions remotely.
- Research Assistant who presents reports, summarizes findings, manages emails and project budgets, stores data, and maintains records.
- Personal Assistant who makes and answers phone calls, attends remote meetings, manages emails, and handles documentation.
- Social Media Assistant who manages social media accounts, plans and creates posts and campaigns, and conducts analytics.
- Virtual Event Coordinator who is in charge of organizing events remotely, selecting venues, scheduling events, managing event budgets, and collaborating with stakeholders.
Many VAs consider the above positions the best virtual assistant jobs that pay well. However, others can perform more complex tasks based on their academic background or work experience.
As each client or business need is different, and the demand for more specialized work is on the rise, many VAs are strengthening their credentials, boosting their qualifications, and upskilling. Today, clients can easily find the ideal match for their VA requirements.
How Much Does A Virtual Assistant Make?
Official data reveal that the average salary for virtual assistants and other administrative support positions is nearly $40,000 annually. Wages vary, however, based on the company/hirer, services rendered, full-time or part-time work arrangement, and other factors.
What It Actually Takes To Be A Virtual Assistant
The good news is that becoming a virtual assistant requires only some good technical skills. VA jobs from home don’t usually require specific training. Mastering the soft skills of organization, time management, communication, and flexibility is a good place to start.
Like in most jobs, however, a strong and unique set of skills and qualifications can make a VA stand out. It matters to go beyond the essential secretarial and managerial skills with career development, such as completing a Virtual Assistant training course.
Being a virtual assistant takes assertiveness, too, especially in terms of pricing. Seasoned VAs don’t sell themselves short, and, in turn, clients expect no less in the quality of service they deliver!
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