Zanyfem Online Services

A 5 Step Guide on How to Become a Virtual Assistant.

           2012 is a turning point for almost everybody, including yours truly. According to Mayan prophecies, the world was supposed to end last December 21, 2012. But if you are reading this, you know that that did not happen. And what ended for me back then, was working in the corporate world. I resigned from the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, to be a full-time single momma to my toddler. But of course, I can’t stop working. I have to find ways to have an income to survive in this commercial induced society. And what did I do? I became a virtual assistant.

           A virtual assistant is someone who does secretarial or technical skills and is mostly based on a home office or someone who uses a co-working space. But mind me you, it was not easy back then (nor now), to get hired and do remote work. And I do not want you to experience waiting for months before you can land your first client. So here is a 5 step guide on how to become a virtual assistant.

1. Get a good mentor. Get someone who is there to hold your hand, even for a while. Find someone who is accommodating. Someone who’s mission in life is to help others. Someone approachable and easy to talk with. Most importantly, someone who holds no judgement.
2. Know what are the basic skills needed to become a virtual assistant. Basic office skills are a must. Acquire basic image editing skills if you don’t have one already. Combine both, then you will have blogging skills already. 

Every client has their project management software and time trackers, so best to familiarize yourself about those as well.

3. Know what tools can be used to practice online skills. Familiarize yourself with the following: 

• Google Drive – used for file storage and can be easily synchronized between you and your clients. If you want in-depth training, click here.
• Canva – is a design platform that you can use to create or edit graphics and any visual content.
• WordPress – is the most popular blog-publishing platform.
• Asana / Trello – are project management tools to track and organize or manage work between team members.
• Toggl / Time Doctor – are online time tracking apps used by some clients if there is no existing time tracking app on your chosen job platform.
• Paypal / Transferwise / Payoneer – to receive payment from clients.

4. What platforms where you can become a virtual assistant. There are several but here are the more popular ones:

• Upwork.com – formerly Odesk and where I started
• Onlinejobs.ph – the go-to job platform for Philippine virtual workers.
• Fiverr.com – if you want to sell your services.
• Freelancer.com – is where you can bid to complete work for clients.

5. Constantly upskill to compete with the ever-changing times. Online courses are now readily available. There are paid courses, but if you are just starting, best to look for free training.

Anybody can become a virtual assistant. All you need is to learn basic skills that can be developed by DOING it as often as you can. Know your skills and develop them.

Always have an insatiable thirst for learning. It will be easier to have a mentor to begin your journey, so like my FB page to learn more on how to become a virtual assistant.