Virtual office?

Question

I found this web sight and am wondering if anyone has used it and actually found a for real job on it and actually gotten paid?
http://www.virtualassistantjobs.com

Answer 1

This website caters to virtual assistants -- one of the best home-based businesses right now, and many businesses and individuals alike are warming up to the idea and need for virtual assistants. If you are a virtual assistant, then this website can help you find job assignments. If you are a CERTIFIED virtual assistant, then so much the better.

Here are some resources I suggest to help you learn more about becoming a virtual assistant

Starting a Virtual Assistant Business http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,316200,00.html
How to Start Your Own Virtual Assistant Business http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol40/virtual.htm
Tips on Winning a Virtual Assistant Position http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol132/virtual.htm
Start your own virtual assistant business http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/tightrope/2001-03-07-tightrope-howtova.htm

However, the market is relatively new. As virtual assistant, a key part of your marketing strategy will be educating potential clients how your service can help them.

As such, networking and word of mouth are extremely effective strategies in marketing a VA business. I interviewed a VA and she said that one of the best ways for her to get clients is by attending local networking events. She is very active in the organizations that she participates in, and that has helped her raise her profile in the community and for potential clients to know what she is doing. She also networks online in forums and other online communities. You can read her story here http://www.womenhomebusiness.com/startup/kmann2.htm

You can also hook up with other VAs; they may be able to give you some contracts and assignments. Here are some associations and networking groups that you may consider joining

International Virtual Assistants Association http://www.ivaa.org/
International Association of Virtual Office Assistants http://www.iavoa.com/
Alliance for Virtual Businesses http://www.allianceforvirtualbiz.com/
International Association of Administrative Professionals http://www.iaap-hq.org/
Virtual Assistant Networking Forum (VANF) http://www.vanetworking.com/
Virtual Business Group http://www.virtualbizgroup.com/
Virtual-Professionals.com http://www.virtual-professionals.com/

For in-depth information about becoming a VA, I suggest you read any of the following books http://www.powerhomebiz.com/bookstore/va.htm:

- Virtual Assistant, The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA (Author: Diana Ennen)
- The 2-Second Commute: Join the Exploding Ranks of Freelance Virtual Assistants (Author: Christine Durst)
- Up Close & Virtual: A Practical Guide to Starting Your Own Virtual Assistant Business, Second Edition (Author: Diana Ennen, Kelly Poelker)
- The Virtual Assistant's Guide to Marketing (Author: Michelle Jamison)