I have just had an email from an experienced PA who is thinking about becoming a VPA (Virtual Personal Assistant) or VA (Virtual Assistant) and wants some more information about what its like to become a VPA or VA.

Being a VPA or a VA is not as straightforward a one thinks.  Having been a Secretary, an Office Manager or Personal Assistant is certain good ground work for the skills needed.  However you must also remember that you are also going to be a Business owner and need to understand the skills of growing your own business as well as those of your clients.

Your VPA or VA Services

• Are you going to work from home or rent an office?
• Do you want to work in your clients office?
• Are you able to travel to your clients?
• How are you going to get your clients?
• What services are you able to offer your Clients?
• Can you get some affiliations to make your life easier?

Your VPA or VA Business

• What are you going to call yourself?
• Are you going to be a sole trader, a Limited Company
• Are you going to start on your own or with a partner or friend?
• Should sort of marketing material should you get eg business cards, leaflets?
• Do you need a website to start your business
• What hours are you able to work, and therefore offer your client?
• Are you going to employ other VPA or VA to help you.

What equipment will you need

• You will need a computer
• You will need a colour photocopier
• Access to broadband
• A mobile telephone
• If you offer telephone answer (only as part of the services you offer) a number of lines together with a screen to see who is calling

Woking on your own business you become your own boss, you can be more independent, work the hours you want but remember when you are a VPA or a VA you will have to work with your clients and many times within there time scales.  This is not a job/career that you can say, sorry its 5 o’clock on a Friday and I need to go home, your client in general may be small businesses people that are all growing their own businesses and will work odd hours.  You maybe able to schedule your day but there will be times when one of your clients will call with an urgent job that needs to be done.  Its urgent to them and therefore it becomes urgent to you.

Having said that, this is the best job in the world, I have had more fun, more laughs, more highs and more worries than in any other job I have had.  You celebrate when your clients wins a big contract, you worry when he or she loses a contract.  You become a business advisor, a mentor, a computer expert, a listener and a cleaner all rolled into one.