How do you become a virtual office assistant?

I would like to work from home. I have always worked in an office environment and have vast experience. I've seen companies on the net advertise virtual pa's and office support, how do you become one yourself?

Hi there! Well, I'll give you the real answer! :) I am a virtual assistant and run a successful practice from Brisbane, Australia. I have been in business (yes, REAL business) since 2000 and provide services to clients all around the world.

A virtual assistant is an entrepreneur business owner who has generally transitioned years in corporate settings and who has experience with technologies that enable work to be completed remotely. This includes digital transcription software and VoIP technologies like web conferencing rooms and Skype.

Whilst there are "training" and "coaching" courses offered online in my experience if you already have the skills and equipment then you have what it takes to get started. You do need to add to that though the ability to "run a business" - meaning you need to do all the groundwork applicable to your location to set up a business, get appropriate registrations, business cards and then promote, promote, promote! Whilst you provide services remotely, you DO need to let people know you're around!

VAs are self-employed - not employed by others - so you'll be working for yourself: meaning you'll have to FIND that work for yourself.

I always advise 'newbies' that they should try to find the one thing they do that's a core skill: it might be web design, bookkeeping, or transcription - and then market that skill to your local business community. You may also have experience in a particular industry, so market to that industry specifically. Start with your contacts, as well as friends, family and anyone else you know who can get the word out about what you are doing.

Join local chambers of commerce and other business networks in your area. And also join online virtual assistant networks. I've included some source links below for you.

As well as owning my own VA practice, I also run the Australian Virtual Business Network which is for seasoned virtual business owners. We also have a group here at Yahoo that is free to join for newbies who are interested in getting started. There are lots of others too. The AVBN runs webinars each year on topics of interest to anyone in business - you might like to check those.

I am also on the steering committee of the Online International VA Convention - which is held in May each year. There will be loads of information there for you on getting started and other things you need to know.

So I'm here to tell you it can be done and you can be very successful at it - and I'm happy to answer any further questions you might have. My sites are also included in resources should you wish to contact me that way.

Cheers
Lyn Prowse-Bishop, MVA ASO CAVB
eSOS
AVBN

You sign up with an agency / company that administrates them. They will normally set you up with the kit you need to do it from home, although sometimes they actually work in their own offices as well (confusingly).

Unlike other PA jobs, you tend to be working for several companies - which is why its cost effective.

Open up a virtual bank account, do some virtual work, send it to your virtual boss, then enjoy your virtual money in a virtual world on line. Cool, though you may starve and be kicked out of your home for not paying the bills in the real world.

Just live in your own little imaginary world. Pretend you work in an office and Bob's your uncle.