What Not to Do as Virtual Assistant: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid

What Not to Do as Virtual Assistant: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid Athika Rahma SEO Specialist Virtual Assistant at SGBVA October 25, 2024 Category If you’re an office worker, a new mom, or even a student starting your career as a virtual assistant, there’s a good chance you’ll make a few small mistakes along the way. That’s completely normal, as you’re embarking on a new chapter in your life. However, it’s helpful to be aware of certain pitfalls that could hinder your career. So, what not to do as a virtual assistant? Here are 10 common mistakes you should know about. In this article… 1. Starting with the Wrong Mindset Let’s get real: the idea that clients will just come knocking on your door without any effort is a myth. Many new VAs start off with a dreamy vision of a steady stream of clients, only to feel frustrated when it doesn’t happen. The truth is, building a client base takes work. You need to actively seek out opportunities, pitch your services, and connect with potential clients. Embrace the hustle! Consider it a business, where effort and strategy matter. Adopting a growth mindset is crucial—view challenges as learning experiences rather than setbacks. 2. Not Investing in Knowledge If you think you can rely on your existing skills forever, think again! The virtual assistance landscape is always evolving, and clients expect you to stay current. Neglecting to invest in your professional development can leave you behind the curve. This doesn’t just mean taking expensive courses—look for webinars, like SGB VA free VA webinar, podcasts, and online resources that can expand your knowledge. Set aside some time each week for learning. Think of it as an investment in your future: the more you know, the more valuable you become to your clients. 3. Mispricing Your Services Ah, pricing—one of the trickiest parts of being a VA. Many newcomers either undercharge out of fear that they won’t attract clients or overcharge because they overestimate their worth. Finding the right pricing as a VA is essential. Start by researching what other VAs in your niche are charging. Consider your skills, experience, and the complexity of the services you provide. Remember, pricing too low can lead to burnout, while pricing too high without justification can scare clients away. It’s all about finding that sweet spot that reflects your value while remaining competitive. 4. Being Vague About Pricing Clarity is key when it comes to pricing your services. If potential clients can’t easily find out what you charge or what’s included in your services, they may hesitate to reach out. Create a clear pricing structure and make it accessible on your website or social media profiles. Whether you charge by the hour, project, or retainer, communicate it upfront. Transparency helps build trust and allows clients to make informed decisions. Plus, it prevents awkward conversations about money later on! 5. Lacking Brand Identity If you don’t establish a strong brand identity, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of virtual assistants. Take some time to define what sets you apart. What are your core values? What services do you specialize in? Create a cohesive visual identity—think logo, color scheme, and fonts—and use them consistently across your social media and marketing materials. Your brand should resonate with your target audience and reflect your personality. A strong brand identity helps clients remember you and can lead to referrals down the line. 6. Assuming It’s Easy It’s common to think that being a virtual assistant is an easy gig, but every job comes with its challenges. Many VAs quickly realize that there’s much more to it than just completing tasks. Expect to face obstacles, whether it’s managing difficult clients, meeting tight deadlines, or navigating technology issues. Embrace these challenges as part of the learning process. Recognize that success takes time and effort, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. The more resilient you are, the more successful you’ll become. 7. Expecting Fast Earnings Jumping into virtual assistance with the belief that you’ll make quick money can lead to disappointment. While some VAs might land clients quickly, for many, it takes time to build a sustainable income. Focus on the long game—cultivating relationships, delivering quality work, and consistently marketing yourself. Set realistic expectations for your earnings and understand that success often builds gradually. Celebrate small wins along the way, as they’ll pave the path to long-term success. 8. Treating Clients as Bosses Here’s a game-changing perspective: your clients should be your partners, not your bosses. It’s tempting to go along with everything they say, but that can lead to a one-sided dynamic. Remember, you’re bringing your expertise to the table! Don’t hesitate to express your thoughts or provide suggestions when appropriate. A collaborative approach fosters mutual respect and often leads to better outcomes for both parties. Building strong partnerships can also lead to repeat business and referrals. 9. Not Setting Boundaries Are you the type who says “yes” to every request, even when you’re overwhelmed? It’s easy to fall into that trap, but it can lead to burnout and resentment. Setting boundaries is crucial for your well-being. Communicate your availability clearly to clients and stick to it. This not only helps you manage your workload but also sets expectations for your clients. Don’t be afraid to take time off when you need it. A well-rested VA is a more productive VA! 10. Inadequate Communication Good communication is the backbone of any successful client relationship. If you often leave messages unread or fail to keep clients updated on project progress, it can create frustration and distrust. Make it a habit to check in regularly, even if it’s just to provide a quick status update. Keep your clients informed about any challenges or urgent issues that arise. Open and honest communication builds trust and helps you maintain a strong working relationship. Remember, your clients appreciate being kept in the loop! Minimize Mistakes, Maximize Success as a VA If you want to prepare

What Is The First Step of Becoming a Virtual Assistant?

What Is The First Step of Becoming a Virtual Assistant? Athika Rahma SEO Specialist Virtual Assistant at SGBVA October 22, 2024 Category More and more people are aspiring to become virtual assistants (VAs). In today’s economy, working remotely has become not just a trend, but a viable and exciting option. It offers the freedom to work from anywhere, at any time, while also providing the potential to earn more than traditional office jobs. But let’s be honest, starting something new is never easy. Sometimes, we feel uncertain about what the first step to become a virtual assistant should be, or we lack the courage and motivation to take that leap. If that sounds like you, don’t worry—this guide is here to help you clear up the confusion and boost your confidence! In this article… Determine If It’s the Right Career for You Before diving in, it’s important to figure out if becoming a virtual assistant is the right career for you. Many people suggest picking a skill or niche to focus on, but the very first step of becoming a VA is to assess whether this career path aligns with your personality, strengths, and lifestyle. To help you decide, ask yourself these questions: Am I organized and detail-oriented? Do I have good communication skills? Am I tech-savvy and comfortable using online tools (like email, calendar apps, or project management software)? Am I self-motivated and disciplined? Can I work independently and manage my time well? Am I okay with having a flexible work schedule? Can I handle working outside of regular hours when needed? Do I enjoy taking the initiative and helping others succeed? Can I handle variable income? Am I financially prepared for periods when work may be light? Do I have a dedicated workspace? Am I open to continuous learning and upgrading my skills? Am I ready to be a business owner? If you find that 80% of your answers are “yes,” you’re likely on the right track toward becoming a VA. But even if you answered “no” to some of these questions, don’t worry! If you’re willing to adapt and grow into the role, a career as a virtual assistant is still very much within reach. A career transition is always possible, no matter where you’re starting from. Identify Your Strengths Once you’ve decided that becoming a VA is the right fit for you, the next step is to identify the strengths that will help you succeed. These can be broken down into hard skills, soft skills, and equipment. Hard skills are the technical abilities you’ve gained through education or experience. For example, if you’re great at data entry, social media management, content writing, or bookkeeping, these are all valuable hard skills that can help businesses streamline their operations. Familiarity with software tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Trello, Zoom, or Canva is also crucial. Soft skills are personal traits that influence how you work and interact with others. Things like time management, organization, adaptability, communication, and problem-solving are essential for a VA. These skills will help you work independently, build strong relationships with clients, and handle tasks with professionalism. Equipment refers to the physical and digital tools you need to perform your job efficiently. As a VA, you’ll need a reliable laptop or computer, a stable internet connection, a headset or microphone for clear communication, and the right software to collaborate with clients. For instance, if you want to specialize in graphic design, you’ll need graphic design skills (hard skills), the ability to work independently (soft skills), and equipment like an iPad Pro for designing. Alternatively, if you want to focus on email marketing, you’ll need digital marketing skills, strong communication and time-management skills, and a computer capable of handling email campaigns smoothly. Each VA role is different, and the specific mix of skills and equipment will vary based on the services you offer. Pick Your Niche and Services Now that you’ve identified your strengths, it’s time to define your niche and services. Specializing in a specific area will help you stand out in a crowded marketplace. Popular VA niches include: Administrative tasks (calendar management, email handling, research) Social Media Management Bookkeeping and Financial Support Customer Service Content Creation Digital Marketing Once you’ve chosen your niche, you can start defining the specific services you’ll offer. Whether it’s email management, social media support, content creation, or research, having a clear set of services will help you attract the right clients. Starting with a focused service offering allows you to build credibility and expertise, and as you grow, you can expand your services to meet more complex needs. Here are some common VA services: Calendar and email management Data entry and research Travel booking and coordination Document preparation (reports, presentations) Blog writing, newsletter creation, and SEO optimization Social media management and ad campaigns Email marketing Determine Your Service Price Now that you know your strengths and services, it’s time to set your pricing. Pricing can be tricky for many new VAs. You might worry that charging too much will scare off clients, but pricing yourself too low can lead to undervaluing your skills and services. It’s important to strike the right balance. You want to charge enough to reflect the value you bring to the table, but not so much that you price yourself out of potential clients. Don’t stress too much about it—pricing is something that you can adjust over time as you gain more experience and confidence. We’ve also put together a full guide on how to calculate your service fees, so you can find the pricing strategy that works best for you and your business. Brand and Market Yourself Now that you’ve worked through the first step to become virtual assistant—defining your niche, identifying your strengths, and setting your price—it’s time to market yourself as a VA. Start by joining freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to connect with clients who are looking for virtual assistants. For more VA-specific opportunities, check out platforms like

Social Media Virtual Assistant: Skills, Tools and Salary in 2024

Social Media Virtual Assistant: Job Description, Skills, and Salary in 2024 Athika Rahma SEO Specialist Virtual Assistant at SGBVA October 22, 2024 Remote Working Tips Are you passionate about social media? Do you stay updated on the latest trends, enjoy browsing for content ideas, and love engaging with others online? If so, offering social media virtual assistant services could be a fantastic opportunity for you! Not only will you get to do what you love, but you can also work fully remotely without the need to go into an office. Many industries, companies, and personal coaches rely on social media to enhance their business visibility. If you aspire to become a social media VA, this guide will provide you with a clear path to get started. In this article… What is a Social Media Virtual Assistant? Let’s begin by defining what a virtual assistant (VA) is. A Virtual assistant is a remote worker who provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients, either part-time or full-time. VAs offer their expertise to help businesses meet their operational needs. Social media is one of the services a VA can offer, whether for individual coaches, small and medium-sized business owners (SMEs), or even CEOs of large companies. A social media VA can manage business and personal accounts for business owners, depending on the client’s needs. Social Media VA Job Description Here are some typical tasks a social media VA can handle: Managing multiple social media accounts: A social media VA takes care of tasks such as responding to comments, engaging with followers, posting content, and organizing the posting schedule. You will ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing business owners to focus on other important areas. Targeting and engaging audience: Small businesses often have a specific target audience, and a social media VA helps by crafting campaigns tailored to that niche. Instead of using generic content, you will develop strategies to engage the right audience and make a meaningful impact. Optimizing post scheduling for better reach: Social media VAs use tools like Hootsuite or other scheduling platforms to plan posts strategically. This ensures maximum engagement by posting at optimal times when your audience is most active. Managing follow-ups and lead generation: Social media platforms are valuable tools for generating leads, but following up on those leads is just as important. A social media VA helps manage follow-ups, including email communication, ensuring no opportunities are missed. Skills Needed to Become a Social Media VA You don’t need specific experience or a degree to become a social media VA, as this field can be learned through courses or self-study. However, to increase your chances of being hired, you should possess the following skills: Advanced Communication Skills: Effective communication, including flawless grammar and persuasive messaging, is essential for engaging with audiences online. Organizational Skills: High levels of organization are crucial for managing multiple projects and ensuring deadlines are met. Basic IT Knowledge: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Office, project management software (e.g., Trello, Asana), and social media automation tools. Time Management: Self-motivation and discipline are key to working independently, requiring strong time management techniques. Content Creation and Design: Skills in copywriting and graphic design are critical for creating engaging content and visuals. Research Abilities: Thorough research helps you understand target audiences and develop effective content strategies. Adaptability and Versatility: The ability to adjust to different platforms and client needs is vital, especially as trends and tools evolve. Analytical Skills: Understanding how to measure social media campaign performance and adjust strategies accordingly is essential. Social Media VA Tools There are some tools that can make the job easier for social media VAs: Hootsuite: A popular tool for managing multiple social media platforms, allowing you to schedule posts and track performance. Canva: A user-friendly design tool that helps create engaging social media graphics. Likeable Hub: A tool that integrates with Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, providing scheduling and analytics. Tweetdeck: Ideal for managing Twitter accounts, this tool helps schedule posts and monitor activity. Zoom: A widely-used video conferencing tool for virtual meetings with clients or teams. Slack: A communication platform that streamlines collaboration and project discussions. And many more! How Much Does a Social Media Virtual Assistant Make? Social media virtual assistants are in high demand, and according to The Business Research Company, the social media market is expected to grow by 14.8% in 2024, reaching $251.45 billion. This means more job opportunities for VAs specializing in social media! But, how much can a social media VA earn? According to ZipRecruiter, social media VAs in the United States charge an average of $24 per hour. You can adjust your pricing based on your country and experience level. For beginners, starting with a lower rate and gradually increasing it as you gain skills and experience is common practice. Additionally, you can create custom pricing packages depending on the client’s needs. We’ve seen VAs earn between $500 to $1,500 per social media management package! If you’re unsure how to set your rates, check out our article on how to calculate your Minimum Acceptable Rate (MAR) based on your location, services, and expertise. How to Start a Social Media VA Business If you’re already engaged on social media, meet the necessary job requirements, and recognize the potential in this field, now is the perfect time to kickstart your career as a social media VA! Here’s how: Develop your social media skills by reading articles, watching videos, or taking some courses. Get the essential tools; a laptop and smartphone are a must for a smooth workflow. Install and familiarize yourself with social media tools. Create your own social media accounts and post regularly to build your brand. Prepare your CV and portfolio. Apply for social media VA jobs through virtual assistant job portals. Pitch directly to potential clients via social media. Stay consistent until you land your first client! These steps will help you start your journey, but continuous learning and persistence are key to long-term success. If you need extra

7 Platforms to Find Virtual Assistant Jobs for Beginner

7 Platforms to Find Virtual Assistant Jobs for Beginner + How to Use Them Athika Rahma SEO Specialist Virtual Assistant at SGBVA October 21, 2024 Category If you’re a beginner looking for virtual assistant jobs, you know how frustrating it can be to find the right opportunity. You may have applied to countless positions without hearing back, or even reached out to business owners directly with no success. But don’t get discouraged just yet. What you might need is a platform dedicated specifically to virtual assistant jobs for beginner. In this article, we’ll introduce you to 7 platforms designed to help you find the perfect virtual assistant role. Keep reading to discover more from SGB VA! Table of Contents 1. LinkedIn LinkedIn is one of the largest job portals in the world. From full-time jobs to freelance gigs and virtual assistant roles, LinkedIn offers hundreds of new opportunities across various categories. More than that, LinkedIn is also a social media platform, meaning you can post about your achievements, perspectives, and more, while connecting with other professionals, which can improve your chances of getting hired. Here are some ways to use LinkedIn to find virtual assistant jobs: Go to the LinkedIn search bar and type “virtual assistant” as a keyword. Select “Jobs” and adjust your location to “Worldwide” to see opportunities from all around the globe. Instead of selecting “Jobs,” choose “Posts” after typing “virtual assistant” in the search bar. This can lead to posts where people share job opportunities. It may take more effort, but you might just find a hidden gem! Join virtual assistant groups like “The Virtual Assistant Networking Association” or “The Virtual Assistant Network” to discover even more job opportunities. Group admins typically ask for a short form explaining why you want to join. If you’re a VA looking for work, you’ll likely be accepted! Directly reach out to business owners. Many CEOs use LinkedIn, so why not pitch your services? However, it’s better to connect and engage with them first, learn about their business, and then softly introduce how you can help. 2. Upwork Upwork is another popular platform for find virtual assistant jobs for beginner. There are tons of jobs posted directly by clients, many of which are beginner-friendly and don’t require much experience. Tasks like data entry, customer service, appointment setting, bookkeeping, and research are common here. Here’s how Upwork works: When a job is posted, you can submit a proposal explaining your services, your rates, and what sets you apart. It’s helpful to showcase testimonials or certifications if you’re a beginner to prove your expertise. However, Upwork isn’t completely free. You’ll need “Connects” to apply for jobs, and while you get some free Connects upon joining, you may need to upgrade to Freelancer Plus (US$14.99/month) for more. Upwork also takes a 10% fee from your earnings unless you’re a Freelancer Plus member. 3. Facebook If you’re still using Facebook mainly for fun, it’s time to leverage it for job hunting! Facebook allows you to connect with others and share content, but it also has active job-related groups. Using Facebook to find virtual assistant jobs is simple and effective.  One of the best ways to start is by joining dedicated groups where job postings are shared frequently. For example, groups like “I Need a Virtual Assistant” (with 19.5K members) and “Virtual Assistant Jobs” (with 286K members) regularly feature job openings from companies and direct clients.  Also, you can use Facebook’s Jobs feature. Navigate to the Jobs section on Facebook, and then you can search for “virtual assistant” roles, filter by remote positions, and find postings that match your skills. 4. VirtualVocations.com VirtualVocations is a job portal that offers various remote positions, including virtual assistant roles. You can easily find VA jobs by typing the keyword in the search bar. There are many categories, such as Admin VA, Sales VA, Medical VA, and Call Center VA. Many of these roles are entry-level, meaning you can apply even without prior experience. Just sign up, complete your profile, and apply for jobs that match your skills. Registration is free, and you can access their job database as much as you want. 5. Timeetc Timeetc is a talent pool that connects virtual assistants with clients in need of administrative help. It’s essentially an agency for virtual assistants. This platform is great for those looking for part-time admin work since the majority of opportunities involve helping with administrative tasks. To apply, visit their website, navigate to the “Work for Us” section, and sign up. Keep in mind that this site mainly offers part-time roles, so it may not be ideal if you’re seeking full-time work. 6. Assistant Match Assistant Match is a great platform that provide virtual assistants jobs for beginner. This agency helps match virtual assistants with clients based on their specific skills and experience.  After signing up, you’ll receive job offers tailored to your abilities, which means you’re more likely to get matched with jobs that suit your strengths. Most of the opportunities on Assistant Match are related to administrative tasks such as typing, data entry, email management, and scheduling.  If you have basic administrative skills or experience, this platform can be an excellent starting point for building your virtual assistant career. Assistant Match also offers ongoing support to help you succeed, making it a reliable option for beginners. 7. Clickworker Have you ever heard about Clickworker? Clickworker is ideal if you prefer flexibility and working on smaller, quick tasks. Unlike traditional virtual assistant roles that require long hours, Clickworker offers microtasks—these are small tasks like data entry, filling out surveys, AI training, voice recordings, and even participating in photo contests.  These tasks may seem simple, but they can pay well, especially if you complete multiple tasks efficiently. Some users report earning between US$6 to US$40 per hour (according to Quora), depending on the type of task and how many you complete. This platform is perfect if you want to earn extra income on the side

10 Part-Time Virtual Assistant Jobs for Student, Moms, and Full Time Workers

10 Part-Time Virtual Assistant Jobs for Student, Moms, and Full-Time Workers Athika Rahma SEO Specialist Virtual Assistant at SGBVA October 18, 2024 Remote Working Tips Are you a student seeking extra income to support your studies? A mom balancing family responsibilities but still wanting to earn money? Or a full-time worker looking to boost your income through side gigs? Consider becoming a part-time virtual assistant! As the name suggests, these roles typically require only 10 to 20 hours of work per week. If you’re interested in exploring part-time virtual assistant jobs, read SGBVA’s comprehensive guide below. Table of Contents 1. Email and Calendar Management An email and calendar management VA handles incoming and outgoing emails, filters out spam, drafts responses, maintains organized folders, and sets up automated replies. As an email and calendar manager, you can earn from $10 per hour. Why is this part-time? Managing email and calendar correspondence, which is also part of administrative tasks, can be scheduled flexibly. You can dedicate evenings or weekends to responding to emails, making it a great fit for a part-time schedule. 2. Data Entry A data entry VA is responsible for entering new database records, verifying accuracy, adhering to formats, and performing periodic updates. This is one of the easiest virtual assistant jobs, requiring minimal experience or education. You can earn from $18 per hour with this task. Why this can be done part-time? Routine data entry tasks can be completed in batches, making it ideal for part-time work due to its predictable nature. 3. Customer Service Did you know that customer service can be a part-time job too? As a customer service VA, you will answer FAQs via phone calls, chats, or emails, provide product demos, escalate unresolved issues, and maintain a professional demeanor. You can earn from $18.8 per hour in this role. While part-time customer service jobs may require you to be available during specific hours, they typically require only 2 to 4 hours of work per day. 4. Travel Arrangements Have you heard of travel arrangement VA tasks? This popular role involves booking flights, hotels, and arranging travel logistics based on client needs. You can earn from $10 per hour with this task. Why is it doable part-time? Travel planning often involves research that can be done ahead of time, allowing for breaks between tasks. It doesn’t require constant attention, so you can work whenever it suits you! 5. Content Creation Content creator VAs often work on clients’ blogs or websites (as Content Writer VAs) and manage social media (as Social Media Management VAs or Copywriter VAs). This role involves writing articles, blog posts, or social media updates, engaging audiences, and maintaining brand voice consistency. Typically, you can earn from $25 to $31 per hour in this field. What makes it manageable part-time? Content creation can be done sporadically. While some tasks may have deadlines, much of the work can be completed independently at any time, making it adaptable to part-time schedules. 6. Bookkeeping Services Bookkeeper VAs manage financial records, document transactions, oversee accounts payable and receivable, handle invoices, and calculate business profits. The complexity of this work depends on the client and the size of their company. Typically, bookkeeper VAs can earn from $19 to $24 per hour. Why is it part-time friendly? These tasks can be performed regularly without requiring continuous daily involvement, allowing you to adjust your schedule as needed. 7. Event Planning Event planning involves coordinating details, sending invitations, and confirming attendees. You can earn from $30 per hour in this role. Much of the planning can be done asynchronously, accommodating part-time availability. 8. Research Assistant As a research assistant, you will conduct research on various topics, collect and analyze data, summarize findings, and assist in market research or academic projects as needed. You can earn from $22 per hour in this position. Research tasks can be completed in segments, allowing for focused work periods that fit around other commitments. This role often requires independent work that can be done at any time. 9. Graphic Design Graphic design VAs create visual content for marketing materials, social media posts, websites, and presentations. You can earn from $19 per hour by editing images and designing graphics to enhance brand visibility. Graphic design projects can often be completed on a freelance basis with clear deadlines, allowing designers to work at their own pace, making it suitable for part-time schedules. 10. Online Community Management Manage online communities or forums by engaging with members, moderating discussions, responding to inquiries, and creating content to stimulate conversation while maintaining a positive environment. You can earn from $40 per hour in this role! Community management can be done at various times throughout the day, allowing for flexible engagement based on your availability. This position typically requires only periodic attention rather than continuous oversight. Kickstart Your Part-Time VA Job With these part-time virtual assistant jobs, you can earn extra income while enjoying your free time. If you’re interested in getting started but still feel confused, gain insights from SGBVA free webinar. Our mentor, Tania Gromenko, will share: How to kickstart your VA career The types of services you can provide as a VA How to become a successful VA in just five weeks! Register now to receive a FREE e-book titled “FAQ About Virtual Assistants” and exclusive access to the SGBVA virtual assistant community on Telegram. Click to the button below! Register FREE Webinar Alongside our mentor, Tania Gromeko, you will receive guidance to start a career as a virtual assistant, handling various part-time jobs. Click the button and register now! Join Free Webinar Explore Paid Course

Admin Virtual Assistant: Simplest Way to Become a Remote Worker

Admin Tasks: The Simplest Way to Become a Remote Worker Oni Lestari Virtual assistant, copywriter, SEO-expert April 17, 2024 | Remote Working Tips Dreaming of escaping the daily commute and trading rush hour for a cozy home office or your favorite coffee shop? The world of remote work offers incredible flexibility and freedom. But what kind of jobs can you do from anywhere? Believe it or not, the key might lie in a skill set you already possess: admin tasks! But what exactly are admin tasks, and how can they translate into a flexible remote career? Read on to discover the power of admin skills and how they can pave your way to becoming an admin virtual assistant (VA), helping businesses thrive from afar. Table of Contents: Why Admin Skills are Great for Starting Out Now, you might be thinking “Admin tasks? Isn’t that just answering emails and filling papers?” While it can involve those things, it’s actually so much more! Basically, admin tasks are the behind-the-scenes heroes that keep businesses running smoothly. They’re the organizers, the schedulers, the email managers who take care of all the everyday tasks that free up busy professionals to focus on the bigger picture of their businesses. But here’s the best part, becoming an admin virtual assistant is a great starting point for a remote career. Let’s break it down into two key reasons: Easier to get started Unlike some remote jobs that require specialized training or extensive experience, many admin tasks rely on skills you probably already have. Think about the things you do to manage your day-to-day life. You likely schedule appointments, keep track of deadlines, and stay on top of your emails. These are all valuable admin skills that businesses are constantly in need of. What matters most is having strong organizational skills and being comfortable using common computer programs. Always in Demand No matter the size of the industry, businesses are always looking for ways to streamline their operations. Like scheduling meetings, managing emails, and doing research. They just don’t have the time (or sometimes the manpower) to handle it all themselves. That’s where you, a admin virtual assistant come in. You’ll take care of all those repetitive tasks that can bog down a business owner or employee, offering a helping hand to businesses in need, and freeing them up to focus on what they do best, doing tactical tasks and making decisions. It’s a win-win solution! Always being in demand means you can consistently earn money from this type of virtual assistant task. You can even increase your rates as you gain experience as an admin virtual assistant! Common Admin Tasks for VAs So, what exactly are admin tasks? Here’s a closer look at some of the most common admin tasks VAs do: Email Management: This may seem like a simple chore, but for busy professionals, it can be time-consuming. It involves sorting through incoming emails, prioritizing messages, crafting responses, and maintaining a clean and organized inbox. Calendar Management: Staying on top of schedules is crucial. VAs assist with scheduling appointments, setting reminders, coordinating meetings, and managing multiple calendars to ensure everyone stays on track. Document Creation & Editing: From crafting clear and concise reports to creating visually appealing presentations, VAs can transform raw information into polished documents that effectively communicate ideas. Data Entry: In the world of business, information is king, and keeping it organized is key. As a virtual assistant who specializes in data entry, you’ll be the data organizer! You take all sorts of information and put it into a neat and tidy format. This ensures that all vital information is readily accessible and up-to-date, making it easier for businesses to find what they need when they need it. Your tasks might include adding new products to online store websites, inputting customer or lead information, organizing survey answers, filling out daily marketing reports, and so on. Internet Research: Research is a vital tool for businesses of all sizes, but busy professionals often don’t have enough time to do it effectively. VAs offer a valuable solution, providing comprehensive research findings that empower businesses to make informed decisions. Imagine a coffee shop chain that wants to expand to Asia. You’d search for info on competitors, coffee trends, who drink it most (age groups, income levels), and even interview coffee lovers online to understand local preferences. This helps them pick the best country to open first! Travel Planning: Business trips can be hectic, but VAs can take the stress out of travel planning. They can handle all the logistics, booking flights and hotels, and crafting detailed itineraries to make the journey smooth and stress-free. Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service is paramount. VAs can handle customer inquiries, answer questions, and resolve issues. This ensures a positive customer experience, which is key for building loyalty and repeat business.   While these core admin tasks are a fantastic foundation for launching your VA career, there’s always room for growth! As you gain experience, you can expand your skillset to offer even more valuable services to your clients, such as: Social Media Management: In today’s digital age, a strong social media presence is essential, but managing these platforms can take much time. As a VA, you can help clients by scheduling engaging posts, responding to comments and messages from customers, and monitoring social media trends to ensure their online presence stays vibrant and effective. Bookkeeping: Maintaining accurate financial records is also important for any business. If you have an aptitude for numbers, you can expand your skillset to offer basic bookkeeping tasks to your clients. This might involve things like entering data into spreadsheets, managing invoices, and keeping track of expenses.   Remember, the choice is yours! As you gain experience and explore different areas, you can tailor your services to match your interests and skill set. There are many other specialized skills you can add to your repertoire as you progress in your VA career. The important takeaway is that starting with

Is Virtual Assistant a Good Side Hustle?

Is Virtual Assistant a Good Side Hustle? How to Decide if It’s Right for You Athika Rahma SEO Specialist Virtual Assistant at SGBVA October 15, 2024 Remote Working Tips It’s no secret that earning a decent income is essential to living a better life and enjoying the things we love. Often, one income stream isn’t enough, which is why many people turn to side hustles. One of the most popular side hustles today is becoming a Virtual Assistant (VA). You’ve probably heard this term on various platforms. As a VA, you have the opportunity to work remotely from anywhere. But the question is: is virtual assistant a good side hustle? Table of Contents The Opportunity of Becoming a VA To determine whether becoming a VA is a good side hustle, it’s important to first understand what a virtual assistant does. A virtual assistant is a remote worker who provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients, either part-time or full-time. VAs offer their expertise to help businesses meet their needs. So, is it like being a personal assistant, but online? Not exactly. There are many types of VA roles, including: Social Media Management (SMM) VA: Helps public figures or businesses promote their products or services on social media, building engagement with ideal clients or customers. Administrative Task VA: Assists busy individuals (such as business owners or people juggling multiple projects) by managing their administrative tasks. Project Management VA: Helps businesses manage their client projects efficiently. Email Marketing VA: Supports business growth through email marketing campaigns. Lead Generation VA: Helps businesses generate consumer interest in products or services with the goal of converting interest into sales. And that’s just the beginning! There are many more opportunities in this growing field. The Growing Demand for VAs With so many types of VA work, is there really a high demand for virtual assistants? According to a report by INSIDEA, the global virtual assistant market is projected to reach $25.63 billion by 2025, with an impressive annual growth rate of 30%. This growth is being driven by several key factors: More Remote Businesses Than Ever Before These days, more and more companies are going remote or adopting hybrid work setups, and that’s where virtual assistants (VAs) come in handy. Businesses still need help but often don’t want the hassle of hiring a full-time person to work in an office. That’s why VAs are becoming a go-to solution—companies can get the support they need without the commitment of a full-time hire. The Gig Economy Is Booming With so many people looking for flexible work, the gig economy is bigger than ever, and VAs are right at the center of it. Virtual assistants offer their services on a freelance or contract basis, which is a win-win for both sides. Companies can hire a VA just when they need one—for specific projects or tasks—without any long-term obligation. This is especially appealing for startups and small businesses that have fluctuating workloads. A More Affordable Option One of the biggest perks of hiring a VA is that it’s often cheaper than bringing on a full-time employee. For businesses in countries with high labor costs, hiring a VA from places like the Philippines, India, or Indonesia can be a real money-saver. It’s a cost-effective way to get the help they need without breaking the bank. Demand for Specialized Skills Is on the Rise The role of a VA has grown way beyond just managing emails or scheduling. Now, businesses are looking for VAs with specialized skills like digital marketing, social media management, content creation, and project management. As more companies rely on digital tools to grow, they need talented VAs who can help manage these important areas. A Lifeline for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur, you know what it’s like to juggle a million things at once. From marketing to customer service to handling finances, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Hiring a VA can be a game-changer—it frees up your time so you can focus on growing your business and working on the big-picture stuff, while the VA handles the daily tasks. No wonder so many entrepreneurs are turning to VAs for help. Saving Time Where It Counts  Business owners, especially those in startups, often find themselves buried in routine tasks like managing emails, scheduling meetings, and handling customer service. It can eat up hours of your day. This is where VAs step in, taking on those time-consuming jobs so owners can focus on more important things, like innovation and strategic decisions. The more business owners see how much time they save with a VA, the more popular this service becomes. The World Is Your Talent Pool Thanks to globalization, businesses aren’t limited to hiring people in their local area anymore. They can now tap into a global pool of talent, meaning they can find the perfect VA from anywhere in the world. For virtual assistants, especially those in developing countries, this opens up huge opportunities to work with clients across the globe. It’s a big reason why VA services are booming internationally. Why Now is the Right Time to Start VA Business Given the growing demand for virtual assistants, now is the perfect time to start your VA business. You can build your brand and develop your skills, so you’re ready to take full advantage of the booming VA market as it continues to expand. Before 2025, you have the chance to establish yourself in this rapidly growing industry. As businesses increasingly rely on virtual support, those who are well-prepared with the right skills and experience will have a competitive edge. Whether you’re skilled in administrative support, social media, project management, or other specialized areas, there’s a high demand for your services. The growing market, combined with the flexibility and freedom that comes with being a VA, makes it one of the most attractive and viable side hustles today! How Much Can You Earn as a VA? Virtual assistants play a

Virtual Assistant Salary 2024: How Much You Can Earn?

Virtual Assistant Salary: How Much Can You Earn as VA? Oni Lestari Virtual assistant, copywriter, SEO-expert Remote Working Tips After the Covid-19 pandemic, more opportunities have emerged to work remotely, without the need to go into an office. One great example is becoming a virtual assistant. You can work from home, or anywhere you like, and set your own schedule. However, many people are still ask: how much money can I make as a virtual assistant? Can you really charge $10 per hour for your services? What if that’s too expensive for some clients? On the other hand, what happens if you set your rate too low? To answer these questions, SGBVA has prepared an explanation on virtual assistant salary. Please read on! Table of Contents: Who is the Virtual Assistant? The definition of virtual assistants is partners who help businesses with administration, management, or creative tasks from the online space. This role is not new, it started in 1996 when Anastasia Stacy Brice pioneered this job as a full-time secretary working from home for her international clients. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the virtual assistant industry, as it contributed to remote work and de-urbanization trends. This made virtual assistants more popular and increased demand. As businesses adapt to the demands of the digital age, they are cultivating new needs, especially in technology and those skilled in it. Today, virtual assistants play a key role in increasing brand visibility through digital marketing, providing technical support, handling managerial tasks such as project management, and much more. The various duties and responsibilities of a virtual assistant are also tailored to the client’s needs. So, the services of a virtual assistant for one client may be different from another client. Virtual assistant salary services vary based on many factors, such as: Experience and reputation Specialized skills Project type and complexity Software and equipment Market demand Geographical location Fees for services like digital marketing and other services that require additional skills and knowledge are usually higher than administrative support or personal assistance services. Basic administrative tasks may range from $5 to $10 per hour, while specialized services like digital marketing or project management can command higher rates, often ranging from $10 to $25 per hour in the Southeast Asia region. Calculating Potential Earnings for a Beginner VA With businesses relying more on virtual help for remote work, being a virtual assistant is a smart choice. Here’s the exciting part; recent stats say the virtual assistant industry grew by 41% in 2020, and it’s still going up in line with the emergence of many online businesses (source: truelist.co). If you’re considering starting out, you might wonder about how much you can earn as a VA. Just like any other job, the fees for virtual assistants also vary based on many factors, such as experience and skillset. Virtual assistants salary are typically charged based on hourly rates, project-based rates, or even monthly packages. The chosen structure often depends on the nature of the tasks and the preferences of both the virtual assistant and the client. How do you figure out your niche? This question can be one of the most challenging aspects for beginners. We’re going to explain what a niche is and how to decide on your niche. But before we delve deeper, let’s make it clear: you don’t have to lock yourself into a niche. The best part of being a virtual assistant, or a business owner of any kind, is the flexibility to pivot your business as needed. If you choose a specific niche now, you can change it anytime. To figure it out, you can start by answering these two questions. One, “what skills do I already have that I can use to serve clients?” and two, “what type of tasks do I want to be doing as a virtual assistant?” Hourly Rates As a beginner, setting a competitive yet reasonable hourly rate is crucial. From our survey, beginner virtual assistant hourly rate is $10 per hour or $300 per month from one client. If we calculate, you can get that amount with 1-2 hours of work a day. Because of that, you still have plenty of time for other clients, or to upgrade your skills so you can increase your rates. Project-Based Rates For specific projects, virtual assistants might charge a flat fee. Project rates vary widely based on the complexity and duration of the task. For example, a landing page project starts with 24 hours of work or a week (source: onix-systems.com). If we calculate with hourly rates of $10 per hour, you could get $240 for a landing page project. A well-calculated project rate ensures fair compensation for the virtual assistant’s time and effort. Monthly Packages Offering monthly retainer packages is another approach. These packages provide a set number of hours for a fixed monthly fee, ensuring a consistent income for the virtual assistant. Let’s take an example of a monthly package that includes social media services, creating 4 posts per week and a total of 16 posts for the month. If it requires 30 hours a month and the hourly rate is $10 per hour, then $300 will be invoiced to a client every month. Again, it only takes 1-2 hours of work a day for one client, and you still have plenty of time for other clients, for family, or to upgrade yourself. Imagine you’re helping three clients. Two of them pay you monthly for managing their social media for 30 hours, and the third one pays for a project, like creating a landing page, which takes 24 hours. In total, you could earn $840 each month by working 4-5 hours a day. Set Up Minimum Acceptable Rate (MAR) Minimum Acceptable Rate (MAR) is a baseline that ensures services are not undervalued. It represents the minimum amount that a virtual assistant is willing to accept for an hour of skilled assistance, considering factors such as expenses, taxes, and desired income. There are steps on how