Become a Virtual Assistant in 2024 (Complete Checklist!)

Summary

In this video, Abby Ashley, founder of The Virtual Savvy, shares her journey of starting a virtual assistant business and offers a step-by-step guide for beginners. She covers essential topics like choosing services, setting rates, selecting a niche, and branding. Abby also emphasizes the importance of organizing processes, using tools like time tracking and invoicing software, and handling legalities such as obtaining an EIN and deciding whether to form an LLC. This checklist provides aspiring VAs with the clarity and resources needed to start and grow a successful business.

Takeaways

• 😀 Starting a virtual assistant business can be challenging, especially due to a lack of organized resources and clear guidance. It's important to seek information from multiple sources.
• 😀 Abby Ashley created a checklist and starter kit in 2017 to help aspiring virtual assistants by providing the clear, organized resources she wished she had when starting her business.
• 😀 The first step in starting a virtual assistant business is to decide what services you'll offer, such as general administrative tasks, social media management, or specialized skills like web design.
• 😀 Setting a rate for your services is essential. Most virtual assistants start with hourly rates between $25 and $35 per hour, and may later move to packages or monthly retainer options.
• 😀 Nailing down a niche is important for standing out in the virtual assistant industry. You may choose a general approach or specialize in a specific industry or service, such as wedding planning or Pinterest management.
• 😀 It’s crucial to know how much time you can commit each week to your business and set expectations accordingly, whether you’re working 5 or 10 hours a week.
• 😀 Creating a mission statement for your business helps clarify its purpose and communicate that vision to clients. This could involve summarizing who you help and how you help them.
• 😀 Branding is an important aspect of your business identity. Choosing a name, color scheme, and fonts should reflect your personal style and resonate with your target audience.
• 😀 Set up essential business systems, such as invoicing, time tracking (tools like Toggle), contracts, and client onboarding materials. These processes ensure smooth operations and protect you legally.
• 😀 Legal steps include applying for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for tax purposes, setting reminders for quarterly tax payments, and deciding on your business structure, such as a sole proprietorship or LLC.
• 😀 Abby encourages virtual assistants to download the free checklist at The Virtual Savvy, which helps organize your business decisions and offers additional resources for long-term success.

Q & A

What inspired Abby Ashley to start her virtual assistant business?

Abby Ashley started her virtual assistant business in 2015 after hearing about the concept from a friend who recognized her interest in marketing and computer skills. At the time, there was little information online on how to start a VA business, which led Abby to figure things out by piecing together resources from various sources like YouTube, podcasts, and blogs.

What was one of the main challenges Abby faced in the early stages of her business?

Abby struggled with finding a clear, structured approach to starting her business because the information she found was often conflicting. She had to patch together different resources without knowing the best order in which to tackle them.

How did Abby help other virtual assistants starting their businesses in 2017?

In 2017, Abby began training other virtual assistants and created a checklist and starter kit, which she described as the tool she wished she had when she was starting out. This resource aimed to give new VAs a clear path to follow.

What are the first steps Abby recommends for someone starting a virtual assistant business?

Abby recommends starting by choosing the services you want to offer, deciding on your rate, selecting a niche, and determining the amount of time you can dedicate to your business. She emphasizes starting with a clear mission statement and creating a pricing sheet to ensure clarity.

Why is it important to choose a niche when starting a virtual assistant business?

Choosing a niche helps you target a specific audience, which can make your marketing efforts more focused and effective. By narrowing your focus, you can better serve clients with specialized needs and build a reputation in a specific industry or skill set.

What are some common services that virtual assistants offer?

Virtual assistants often offer a wide range of services, such as general administrative tasks, customer service, writing blog posts, social media management, website design, and specialized services like Pinterest management or tech-related support.

How should a virtual assistant determine their pricing?

Virtual assistants should start by setting an hourly rate, typically between $25 and $35 per hour. Alternatively, they can create packages that bundle services at a fixed monthly rate. This allows clients to know their expenses upfront and helps the VA predict their work schedule.

What is the importance of branding for a virtual assistant business?

Branding is essential because it reflects the personality and unique style of your business. A strong brand helps you stand out in a competitive market, making it easier for potential clients to connect with you. Abby suggests using Pinterest for inspiration in designing your brand's color scheme and fonts.

What tools does Abby recommend for managing a virtual assistant business?

Abby recommends tools like Toggle for time tracking, QuickBooks or Honeybook for invoicing and accounting, and creating a contract for each client to ensure clear terms of service. These tools help VAs stay organized, manage their time, and maintain professional relationships.

What legal steps should a virtual assistant take when starting their business?

Abby advises virtual assistants to apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) through the IRS, which helps protect personal information and is necessary for taxes. She also recommends setting up reminders for quarterly taxes and deciding whether to operate as a sole proprietor or form an LLC for legal protection.

Why is it critical to have a contract when working with clients as a virtual assistant?

A contract is essential to protect both the VA and the client legally. It clarifies the scope of work, payment terms, deadlines, and expectations, preventing misunderstandings. Abby emphasizes that VAs should never work without a contract.

What are some additional resources Abby provides for virtual assistants?

Abby offers a free downloadable checklist and starter guide for virtual assistants to help them organize their business. Additionally, she provides a free training program on how to become a booked-out virtual assistant, as well as other helpful tools and resources on her website.