Hey there, fellow dreamers and go-getters!
Buckle up because today, I’m taking you on a ride through the winding roads of my entrepreneurial adventure – a journey that led me to become a Virtual Assistant, armed with nothing but determination and a sprinkle of audacity. So, grab your virtual backpack, pack some curiosity, and let’s dive in.

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How I Became a Virtual Assistant with No Experience

There are many job opportunities that you can do in the comfort of your own home. I wasn’t aware of that until I started my journey in the summer of 2019.

I had my first son in October of 2013 and became a stay-at-home mom. Until then, I worked as an office manager for Texas AgriLife Extension. I also had a degree in elementary education and had taught 1st grade for a couple of years. I struggled a bit once my second son was born in May of 2016.

I often reflect on the life-changing moment when I became a mother. Welcoming my beautiful children into the world was a dream come true, but it also brought the realization that my identity was shifting. I was a devoted mom, but I yearned to be more—a provider, a creator, an explorer of new horizons.

With my kids’ needs as my driving force, I embarked on a path that would change my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. In 2019, I founded my virtual assistant business, a venture born out of a desire to contribute financially to my family while nurturing my entrepreneurial spirit.

But Where Do I Start?

This was the question I found myself asking. In early 2018, I started writing a blog about motherhood and saw the incredible need for assistance from these big-time bloggers. I knew that many bloggers and other entrepreneurs needed Media Kits for brand collaborations, graphic designs for their websites and social media, and help with scheduling and content creation for social media. This was similar to what I had already been doing with my blog, so why not offer this service to others?

My first step was creating a page on my website for my services, and then I hustled to get the word out there. I joined every Facebook group you could join that catered to Virtual Assistants or Work-From-Home opportunities. I got my first few clients in those groups, which led to more experience and testimonials to put on my site. My clients since then have all been from word of mouth and recommendations from current or previous clients.

What is a Virtual Assistant?

A Virtual Assistant can be a number of things! You don’t just have to limit yourself to Social Media Management or Administrative. There are people out there who are Virtual Shopping Assistants, WordPress set-up, and more.

In a nutshell, a Virtual Assistant is an individual who conducts many different tasks from the comfort of their own home. Many people use Virtual Assistants, bloggers, or small business owners because they run out of time throughout the day.

That’s where they’ll hire a Virtual Assistant to delegate tasks, and in turn, they can focus on their goals.

Here is a list of other Virtual Assistant duties:
Social Media Management

Small business owners and bloggers alike are busy creating and chasing their dreams. To help free up time, they will delegate their Social Media tasks to a Virtual Assistant.

You’re perfect for Social Media Management if you are wonderful with engagement, creating click-worthy headlines and captions, and designing beautiful graphics.

Some Social Media platforms and tasks for you as a Virtual Assistant:

• Twitter
• TikTok
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest

General Administration

This job is perfect for you if you have experience with general administration, secretary work, and more. Some job duties that you may be required to do as a General Administrative Virtual Assistant:

• Email management
• Data entry
• Managing emails
• Research
• Handling leads

Pinterest Management

Some bloggers and small business owners don’t have the time or don’t know how to use Pinterest. This platform is amazing and is the number one traffic source for me.

Other clients may already have a strategy that works for them and need someone to keep up with it while they focus their attention on other tasks.

Pinterest Management tasks could include:

• Pinterest setup
• Tailwind setup
• Pin Creation
• SEO
• Communities Management

E-Commerce

Small business owners, like Etsy Sellers, can require help. They have so many tasks running a small business.

You can help an E-Commerce owner by completing any of these tasks:

• Managing emails
• Website management
• Handle returns or exchanges
• Marketing
• Social media

Other lists of duties:

• Finances
• Date entry
• Content creation
• Freelancing
• Copywriting
• Web Design
• Brand Design
• Research

Now What?

What it takes to become a Virtual Assistant is grit and determination! However, several courses are available if you want to take a course to become a Virtual Assistant.

If you have experience with Administrative duties, Marketing, and blogging, it can benefit you. You’ll pretty much know the tasks at hand. Don’t have experience in everything? That’s alright as well.

You can always learn the trade. There are people I’ve worked with who have no problem teaching me. Remember, don’t promise something you can’t deliver!

How to Get Started as A Virtual Assistant

Getting started can be tricky – trust me, I’ve been there. You’ll definitely need a service where clients can pay you – I use PayPal and will eventually switch to a different financing program. Also, you’ll want to start setting aside whatever income you make to the side for tax purposes at the end of the year.

What is your talent? What are you familiar with?

Once you have answered these questions, you can sit down and pick what services you want to offer. Need a refresher? Scroll up and look over some of the tasks I mentioned above.

Once you’ve come up with services you want to offer future clients, you can sit down and determine the prices for your menu.

After you’ve decided on the prices and services you will be offering, you’ll need to set up a website and other social media platforms for marketing reasons.

You’ll want to be seen by potential clients! MARKET YOURSELF. Consider your website and social media as a handshake with your potential clients.

If you’re not comfortable with starting your own business, you can apply to be a Virtual Assistant with a company:

• Fiverr
• Upwork
• FlexJobs
• Indeed
• Zip Recruiter
• Remote

How to Decide on Rates

Choosing rates can definitely be one of the most stressful parts of becoming a Virtual Assistant. But hey, don’t let it stress you out – consider it a voyage of discovery and empowerment!

Setting your prices is where the art and heart of your VA business intersect. It’s about valuing your expertise, understanding your client’s needs, and finding that sweet spot where your passion meets your paycheck.

Honestly, it is going to depend on your expertise level. The more experienced you are, the more you can charge for your services.

I’ve seen some more experienced Virtual Assistants charge $50+ an hour! Don’t under-value yourself. Know your worth. Expert tip: don’t forget you must pay taxes as a sole proprietor.

Initially, I way under-priced myself and charged clients $12 an hour (yes, I know). As of 2023, I charge anywhere between $35 to $55, depending on the expected tasks.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are deciding on your prices:

• Understand your Costs: Start by calculating your business expenses, including software subscriptions, equipment, internet, and overhead costs. This forms the foundation of your pricing.
• Know Your Worth
• Market Research
• Hourly VS Project-Based: Decide whether you’ll charge hourly rates or offer project-based pricing. Both have their pros and cons, so choose the one that aligns with your business model.
• Consider Your Niche
• Raise Rates Gradually
• Test Your Pricing
• Track Your Time

Are you ready to be your own boss?

You can find more information regarding my services here Virtual Assistant.

Are you a Virtual Assistant? What are your tips for aspiring Virtual Assistants? Leave a comment below. I would love to read your tips!

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“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

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