Getting Started as a Virtual Assistant
As Founder and Director of the Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group (GHVA), I receive many inquiries from individuals wanting to know how they can get started in this field. My schedule does not allow me to respond to each one personally, so I have written this article to answer the questions that I receive most often.
VANetworking.com is a great source of information about the VA industry. It has been around since 2003, so you can probably find the answers to most, if not all, of your questions in the archives, and if not, you can post them and count on receiving a number of replies. A basic membership is free, and for access to additional information and resources, including access to RFPs, you can purchase a membership to the VAinsider Club.
If you’re not familiar with the term “RFP,” it stands for “Request for Proposal.” Most VA associations, including the GHVA, allow clients searching for a virtual assistant to submit the details of their requirements, and members can then send their information for consideration. This is similar to applying to job postings, except that you’re not looking to be an employee but an independent contractor, so instead of a resume, you’re sending a proposal.
For a more focused approach, there are organizations for VAs who specialize in supporting coaches, authors, the real estate industry, or other areas. Since I’m not involved with any of these groups, I’m unable to provide any details, but you can find information about them by Googling your area of interest.
Canada even has its own VA association, The Canadian Association of Virtual Assistants (CAVA), which offers three levels of membership so you don't have to make a big investment if you're just exploring your options.
There are also regional groups who meet in person on a regular basis, as the Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group (GHVA) did for over ten years.
Additional Resource
GHVA Group Founder & Director, Janet Barclay is quoted in this valuable guide to becoming a virtual assistant.
I know quite a few people who have been able to go through the government’s Self-Employment Program and found it to be very helpful, but if you’re not eligible, there are lots of other places you can get information and advice on starting a business, such as through your local Small Business Enterprise Centre or community college, or from a business coach. There are even coaches who specialize in working with VAs, not to mention a large number of VA training and/or certification programs.
It’s not a “get rich quick” scheme, so don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise, but if you’re prepared to work hard and to learn new skills on an ongoing basis, and committed to achieving your goals, you can certainly make a decent living as a virtual assistant.