As of 2021, the demand for Virtual Assistants has increased by 41% since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite many states and counties throughout the U.S. have been given the green light to resume pre-COVID functions and the unemployment rate currently sits under five percent as the time of this article, employers are still seeking retirement of Virtual Assistance, hinting at an evolving trend in the workforce letting people work from home.
There seems to be no better time to hop into Freelance Virtual Assisting than this current moment. This article will cover topics every beginner VA should know, such as marketing and branding, catching that first client, setting rates and the pros and cons of working as an independent contractor. First, though, let us look into why Virtual Assisting is in such high demand.
The benefits of Going Virtual
First, Virtual Assistants cut down expenses for employers compared to traditional employees. Without in-house employees, entrepreneurs cut the expense of the hiring and recruitment process, ranging from interviewing and background checks on potential employees. Employers also diminish the cost of equipment, such as phones, computers, desks, electricity, and water bills, as most Virtual Assistants have these necessities covered in their place of work.
Hiring a Virtual Assistant means only paying the hours worked. Employers do not cover the costs of sick days, vacation time, or health insurance. It is important to note that in contrast with in-house employees, the Freelance Virtual Assistant has increased productivity levels. The most significant advantage is that Virtual Assistants only work when needed; this means no paying for insufficient work.
It is no wonder, then, why entrepreneurs and small businesses are looking to hire Virtual Assistants. Its cost efficiency and overall advantages of VA's give employers more time to focus on other aspects of growing their business. With the combination of younger CEOs taking the forefront in business and as things become more digitalized, Virtual Assistants have opportunities to leverage their skill and expertise. This leads to our next point: having a firm handle on fundamentals and marketing as not just a Freelancer, but a brand and business.
Know Your Fundamentals
VA work is versatile, but like with any career, there are fundamental skills the VA should have in their toolkit. Basic knowledge of the ins and outs of programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel (and similar programs depending on the client) is a must. Most already understand such programs, but as the VA will undoubtedly work directly with these programs daily, it is best to be proficient in utilizing them.
Virtual Assistants must be great communicators, both in word and orally. Whether communicating through telephone or email, any capable VA must have a strong command of language. Conversations, emails, and reports should be easily understood but informative. The tone is also important. Certain work requires different tones and language. Suppose a VA works for a Therapy office. These clients are at a vulnerable and distressing point in their lives. A Virtual Assistants language and tone must come off as sensitive, kind while being professional and informational. In short: adaptability plays a vital role for any VA.
Self-discipline and time management are required of any Freelancer. As most Freelancers work from home, it is up to them to set their limits and schedules. The more clients accumulated, the more precise one must be with time management.
Catching that First Client and Marketing on Various Platforms
It is any Freelancers goal to implement their passion as a full-time career; this is a process. Let us look at landing client number one. If one is entirely new, offer services for free in exchange for feedback or testimonials. This may sound counterintuitive at first glance, but if one is getting their career started with zero experience and no degree, this may be necessary for the novice Freelancer. Experience is more valuable than a paycheck if the Virtual Assistant is passionate about the work when starting. If the client wants to keep the services offered, discussions of payment might be in order. Be sure any work done for free, however, is brief.
Utilizing Social Media to market services can also garner clients. Join VA groups and network with professionals to land clients. To note, any Freelancer should master the art of cold-pitching. Cold-pitching is where the Freelancer approaches potential clients directly and offers services. Pitches should be tailor-made, specific, and beneficial to the company being pitched. A great Freelancer researches the individual company or business and operates this information in their email while simultaneously explaining that the services offered can bring lasting benefit to the client. What is it the Freelance VA is offering employers that promote business growth?
Whether selling services or products, a unique and identifiable brand must be present whatever a Freelancer is selling. When employers are searching for VA's, the imagery and writing style must be professional and intriguing. Professional profiles should give distinct character and voice. It is important to remember that profile photos and biography summaries are an employer's first impression. The Freelancer, in essence, is introducing themselves to potential clientele.
This means professional Social Media accounts and personal ones should present a distinct contrast. Overly personal posts, photos, or comments should be absent from professional accounts. Though the Freelancers personality should be present, this is accomplished through everything posted, so every post should be carefully planned and methodically prepared.
Setting Rates
Putting a dollar amount on work is personal decision. Though, setting rates is how the Freelancer adds value to their work and time. In short, how much are the skills, expertise, and experience being offered worth? Researching how similar VA's charge depending on experience, the work involved, and area should be weighed in.
With that said, knowing when clients are trying to take advantage of services is an important skill to develop as early as possible. That is when these other areas mentioned come into account. The Freelancer should know their worth as well as the client. There is plenty of work available. Do not accept ridiculously low-paying gigs or obnoxious pay rates.
A Note on Viewing Freelancing As a Business
As mentioned earlier, every Freelancer, regardless of their work, should view themselves as a business, especially when communicating with clientele. Whether a growing business has a team backing them or is an employee of one, it is crucial to view Freelancing with long-term goals and to set and evaluate progress and development.
The Pros and Cons of Freelancing
Aside from setting the hours and days a Freelancer will work, Freelancers have the opportunity to pick and choose whom they work or collaborate with. The Freelancer also has the freedom to work from anywhere; being home or in an office are not the only places at the Freelancer's disposal. Work can be done virtually anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection, such as the library or coffee shop. Accomplishing work can be done outside too.
The disadvantage to Freelancing is accountability and losing out on Employee benefits and Vacation time. Any time not at work means not getting paid. Those who suffer from debilitating physical or mental illnesses may want to plan accordingly if a client with healthcare benefits from traditional work.
Parting Words
Of course, there are many more variables that should be considered when starting a Freelancing career than mentioned in this article. Before springing into Freelancing full-time, be sure the change is made gradually and well-planned and researched. AIM offers free resources at your disposal, and it is our hope you take full advantage of them.
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