Being a Virtual Assistant can provide a wide range of career opportunities. There are, however, misconceptions that many believe about Virtual Assisting. If you feel that Virtual Assisting is your calling, then you should fully emerge yourself in it.
A quote from American Novelist Joyce Carol Oates said regarding new authors, "If you think you're a writer, then you probably are." That statement could be applied to almost any career out there!
For this month’s podcast, I sat down with Cassandre, the founder of Virtually Cass to discuss what holds people back from pursuing their Virtual Assisting career and how to power through and find the inner strength to deal with the challenges that come with the job.
Before starting her journey, Cassandre was a full time nurse for eight and a half years. But during COVID, she decided it was time for a career change. The podcast talks about holding that self-awareness when running your own business. She says, “ I’m always in tune with myself about how I'm feeling. If I'm feeling anxious, if I'm feeling tired, it really stems from knowing who you are.”
The Common Fear of Virtual Assisting
As an employee, things like taxes, a set work schedule, and streamlining tasks are already laid out for you. However, as a business owner, it's up to you what's a tax write-off, your daily schedule, and how you divide up your work is totally up to you to figure out.
Another fear is when you start, how are you going to find clients? They're so many Virtual Assistance out there. How do you stand out from the pack and make an impression on a client? Thinking about that can be discouraging. No two virtual assistants are exactly alike.
We all have skills that vary from each other. One VA may be skilled in writing while another is a master of photo editing programs like Photoshop and Canva. Knowing what you're good at can help you to determine what clients you should be pursuing.
Misconception #1: Virtual Assisting isn't a Real Job
Many believe that virtual assisting isn't a career path. Making money from home and running a business is too good to be a tangible source of income. There could be nothing further from the truth. The tasks VAs provide are plentiful and tedious.
What does a Virtual Assistant do? Let's take a look at some Virtual Assistant services:
Administrative tasks
Email Management
Creating pdfs
Sending out Invoices
Social Media Management (curating posts and captions for various platforms)
Writing Blogs
Website upkeep
Business owners need a range of these different services. Many entrepreneurs don't have the time to do the work themselves. Hiring a Virtual Assistant that does these tasks can save companies on overhead expenses.
Misconception #2: You're a Glorified Secretary
Again, this is entirely false. The two couldn't be any more different. Also, keep in mind that being a Virtual Assistant, you are also a business owner. You are not an employee. VA's do not work for their clients. They work with them.
It's a collaborative effort. And it's crucial for those seeking to hire a VA to know that. This means there have to be clear boundaries set. We'll get into that a bit later.
Misconception #3: You're Lazy
Many do not believe (even some VA's who started their business!) that virtual assisting is a real job. How can that be true? After all, you're providing real services. You're doing real work. What a Virtual Assistant can do for a business is limitless.
The individual skill sets are an asset. On top of that, you're doing work you love and are passionate about. At the very least, you're doing something enjoyable.
Misconception #4: Because You Work from Home, You can Do Whatever You Want
Yes, Virtual Assistants work from home. However, as mentioned earlier, you still need a set schedule as you would with a typical job. That requires discipline.
Time management is just one asset in the entrepreneur's skill toolbox.
Let's look at other skills you should know as an entrepreneur!
The Entrepreneur's Toolbox
Skill #1: Have Regular Check-ins with Yourself
Your body has more of the answers than you do. So, if you're feeling anxious or overworked, listen to what your body is telling you. How else can you do regular check-ins?
Keep a journal: Journaling can help you see any patterns leading to burnout. Writing every day and periodically checking in it could be what you need to change unhealthy habits while building new ones.
Skill #2: Self-Trust is Confidence
Trusting in yourself and knowing you can succeed can do wonders for your self-esteem and confidence. Everything is happening for you, not to you.
Skill #3: Mindset is Important
Know who you are and what you want out of your business. It's an extension of you. Treat it with care—brainstorm short-term as well as long-term goals. Understand the intricacies of who you are.
Skill #4: Tap into Your Resources
What do we mean? Resources are your support system and the little rituals you do to center yourself.
Reach out to your family and friends. Have a cup of tea and practice mindful meditation in the mornings. We call this a resource because it brings you back to who you are at your core.
Skill #5: Set Boundaries with Clients
You work with clients, not for them. There's a big difference. Set clear times when you work and when you don't and honor it because the client may not always do so. Do not let a client's mood (especially a negative one) wear you down.
People come from all walks of life and carry individual experiences and traumas that makeup who they are. Don't let clients throw a ton of work on you and expect a quick turnaround.
Boundaries are self-respect. When you place those, you can be more efficient and avoid burnout.
Skill #6: Your personality Is a Skill
You're being hired for both your skills and personality. Always build a safe and comfortable environment for clients to trust you.
Bounce off their personality. It's a skill to mold your professional personality that best fits with the shape of the client. In short, you have to be a chameleon. This adds value to your work.
Is Being a Virtual Assistant Worth It?
Well, that's up to you! If you have any inclination you want to be a VA or entrepreneur, dive fully into it. Even if you hold down a regular 9-to-5, you can make your side hustle a legitimate source of income. But you have to show up for yourself first. You have to believe you can do it. Take a leap of faith. Time isn’t a constraint. Allow it to work for you. Cassandre said it best, “...just kind of move with the flow as best you can with the resources that you have.” Everything will work itself out in the end.
You can find Cassandre on Instagram at Virtually.Cass
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