Success isn’t something that happens overnight, as any successful Virtual Assistant will tell you. It takes time and dedication to make your business work – and to get your business working for you. There are specific skills you need, in order to be a good Virtual Assistant, but those skills will vary, depending on the type of niche you’re focusing on and the type of work you’re looking to offer. However, if you want to be a successful Virtual Assistant, you’re going to need this three-step formula. 

Step #1: Have the right mindset 

Running your own business is something you need to be in for the long game. If you go into it with the mentality of it being a quick earner or a way to get back at your old boss, you’ll struggle. As stated last week, 8 out of 10 businesses fail, due to having the wrong mindset and neglecting to take their business seriously (if you haven’t read last week’s blog, you can do here). 

It’s important that you know why you want to become a successful Virtual Assistant. What is your driving motivator? Is it to provide for your family? Do you want to be home with your children, so you can spend quality time with them after school? Are you looking for a portable business that will allow you to travel the world? Knowing what motivates you enables you to get clear on your overall objectives, as well as setting up suitable goals to ensure this happens for you. 

See the VACT blog “What is an entrepreneur mindset & why it’s important to have one” –  https://vact.co.uk/what-is-an-entrepreneur-mindset-why-its-important-to-have-one-2/

Step #2: Gain the knowledge you need, to get started 

A successful Virtual Assistant is a knowledgeable one. Yes, you also need experience but, if you’ve previously worked in an office supporting role (such as PA, EA or secretary), you have the basic experience and skillset already to offer a traditional PA service.

However, you also need to expand on that experience. Working remotely and online is a different dynamic, to that of being present in an office with your boss and colleagues. There’s also going to be a slightly different way of doing things, when you’re liaising online and virtually.  

This is why it would be a huge benefit to your success, to study a dedicated Virtual Assistant course, one that covers the skills needed to do the job including the on boarding process of clients, as well as those skills needed to run your own business. Another great option, would be to invest in a mentor who specialises in training and mentoring Virtual Assistants. Not only will they be able to give you the knowledge and skills you need, they’ll also be there to support and guide you, whilst you get your business up and running. 

Step #3: Know how you define success 

Finally, you need to decide what success means for you. Success is subjective – know what motivates and drives you.  If you know what motivates you – you’ll be a long way towards knowing what success looks like for you. For some, it could be financially driven; success might look like a five-figure bank balance each month. For others, success is defined as being able to work four days a week and during school hours and term time only. 

This three-step formula will not only help you stay focused and motivated, it’ll also ensure you have a solid foundation in place, upon which to build your own successful Virtual Assistant business.  However, we need to remember that each and every VA is different and so yes the 3 step formula will be the same for each of them but the individual specifics will be relevant to the VA. 

If you’re ready to get the skills and knowledge you need, to start your own successful Virtual Assistant business, check out our new affordable DIY Virtual Assistant Mastery course. Not only do you get in depth training to help you start your VA business, you also have the option to upgrade and get a one-to-one mentoring call and a set of legal templates for your business, too!