Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve created this FAQ section specifically for new Virtual Assistants to answer the most common questions I see asked on Social Media and by my clients.

Do you offer free training?

Yes, I do. I have a Free Virtual Assistant Training Vault with many hours of how-to videos on topics like getting started, getting clients, marketing, setting rates, packaging your services, and many more. You can join for FREE and then dive right into the training.

How do I get my VA business started?

I’ve written blog posts that will walk you through what you need to do to set up your business and get started working with clients.

If you prefer guided training check out my VA Success System. It’s all about helping you launch a successful VA business.

Do you have a list of the tasks I need to launch my business?

Yes, I do. In fact, I have a step-by-step VA Biz Action Plan Bundle with all the tasks you need to follow to set up your VA business with confidence.

If you prefer more in-depth training check out the VA Success System. It’s all about helping you set-up and launch a successful VA business.

What skills are clients asking for?

I’ve created a free ebook that goes over the top 10 skills clients are looking for.

Or have a look at my TechieU Training. It focuses on teaching in-demand skills and the systems you need to offer them as a service.

What should I call my business ? Can I use my own name?

Yes, you can use any name that resonates with you. Please don’t use a name that is similar to someone else in the VA industry to avoid confusion.

And… please do not use VA or Virtual Assistant in your business name or branding. It limits you – stay away from it.

Here are 2 great resources to help you come up with ideas:

Do I need any type of insurance?

Yes… check with your insurance agent. They can tell you what type you need. The most common is E+O (Errors and Omissions), but you need to know that it depends on what services you’re offering as well.

Always talk to a professional when it comes to anything legal, financial and insurance-based.

Hiscox is an agency that I’ve heard good things about from other Virtual Assistants. I’ve not used them before – be sure to do your due diligence.

Do I need a certification to work with clients or get hired?

No, you do not – in fact, there are no real “VA Certifications”. It’s a marketing ploy. If you’d like more details, I’ve written a blog post all about VA Certifications and why you don’t need one.

Should I have a Facebook business page?

Yes… I would recommend you create a business page for your business. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, something simple that explains who you are, what you do and how to contact you.

If you’re going to be a social media manager, then you need to be sure you have a more robust page.

Where can I get a client agreement?

I include these Microsoft Word Business Templates that every Virtual Assistant should use in my VA Biz Action Plan Bundle and my VA Success System training. They are the exact same business templates that I use and were professionally created along with my attorney.

This bundle includes:

VA Client Agreement (Client Contract)
VA Business Policies Template
Client Welcome Email Template
Proposal Template
Client Information Form
List of Services Form
Client Intake Checklist
Kick-Off Call Agenda
How to Work with Me Checklist

What questions should I ask during a discovery call?

I recommend you keep it simple. Only ask what you absolutely must know from them. I wrote a blog post that will give you some ideas and you can download sample questions.

What tools do I need for my business?

When starting out I would recommend having the following tools to help automate your business. You can find many of the tools I mention have a FREE trial period and many of them have FREE versions as well.

Task Management System (This is a must-have tool to help you track your time, tasks, and deadlines. I use Teamwork, I would suggest trying a few out before deciding on one).
Cloud Storage (Tools for storing and sharing documents such as Google Drive or DropBox).
E-Signature Program (Tools for e-signing contracts, etc. Hello Sign or Docu Sign are both free and are easy to use).
Invoicing Tools (Tool for invoicing clients. PayPal, Stripe and Wave are all great options and are free).
Communication Tools (Used for screen sharing and meetings. Zoom or Skype are great options and have free versions).

Make sure to read my blog post Set-Up These 16 Must-Have Tools For Virtual Assistants Before You Launch Your Biz to get an even better overview.

Do I need an LLC to start my business?

No, you do not. You can start your business as a sole proprietor and then move to an LLC when you have the income. (This is not legal advice, just based on my own experience).

LLC’s cost money even if you do them yourself – you have to pay the registration fees in whatever state you register the LLC in. And… it doesn’t have to be in the state where you live. I have one in AZ and one in CO.

It’s always smart to talk to an attorney and CPA to find out what is best for your own business – everyone is different.

What do I charge or how do I price my services?

I’ve created a YouTube video series on setting your rates – there is no one size fits all answer to this question. It depends on several things like how much you need to earn, how much you want to work, etc.

How do I register my business?

Every location and business is different. You need to check with your local government to find out the exact details of starting a business, whether you need to file paperwork and/or pay a fee.

You can google “new home based business setup” or “starting a home based business” then your location.

What type of business structure do I need?

It depends, no one size fits all answer here. Check with a CPA or Attorney to find out what works best for you. Every business is different and located in different places.

The most common business types are Sole Prop and LLC.

Do I need an attorney or CPA?

You should have a CPA and attorney as part of your business team. They can help answer all your questions when it comes to taxes, paying yourself, legal agreements and so much more.

Ask for referrals from friends, family and colleagues. If you’re in the US then you can check into something like Legal Shield for attorneys. It’s what I use and love it.

Do I need a website when I'm getting started?

I say yes you do. It makes you appear professional and serious about being a VA.

I recommend starting with something as simple as a 1-Page WordPress website that details who you are, what you do, and how to contact you. As part of my VA Success System, you get a 1 Page WordPress Divi Theme Template to help you create your #1 business asset in no time.

How do I get or find clients?

The most important thing to do is to first figure out what services you’re going to offer, how much you need to charge, and who you want to work with (this is your target market). Have a look at my VA Success System. It teaches you everything to set up a successful VA business.

You need to have the skills clients want. They’re looking for help with the technology and tools that automate their business. If you don’t have the skills it’s hard to find clients. WordPress is a great skill to have – one that all Virtual Assistants should know. You can learn how to build WordPress websites and offer it as a service in my TechieU Training.

If you don’t pick a market it makes it much more difficult to find clients. I’ve written a blog post that will help you.

How do I create packages for my services?

Packaging your expertise is a great way to stop selling your time and earn more money too. I’ve written a blog post that takes you through my packaging system. My VA Success System also teaches you how to create Service Packages step-by-step.

What tools do your recommend for tracking the time you spend on tasks?

There are many different tools that will allow you to track your time, tasks and deadlines. The most popular ones are Task Management systems.

I recommend googling “task management systems” and then trying out a few. Many of them have a free version or a free trial. It all comes down to finding the tool that is best for you. They all do similar things – my best advice is try before you buy.