In this post, we’re going to explore what it means to be a professional Virtual Assistant. I will point out which skills influence the perception of you and why they help you stand out in your niche. This is the third part of my series that focuses on the skills you need to be a successful VA.
This post is part of The Ultimate VA Success Guide: The VA Skills You Need That Nobody Tells You About. Below you’ll find an overview of all blog posts it includes:
Your Reputation Is Your Brand
This is my take on what it means to be a Professional Virtual Assistant and why it’s important. Especially now that online business is growing faster than ever which means so is the VA Industry. Your reputation is your brand in a sense and it’s important that you are customer-service focused and have your business systems in place before taking on clients – especially if you’re working with clients that have been burned before.
What do I mean by “customer-service focused”? I mean focus on delivering quality services and if you screw up, own it and then do what it takes to make it right. Don’t disappear. I’ve heard too many stories lately of Virtual Assistants that promise one thing and deliver something else or nothing at all. Then they all off the face of the earth. This gives the whole industry a black eye and creates distrust for all of us.
Reasons To Be A Professional Virtual Assistant
To me, each of these reasons is important because I prefer to work with professionals and want to be viewed as a professional myself. What about you?
- Professionals earn more than hobbyists (someone who is a VA part-time or on the side).
- Professionals want to work with Professionals.
- Professionals deliver quality services.
There is nothing wrong with having a VA business as a side hustle – I think it’s awesome if that’s your dream/vision. You have to ask yourself what is your vision – what does your dream business look like. Only you can answer that – and there is NO wrong answer. Remember my motto – your business – your choice. Do what feels right for you!
What You Need To Be A Professional Virtual Assistant
- First, have the desire.
- Second, have what I would call “professional skills”.
- And third, rinse and repeat systems.
My Definition Of Professional Skills
These “skills” are really a combination of traits and best practices. Things like:
- Don’t take on clients before you’re ready.
- All your business systems are set up and ready to go.
- You’re proactive.
- You’re honest and ethical.
- You want to help your clients succeed.
- You only take on the “right” clients for you.
- You keep it professional.
- You collaborate and partner with your clients.
Having these traits or best practices doesn’t mean you’ll be successful. But it does show your clients that you’re invested and willing to take action to help them be successful.
A Rinse And Repeat Systems
A business is made up of a series of systems. No systems equals no business (at least not for long). You want to be sure you’ve got your key business systems implemented as soon as possible. These systems are the foundation of a successful business. If you need help setting up, implementing, and automating your systems please have a look at my VA Success System training.
Do you have your key systems implemented? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for reading – Susan
P.S. If you're ready to invest in yourself and a professional future, please check out my VA Success Training. It's for people that are serious about running a successful Online Business. It includes everything you need from business set-up, getting clients, client management, a WP website, coaching, a supportive community, and so much more.
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