What does it take to be a Virtual Administrator? Can you do this as your first job? What does a Virtual Admin actually do?
So, how does one get started in the Virtual Administrative world? What does one actually do for this job? Are there credentials needed?
First of all, Virtual Administration is NOT for those just out of school. You must already know the different kinds of business documents that need to be created, and the different systems of running a business, admin-wise. While education can show you the way, only real-time experience will give you the edge for being a success.
Think of Virtual Admin as a goal to attain for your second career, or a climb up the ladder.
So, if you have already worked in different offices (to get the flavour of how to work with different businesses, what is needed in different types of offices, how to handle problems and crisis's, how to meet impossible deadlines), then Virtual Admin might be an option for you.
You will need to set up an office at home: computer with (hopefully) high-speed internet access; a high quality printer; scanner; fax ability (to send and receive easily); phone and message machine or voice mail; contact couriers and waybills; postage and mailing supplies; office supplies. And yes, this is quite an initial outlay of cash, and yes, as a Virtual Admin you ARE, in effect, self-employed.
Still with me? As you can see, any virtual work requires fore-planning and a business plan or budget. Do NOT just decide to invest in the equipment and put out a shingle. Where will you get clients? Do you get clients first and then equipment, or equipment first? Yep, you are in a circle. Best idea is to have the basics - you should already own a computer with internet access and a high quality printer. Your computer most likely is already capable of sending and receiving faxes; you can always upgrade to high speed internet and buy an inexpensive scanner if your printer doesn't already have that capability. The office supplies are probably already in your home, and the postage supplies can easily be picked up from your local postal office as you need them - use your local postal office as well for courier service.
Now, clients. Yes, the internet has a wealth of sites devoted to getting you to give money for the honour of being on their list of Virtual Admins or being allowed to bid on a contract. Do they work? We'll explore that idea in the next article.
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Copyright August 2, 2006. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved.
