Are you multi-talented? Worked in loads of different jobs? Have hands on skills which you could do virtually? Are you sick and tired of commuting to work each day, being tied to office hours, do you dream of all the things you could be doing at home while you are stuck at work?
Could you hone some of the tasks, or jobs you are really good at into a virtual assistant business? Many people are fooled into thinking a virtual assistant is like an āeaā āexecutive assistantā like looking after all areas of a business virtually - but itās not. You can become a virtual assistant in your special area of expertise. You can even start out as one kind of virtual assistant then niche down to what you love doing!
I started off my Virtual Assistant career while I still had a day job of some sort - which ranged from an actual office job, to a cleaning business. First I started off doing email inbox management and social media for one of my friends, at the same time I was building my online essential oils business so I was learning how to make websites, create blog posts, send out email newsletters. I then started working for a Virtual Assistant agency doing purely social media posting for different NZ businesses, so from doing all of this plus my years of working in retail stores I got to learn loads and found what I enjoyed, what I didnāt enjoy and have now created my ideal Virtual Assistant business which fits in perfectly with my life and family and gives me the freedom Iāve always wanted.
Now donāt get me wrong, this did not happen overnight, I started on this VA journey over 7 years ago, and alot of LIFE happened in between, but the flexibility of being able to work when I could, on my terms and slowly build it to how I wanted to has been life changing! And guess what you can do it too! I now have a range of clients whom Iāve worked with - most for many years. Once we get a feel for each other and I can figure out how I can help them the most - whether its social media posting, website updates, creating images for them to post in an ongoing schedule, writing blog posts or creating email templates they can re-use or a simple strategy for them to follow themselves - this is a business I have created which suits me - it suits my clients and it suits me.
So how could you do this for yourself? Have a think about what you do now? What do you love doing? Could you provide that as an online virtual service? Are you great at marketing? Can you type super fast - could you create documents for businesses? Do you love inbox 0 - could you provide this service for a service provider? Could you organise bookings and call customers? Do you excel at spreadsheets? Could you create spreadsheets and load data for big firms? Think outside of the box. And once you have an idea, make a start - keep your day job. Get yourself a couple of clients on the side. Tell your friends what you are doing. Ask them if they know anyone that needs help and would benefit from your service. Email your old contacts, old work colleagues, old school friends, tell your friends on social media in a private message, see if you can get some interest. Do you know what? if itās meant for you well it will just happen and you will be amazed. If you try it and it doesn't work well, - nothing ventured, nothing gained right and you still have that day job until you can figure out what to try next.
Along my VA journey apart from my lovely clients who always recommend me to their friends, I have had the support of my family and my very special like minded cousin who is building the business of her dreams (we actually work together) and we cannot imagine our businesses without each other!
But I have also benefited from the support of the NZ Virtual Assistant Network. They have a very supportive platform, FB groups, events and regional meetups which I try to get along to when they have them in my area. Have a look at the NZ Virtual Assistant Network here, you can see what other Virtual Assistants are doing, the kind of services they provide and if you sign up you can also apply for jobs/clients through the network for a very reasonable yearly fee.
I also have 2 business coaches - both totally different one is Jen Vazquez and her Pinterest Strategy Academy and Kristen who is an intuitive business/manifestation tarot reader coach. I check in with Kristen every 3 months or so for some guidance and her tips and support have really moved the needle for me and kept me on track. You can find Kristen here š®
Jen Vazquez's Pinterest Strategy Academy is crazy good - I LOVE LOVE LOVE her energy and she also keeps me on track, we have monthly calls which you can tune into at any time, then you implement what you have learnt. Straight away! Make sure you follow through! Pinterest is my favourite āsocialā platform for both of my businesses and while Jenās focus is on Pinterest she has been in the marketing game for many years and has so many tips for you and your business overall which I find priceless, and I always end up having a giggle in her sessions! Read more about Jen and the Club/Academy here! I might see you there š¤
By crafting your own Virtual Assistant business to how you like it, and what works for you means, you have more time freedom which is huge for me. It means Iām at home most days. I can potter in my garden if itās a fine day. I can clean my house. If Iāve been pottering all day and have not gotten any work done I can work later that night. Sometimes there are seasons or months when it seems like all work and no play but the more established you get the more freedom you can create. Please note this has taken me a while and I am in the position where itās mostly me at home during the week, my 1 child has left home, I know everyone's circumstances are very different. But if like me you are on the other side of 40 and you feel like you need a change in your life, becoming a virtual assistant is a great way to make some space in your life to do all the things you have always dreamed of doing while still bringing in an income. And it can be a very good income because I bet you have some very valuable skills and wisdom up your sleeve.
For me I finally get to enjoy my dream home, to create a beautiful space for myself, my family and pets. I have time to dream about what Iām going to do next in my garden then go and actually do it. I have time to work on myself with my Oracle Card practice, I have time to study and research essential oils, to use oils, experiment with them, and write about them and to share them with my customers. There's such a magic when you have a clean house and an organised space which helps your mind and your soul which then helps you succeed in whatever you want to be doing. As Iām slowly tidying up my property and cleaning all my spaces I get ideas for blog posts, or ideas to create something in my garden, Iām outside more not chained to a desk or commuting everyday, I get to have my morning tea under a tree if I want too, or sit with a coffee with one of my dogs. Having this freedom and this space means my work comes easier to me, I can get on with it and get it done, if I have a brain wave I stop and get it out and often find I have just created a months worth of content for a client just like that or if Iām struggling to come up with ideas I can leave my desk and go and do something totally different, until inspiration strikes again (hopefully š)
If you are interested in becoming a Virtual Assistant head to the VA Foundry for the next steps on your journey. You could start off with the "What's Your VA Pathway Quiz"
The VA Foundry have the tools you need to build a booked-out, soul-filling virtual assistant business you LOVE to work in through courses, templates, coaching & mentoring. All inside The VA Foundry. I started off with the 7 Step Formula - Mini Course (the earliest version) way back when Jo was just Strictly Savvy, and then became a member of the Virtual Assistant Network from the beginning of that as well. You need support when you are starting, so donāt try to do it all yourself. By investing in some of these tools to begin your Virtual Assistant journey - first you can test to see if itās for you and you will save alot of time by having these tools at your fingertips not trying to find the information or support you need.
Kelly VA and Oils Lady š I wish you so much luck and freedom š
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Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only and is meant to encourage you to take the leap into creating your own Virtual Assistant business. While I share my personal journey and tips for success, please note that results are not guaranteed. Building your dream life takes effort, dedication, and, yes, a positive mindset! Everyoneās journey is unique, and while I wholeheartedly believe you can achieve amazing things, you have to be willing to put in the work yourself. Remember, this is just the startāsuccess comes with time, persistence, and continued personal growth. Keep an open mind and trust that you have everything you need within you to create the life you desire!
This blog post also contains affiliate links. These links are all to programs and things I use myself in my Virtual Assistant business and life in general. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.
