http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/virtual-assistants-blog.html This blog was created to help you start or run your virtual assistant business. If you are looking for a legitimate way to make money working at home, a VA business is a great option. en-us become a virtual assistant Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:58:54 GMT Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:58:54 GMT virtualassistantsguide.com http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/become-a-virtual-assistant.html While you are making your New Year's resolutions, you may want to consider becoming a Virtual Assistant. If you are unhappy in your current job and looking for something better, becoming a Virtual Assistant may be the best career move you've ever made! Everyone is talking about how bad the economy is. Plenty of people have either lost their jobs or are in precarious situations with impending layoffs. Having your own business can provide some safety during these rocky times. Businesses will also need to cut back on expenses and employees by outsourcing many tasks. You can take advantage of this trend by providing much needed services from your own virtual home office. If you have excellent administrative skills and an entrepreneurial spirit, you may just want to try starting your own Virtual Assistant business. This is something you can start part-time with a minimal financial investment, so there is no need to quit your job or take out a second mortgage on your house. If you would like to make a change this year and love the idea of being your own boss, learn more about how you can become a virtual assistant. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:38:22 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/virtualassistantbusinessplan.html A good Virtual Assistant Business Plan will help ensure your success. Learn the essentials of a good business plan. Fri, 02 Jan 2009 20:22:52 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/virtual-assistant-certification.html Is Virtual Assistant Certification necessary and what Certification is available? Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:50:19 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/disaster-recovery-plan.html A Disaster Recovery Plan is something you will want to create when you first start a virtual assistant business. You need to be prepared for unforeseen disasters and have your contingency plan ready. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 05:41:39 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/office-equipment.html Office Equipment: What do you need to start your Virtual Assistant Business? Fri, 19 Dec 2008 04:32:38 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/health-insurance-for-self-employed.html Health insurance is a big concern for many these days, particularly as we are struggling in an economic recession. Everyone is looking to cut extra expenses but your health insurance is not an expense you can afford to cut. With the rising cost of health insurance, medical care and prescription medications, it can be a struggle to find affordable health insurance. For a self-employed virtual assistant, in can be particularly tough because you don't have the power of a large company group plan. Many insurance companies also will not insure a small business of one and may turn you down for an individual plan as well. It may be a challenge but there are options. Do some research and find the most affordable option for you, but don't neglect this one. Your health is just too important! Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:56:43 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/virtual-assistants-blog.html#Can-Virtual-Assistants-thrive-in-this-Economy? The recent economic troubles have many people very concerned about their financial security. Virtual Assistants, like many business owners, may find themselves struggling in these difficult times. For those considering starting a virtual assistant business, they may wonder if they can earn enough to survive and make a profit. Those just starting out wonder if they should lower their rates in order to keep or attract new business. These are tough questions and people have different view points on the issues. There are no clear cut answers that will work for everyone, but I will offer you my take on the situation. I have tried not to pay too much attention the nightly news reports on how bad the economy is in the United States and throughout the world. Being gloomy and pessimistic rarely helps anyone succeed and worrying has never brought much success to my life. The economy, like everything in life, is constantly changing and I believe we will all thrive once again. I am no expert in economics; however, I do know that there are cycles to the economy just as cycles throughout life. Nothing stays down forever. Virtual Assistants can view the current economy will a pessimistic outlook and struggle to survive, or they can choose to remain optimistic. I am not saying this is an easy time for everyone, and I have felt some repercussions recently as the economy has foundered, however I choose not let any of this discourage me. Virtual Assistants are entrepreneurs, who are by nature an optimistic bunch. As companies are forced to cut back on personnel and expenses, this can actually be an advantage to the virtual assistant who can fill a void left by the loss of a full-time assistant. Keep in mind that there are always people who flourish in any economy and there are always opportunities for those who seek them. Businesses must keep going; producing, selling and administrative work still must be done by someone. I don't believe the current economy has to be a detriment to virtual professionals. On the contrary, I think it is a great plan for anyone to have the ability to work for themselves and create their own income opportunities. Remember, when you are an employee, your security is at the mercy of those who control your income and employment and that really isn't much security at all. Yes it is more difficult to sell services, or anything for that matter, in a down economy but it is not impossible. There are still entrepreneurs and small businesses that very much need the services of a skilled virtual assistant. And being virtual means you don't depend on your local economy for a job. You can find clients anywhere in the world! I think it is important we all remain positive and ride out the storm. I truly believe better days are coming, and in the meantime Virtual Assistants are still a valuable asset to many businesses! Tue, 16 Dec 2008 04:17:40 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/client-consultation.html Virtual Assistants need to provide a Client Consultation to assess whether a potential client is a good fit and can benefit from their services. As a guide, you can use a client consultation form. Mon, 15 Dec 2008 04:15:29 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/virtual-assistant-business-part-time.html You can start your virtual assistant business part-time if you are currently working full-time, and there are some advantages to this approach. Fri, 12 Dec 2008 02:30:38 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/business-legalities.html You must tend to the Business Legalities when Starting your own Home Based Business. Here are some guidelines to help you get started. Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:46:11 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/virtual-assistants.html Virtual Assistants: how do you find the best fit for you and your business? Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:21:10 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/virtualassistantbooks.html Here are some Virtual Assistant Books that will help you become a Virtual Assistant or decide if that is what you want to do. Sat, 29 Nov 2008 02:46:54 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/time-management.html Time Management Tips for Virtual Assistants. You must manage your time in order to get everything done without running yourself ragged. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 02:55:55 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/what-it-takes.html Do you have what it takes to be a successful Virtual Assistant? Learn what a Virtual Assistant is and if it is the right home based business for you. Sat, 22 Nov 2008 05:46:05 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/create-a-brand.html Create a Brand and set your Virtual Assistant business apart from the others. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:05:09 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/VirtualAssistantServices.html There are a variety of specialized Virtual Assistant Services. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:05:35 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/getpaid.html Virtual Assistants: How do I get paid? Learn how to process payments and make sure you get paid for your hard work. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:28:50 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/avoid-the-pitfalls.html Avoid the Pitfalls common to new Virtual Assistant Businesses. Learn about the major challenges for starting this type of business and how to avoid the pitfalls. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:03:10 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/home-based-business-marketing.html Home Based Business Marketing is easier than you may think. Create your Brand, design your Website and you are ready to Market your Business. Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:52:21 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/real-estate-virtual-assistant.html You may want to become a Real Estate Virtual Assistant. This is a very popular and sought after specialty today. Learn about training and certification for this specialty that will give you industry s Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:32:08 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/preventing-work-injuries.html Preventing Work Injuries while running a home based computer business is important. If you start a virtual assistant business, you need to pay to the rules of Ergonomics when setting up your office. Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:55:06 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/difficult-client.html The Difficult Client. How should a Virtual Assistant handle the difficult clients that she/he may encounter. Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:29:59 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/home-business-accounting-software.html Home Business Accounting Software: Which one is best? Sat, 01 Nov 2008 02:32:42 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/become-a-virtual-assistant.html Become a Virtual Assistant and enjoy one of the best work at home business ideas today! Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:17:02 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/home-based-business-scams.html Home Based Business Scams - What to look out for when looking for Virtual Assistant Jobs. Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:50:53 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/networking-your-business.html Networking your Business - you must sell yourself! When starting a virutal assistant business, you will need to network to find clients and build a client base large enough to sustain your business. Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:38:39 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/find-clients.html Where do you find clients when you start a Virtual Assistant Business? Business networking is an essential skill to building a successful home based business. Sat, 25 Oct 2008 20:55:57 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/virtualassistantcontract.html The Virtual Assistant Contract is an important tool for your business success. Here are the basic contracts more virtual assistant use and where you can get them. Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:55:06 GMT http://www.virtualassistantsguide.com/internet-marketing-virtual-assistant.html What is an Internet Marketing Virtual Assistant? Learn about this in-demand specialty and how you can help business owners increase business and traffic to their website. Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:54:22 GMT