Virtual / self-employed PA / administrator / assistant?

Raquela

Hello, does anyone on here do any work as a virtual PA administrator or assistant?

Looking at the Arise thread got me thinking that if someone can act as a 'virtual' call centre person, they could possibly do work as a virtual assistant, and a quick google of the term assures me that there are other people offering such services.

If you work in such a field, are you able to earn a living from it without any other work, how do you find your clients etc? Don't worry, I'm not wanting to poach your clients, I'm just looking to see whether this would actually be viable. I'm planning on going to see my local business advice centre, but thought I would ask on here for any advice.

I'm thinking of offering this as a service both virtually and locally, I have a lot of office administration and PA experience, but no qualifications to back it up (vocational anyway - I am a graduate in law academically), and I'm thinking it would be a good idea to get some vocational qualifications to prove I can do what I can already do, but not sure who to go with. Are Pitman still the best?

I would intend to offer any PA / assistant type service, but also transcription, website and leaflet/brochure/poster design, and proofreading / copy editing / writing. My employment situation is somewhat precarious, and I am hoping my starting something self-employed I can ensure some money coming in (I am hoping to register with Arise in the first instance whilst I find out if the virtual assistant model is viable).

This is a bit garbled, sorry, but in essence, any advice / experiences from virtual / self-employed assistants?

SallyUK

Hi Raquela

I have been doing this for several years. You have already discovered that there are many others who also do this type of work.

I have always found that word of mouth is the best recommendation. Once you start doing some paid work, then inevitably you'll get your details passed onto someone else (if they're happy with your work of course)

I'm based in West Yorkshire and have my own website too, as well as an advert in Yellow pages.

I think one of the secrets into having a successful business is being able to offer something which other people might not offer? Ask yourself, why would someone choose me, as opposed to any others offering the same service?

Hope this helps

Sally