What is a virtual assistant

2. What is a virtual assistant According to Wikipedia, a virtual assistant (typically abbreviated to VA, also called a virtual office assistant) is an entrepreneur who provides professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance to clients from a home office.

3. Do you have what it takes to be a VA? To become a virtual assistant, there are two ESSENTIAL qualities that you must possess: • Internet surfing skills • Strong desire to change your life for the better

4. Setting up your home office Computer / Laptop Headset Speakers/Microphone Writing materials (notebooks, post-its, pens) Fast and reliable Internet connection Optional Web camera Foot pedal Accessories HARDWARE

6. Setting up your home office ONLINE TOOLS Email Account Instant Messaging Invoicing & Payment Tools

7. Pimp Your Resume 10 Characteristics of an Effective Resume • Short • Easy to read • Updated • Verifiable • Devoid of personal information • Free of grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors • Free of salary expectations • Populated with action words • Visible contact information • Relevant Treat your resume as a living, breathing document… always changing. JonhaRevesencio Tristan Kahlil NicaMandigma Valerie Deveza Mary Ann Deblois Resume Templates

8. Writing your cover letter 10 Tips in writing an effective the cover letter • Make sure you have the right subject. • Address the recipient by name if possible. • Use bullet points to emphasize important points. • Don’t forget to attach you resume. • Include all contact options. • Don’t use generic cover letters. • Proofread your cover letter before hitting the send button. • Don’t use fancy colors and fonts. • Avoid using negative words. • Ask questions.

9. Sample Cover Letter

10. What response did it get?

11. Why a Blog is Important for a VA • Filipino Virtual Assistant Blogs • The Virtual Assistant • Valerie Deveza • Virtual Assistant Philippines

12. Finding Employers or Clients Important Links Monster List of Freelance Job Sites Virtual Staff Finder Careers

13. Get Jobs Delivered to your Inbox

14. First impressions last: How to ace your interview. If you want to be hired as a virtual assistant, make sure to : • Do your research about the client /employer. • Make sure there’s nothing to distract you during the interview. • Test your hardware and Internet connection before the interview. • Be on time. • Be generous with your answers but remain on point. • Ask questions. • Follow-up after the interview.

15. Your contract under scrutiny. Before you sign your independent contractor agreement or employment contract, make sure you understand the following: • Compensation • Employee benefits, if any. • Duration of the contract • Non-compete clause • Confidentiality clause.

16. 10 Best Practices of a Successful Virtual Assistant • Be early, be on time. • Know thy client and his/her industry. • Undervalue but over deliver. • Practice accountability at all times. • Learn to take criticisms. • Learn to say “NO”. • Manage your time wisely • Maintain regular communications…. at all costs. • Make yourself indispensable. • Upgrade, upgrade, upgrade. KNOW – LIKE – TRUST

17. Take Your VA Practice to Another Level Virtual CEO Virtual Assistant