There are a few software programs that you will also need in order to handle your client’s needs and also to communicate with them. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or similar free programs, are the ones you can count on needing for certain. Other items you may need include basic office supplies such as a filing cabinet, paper, printer, and also a telephone and fax machine.

The Needed Skills and Characteristics

To be a virtual assistant there are a certain number of skills and characteristics needed in order to be successful, the first of which is being well organized. While it’s true that in essence you are your own boss as you’re working from home for yourself, you still must answer to your clients as they will be the ones who are paying the bills and who you will rely upon should you need future references.

What is a Virtual Assistant?

A virtual assistant, often abbreviated as VA, is needed to handle all of the very same duties that secretaries and administrative assistants have done in traditional offices for many years, but thanks to technology, can now be done remotely via the internet and telephone.

Virtual assistants may work for other individuals as well as for small to large businesses and corporations and usually have the luxury of setting their own hours as well as their pay scale.

Typical Duties of a Virtual Assistant

While each and every type of business has their own unique needs, there are usually several constants that you will find that are needed from a virtual assistant, such as handling email or other similar web related tasks.

Here are some of the most common duties performed by a virtual assistant:

• Administrative duties: Basic “office” skills, document preparation, phone work, typing
• Bookkeeping: Accounting duties, including payroll or accounts payable and receivable
• Customer service: Communicate with clients via telephone, handle inquiries and disputes
• Data entry: Enter data into programs or templates, keep accurate records and databases
• Email correspondence: Communicate with clients or customers via email, email newsletters
• Order entry: Enter orders, confirm customer’s orders
• Personal assistance: Make travel arrangements, schedule meetings, correspondence
• Web assistance: Create web content, update or create websites, handle web inquiries
• Word processing: Type reports, enter data into various computer programs

Recommended Moms Talk Biz Guide – How to Start a Virtual Assistance Business