Why start a Virtual Assistant business?
There are several reasons why a virtual assistant business makes a lot of sense for someone who wants to start their own business and work from home:
- Every business needs admin staff or contractors
- Most small business owners don’t want to manage the day to day operations, instead focussing on getting new sales and growing their own business or simply doing the work
- It is work that you can complete from anywhere and often in flexible working hours
- It is work you can do as a virtual assistant
Starting your own Business
Although there are opportunities to buy a franchised business, there are compelling reasons to go out on your own and start one up from scratch. A business is based mainly around your knowledge of software programs and the area of work you’re in. Your success will also depend on how well you get on with people and how efficient and cost effective you are, particularly if you are a virtual assistant.
If you are a people person and a hard worker you might find that you can pick up your first customers by word of mouth marketing with your friends.
Steps to starting your virtual assistant business
Here’s a quick guide to help you on your journey in starting your own business:
- Choose a business name and domain name and REGISTER them (if you want)
- Choose a business structure (sole trader, company etc) and REGISTER it
- Set yourself up with the ATO for ABN and GST
- Open up a bank account and Paypal account
- Decide what you want to offer and how much you want to charge
- Create a website to promote your services and rates
- Create business cards so you can network and get new clients
- Setup your own bookkeeping software so you can start invoicing
- Join a professional industry organisation to provide credibility
- Register with ATO as a BAS agent (if you do want to lodge BAS’s for clients)
- Ensure you keep up to date with software and bookkeeping regulations
- Build your business
- Pay your bills on time, save some money and enjoy yourself too!
Subscribe to our blog to get tips and tricks to help you build your virtual assistant business or if you are a Sydney Bookkeeper or want to attend one of our meetups please feel free to attend.
Internet and Office Requirements
Because you’re operating remotely you need to be contactable, efficient and productive – completing work quickly and sharing your results with your supervisor or employer (client).
Technical
- A Wired Broadband Internet connection. (Min 5mbps download and above 0.7 for upload, see speed test below)
- Google Chrome
- Have a quiet space to work minimum to no background noise
- Have a reliable computer with USB connected headset (Voip Compatible ideally)
- Have an intermediate level of PC skills.
- You will be required to use many online applications as well as setting up your email address
- Use Dropbox for file sharing so downloads and uploads
Personal
- A friendly and warm phone voice
- Punctuality and reliability
- Likes a challenge
- Be able to deal with complaints in a professional manner
- Attention to detail
- Can work as part of a team and individually
- The ability to pick things up quickly and ask for help if needed
- MUST be able to commit to working your rostered hours starting ASAP
If you are interested in exploring other businesses that you can start from home as a virtual assistant see our business opportunities page.
