Being a VA can be one of the most lucrative and flexible jobs on the planet. Not only do you get to work from anywhere in the world; you’re typically working for high network individuals, which means the pay is often quite high.
Finding VA opportunities involves looking in both traditional places and non-traditional places. Here are a few places you can look for VA opportunities.
==> Craigslist
You can literally spend hours and hours on Craigslist browsing VA opportunities.
Make sure you check “telecommute” when you’re looking for opportunities.
Since what you’re doing isn’t geographically limited, start by checking the largest cities like New York and San Francisco. Also make sure to check your own area, as some employers want to meet you in person before hiring you.
==> Join a VA Firm
There are many firms online that you can join. Some firms won’t work with assistants who are truly virtual, because they have their own in-house staff that they source out as virtual. That said, many firms also work with purely virtual assistants.
The best way to find potential VAs is to just do a Google search to find active firms, then apply to them directly. Try to apply to at least ten. The more you apply to, the higher your chances of getting the job.
LinkedIn is a phenomenal way to meet potential VA clients. Using LinkedIn, you can network your way to the people who both need and can afford your services.
Start by crafting a detailed LinkedIn profile that showcases your most relevant work experience. Give a detailed chronology of your previous work experience and list any relevant skills you have that would help with the job.
Then use your network of contacts to work your way to people who might need a virtual assistant. For example, presidents, vice presidents and executives will often need virtual assistants.
Try to target small to medium-sized companies rather than large corporations, as getting in touch with high level executives of a large corporation can be quite difficult.
==> “Do You Know Anyone Who … ?”
Finally, tap into your own network by asking people in person or by phone if they know someone who could use your services.
If your friends know that you’re very good at what you do and they know someone who could benefit from your services, they won’t hesitate to make the reference.
Make sure you phrase what you do in an easy to understand way. Not everyone knows what a virtual assistant is. Instead, explain exactly what it is you do.
For example, “I help executives save time by managing their appointments, booking their flights and accommodations, entering data and doing anything else that needs to be done. It’s similar to being an online secretary.”
Finding VA opportunities is the toughest in the beginning of your career. Once you get rolling, you’ll be able to get clients from referrals. Before you have a solid client base, however, just use one of the above techniques to get the ball rolling.