3 Ways To Realize Your Long Term Potential As A Virtual Assistant

Starting a career as a virtual assistant, we have challenges that seem too hard to reach. As a beginner like you, I started on a path without direction. I did not have goals when I started. Only to realize that I was wasting most of my time on short-term projects. I had a lot of excuses and reasons that I could come up with why I choose to accept low-end jobs.

After I gained experience working for a market research company for years. I realize that with my skills. I could start my own virtual business. Without guidance, I was scouring through jobs online looking for something that can help with my expenses. Sadly, I was not successful. I did not give up that early because I know that I can improve myself more technically.

I had successful short-term jobs. Back then, I always question myself, why can’t I find a better and long-term job? My short-term jobs were not challenging enough for me. I thought there is got to be a way. After one year, I landed on my first long-term job as a virtual assistant. I secretly wanted this job a lot. So I planned and rehearse to improve my confidence on the phone. Through several tests and examination, I got the job.

It was my first step to learning about becoming a true virtual assistant. I was very happy. It’s been 1 year and five months celebrating my life and career as a virtual assistant. My journey was not easy. I made mistakes and improve myself throughout the year. I created a short-term plan for you to realize your potential. Be able to pursue your interests and niche as a virtual assistant. You can do this in three ways.

1.) Develop a self-analysis report. Think about your strengths and weaknesses. Get a sheet of paper, divide it into two. Label the first column, strengths and the second column as weaknesses. Be honest with yourself. You need to take into account what you know about yourself. Write everything down. Do not assume about your abilities, experiences and skills. A good example is knowing how technical you are. Follow these guide questions.

• Do you have basic knowledge in computers?
• Do you speak good English?
• Do you know how to use computer programs like Microsoft Word and Excel?
• Do you like working alone?
• Do you like routine tasks?
• Are you self-motivated?

You need to take into account why you are investing your time and effort in becoming a virtual assistant. You always remember that no one is going to do it for you. You have to exert effort, give more time to learning and self-development.

2.) Identify the opportunity. The virtual assistant industry is growing. Endless of virtual assistants in different niche often excel with the right given skills and experience. The opportunities are endless. You can tap different market segments. Emerging virtual assistant niches like real estate, law, small business, corporate business, e-commerce, retail, accounting, programming, administrative and more. Before you begin, answer the following questions.

• What skills do you have the most experience?
• Are you inclined to find a job that suits your experiences?
• What is your dream job and niche?
• How can you find your dream job?
• What ways can you improve yourself to find your choice of niche? List them.
• Where can I find the opportunity that will help me succeed in my business.? Search them online.

I present those questions to guide you in weighing your options on what niche you should focus. Niche is important because it will decide the type of job you will do. For you to have a clear path in starting your own virtual assistant business. Your niche will help you acquire skills to prepare you for long-term goals. All you need to do is learn and apply.

3.) Constantly evolve yourself on your niche. The reality of virtual assistant jobs can have a lot of threats. With the entry of the low price virtual assistants, the competition to win jobs can be difficult. You need to update your skills now and then. You need to research your prospective clients. Learn the ropes of the business. Improve your quality of work. Here is a guide to help you.

• What skill do you need to improve?
• Did you check your competitor’s on the same niche?
• What do they lack that you can improve?
• What are your strategies to improve yourself and your business?
• How can you give value to your clients?
• How can you motivate yourself to do good work?

Take action even thought how uncomfortable it is. Rise up to the challenge and think about how you can improve everyday by just learning. Everything in your life is a constant state of growth and commitment. Bad experiences happen only if you let them. Learn from your mistakes as you go. Do not rely too much on what you know. Sometimes your mistakes can be an eye-opener to what you should do next. Pay attention. Write your mistakes down. So you can develop a plan and strategy to make it big. You have all the time in the world to make a name for yourself. So do not delay. Persist and learn to forgive yourself too.