Becoming a Virtual Assistant
by: Beth Eckert
Becoming a Virtual Assistant is not a decision to be made lightly, but rather a journey within yourself. It all started when I quit my full time administrative job with the intent of finding a part time job that would allow me more time at home. Soon after I quit, I found myself pregnant, very sick and unable to go out and search for part time work. I had no idea there was any such thing as a Virtual Assistant at the time, I only knew I needed to help with the income of the household without sacrificing staying at home as much as I could.
I searched extensively through home-based businesses trying to figure out what I could do to help out with the family income. It wasn't until several months of trying various “work at home” businesses that I stumbled onto a website that introduced me to the idea of a Virtual Assistant. I thought the Heavens had shined on me at that moment! To think I could have a career doing something I was already skilled at, enjoyed, and stay at home? What luck! That’s when I knew I had to figure out a way to make it happen.
During the process of learning about what a Virtual Assistant was and what they did, I realized there were some important questions I had to ask of myself. Why did I want to be a VA? Why did I want to start my own business? Did I think I could really do it? The answers came pretty easily. I wanted to be a VA because I really did enjoy doing administrative work. I enjoyed the creativity of the work and pride I felt when I finished a project. What I did not enjoy was feeling like I never got any recognition for all my hard work and accomplishments. I wanted to start my own business so that I could share my passion for the business and problem solving skills with the world. I wanted to take on a new challenge, to grow as a person and to achieve independence. I knew it would be difficult starting a business with no prior experience, but backing away from a dream has never been my style. I knew I had the drive, the desire and the skills, I just needed guidance.
The more I researched the Virtual Assistant industry, the more I realized that it wasn’t just about starting a business or having a career. It soon became apparent that Virtual Assistants have a set of ethics behind their work that I didn’t expect. They don’t just go out there trying to make a buck; they want to help others with what they know. They want to encourage, to help succeed and to give knowledge to the world. VA’s aren’t just administrative assistants working from home; they are nurturing, creative, spiritual beings who give of themselves everyday. This is one reason why I want to be a Virtual Assistant. I want to use my knowledge and experience to help make this world better, one business at a time.
I really feel like becoming a Virtual Assistant is the perfect choice for me and my life. It will allow me to continue to perform the type of work that I enjoy doing while being able to make a positive contribution to the growth of not one, but many businesses. It will enable me to challenge myself to learn new skills so that I can be of value to many clients and grow my business. I want the freedom to choose my clients so I can work with those that will appreciate my input and hard work. And most of all, being a Virtual Assistant will help me to gain independence and control over my life so that I can make my own schedule and spend more time with my family.
I am very excited at the thought of having the opportunity to learn the many different tools that AssistU has to offer. I have already started on the venture of becoming a VA by getting a business license, creating a web site and marketing materials and participating in Virtual Assistant forums. I just need guidance into how to get my business off the ground, and growing it so I can become an asset to my clients and myself. I can’t wait to dive in to this program so I can get a great start to a new life, a new career and a great adventure!
Before I worked as an Administrative Assistant, I worked for several years in food service. I believe this experience gave me excellent customer service skills which are necessary when interacting with clients and potential clients. I learned to be friendly and courteous and always have a smile. I also learned the importance of having patience with customers when a problem arises because it makes it easier to solve the issue.
This is a document. You can use Word to create or view one of these.
This is "portable document format". You can use Adobe software to create a PDF format.
These are picture files. You can view these with a media program.
This is a compressed file. I am not sure how to view or create this.
This is an executable file. I am not sure how to view or create this.
This is a text file. I am not sure how to view or create this.
All my experience with the internet has been hands-on and self-taught.
Spam is unsolicited ads or email.
Two ways that you would be able to get a file from your word processor onto an email would be to either attach a document to an email or to copy and paste a document onto a page of an email.
A web browser is a software application such as Internet Explorer or Netscape that allows a user to the world wide web. A search engine is a system on the internet that allows the user to search for information on the internet.
The internet is a collection of interconnected computer networks and the world wide web is a service that is accessible by route of the internet.
Two ways email makes my life easier is corresponding with another individual without having to pick up the phone and by being able to send documents through attachments without having to use regular mail or fax.
I feel that I am proficient in creating tables in Word, and creating word art and clip art. I have looked at the 2007 version of Word and I think that there are new features that I have yet to learn that I would like to.
I do like to shop on the internet on occasion, but I do not do it often enough to have any favorite sites. I have shopped on Target.com, Motherhood Maternity, and EBay to name a few.
Yes there is a Small Business Development Center in Towson, MD. I simply went to my search bar and typed in "small business administration, towson, md" and it was the first link to come up for that search.
To create a new folder on my computer I would go to "My Documents" and click on "Make New Folder". I would then name the folder and add whatever documents I wanted to it.
Microsoft Office Professional 2007 Trial
Microsoft Office Project Standard 2007 Trial
Adobe Reader 7.0.9
Adobe Shockwave Player
Adobe Flash Player 9
Express Dictate
I think the upside of downloading Microsoft Free Trials enables the user to try out the product before they buy it. That way the user can decide if it is a product that they want to purchase or not.
I have not bought a software program off of the internet. I have only downloaded the free versions of these programs and so far I don't see any downside.
The process of installing software is usually very easy. Most programs take you through every step you need to go through. You put the disk in your cd-rom, wait for the screen to load onto the computer, and follow all of the directions for installment. Afterwards you usually need to restart your computer.
If I were going to send a file attached to an email, I would go to the "attach files" link on my email, find the proper document for attachment, and then click on "attach file".
Personal research, networking, gaining knowledge, posting ads, creating a website, responding to RFP's, participating in group forums.
I am pretty comfortable with having difficult conversations. Sometimes these are just conversations that need to be had. I am an honest and upfront person who can admit when they have made a mistake. I believe communication is very important in life and in business. In the long run it actually can make things easier and create a healthy, more productive atmosphere. I also believe that admitting mistakes is an important part of the growth process.
I am totally comfortable asking for help. I like to be able to get things done on my own, but I have learned that there are times when it is just necessary to ask for help.
I am very comfortable asking questions. I am a firm believer that if you do not know the answer to something, that you should seek a way to find it. I do like to try to find answers on my own first, if I think I can. Otherwise, I will defiantly ask another if I know they have the answer.
I have always been a very independent person. I have taught myself how to use the internet and every computer program I know. I am a self-starter and highly motivated to get things done once I start.
I would start by setting up the environment that would be best for the production of the project. I would then start brainstorming ideas of how I wanted to go about performing the task. I would also do research to gain more information on the project I was doing. Once I had an idea of how I wanted to begin and what direction I wanted to take, I would get myself set up to work. During the process of completing the project I would make sure I got any questions answered and was free of any distractions so I could do my best work. When the project was finished, I would go over everything, correcting any mistakes.
No I do not see myself in the description of the type of people that keeps themselves from succeeding.
I sometimes question myself when it comes to making decisions, but I feel like that can also be a good thing. Without questioning things that come into my life and decisions that have to be made, I would not seek more knowledge. When I am unsure of a decision it leads to me research for an answer, and in that research I always gain more knowledge. I think it also keeps me from jumping into situations that may end up bad for me.
Beth Eckert
3334 Lowther Way, Antelope, CA 95843
916-879-6757
[email protected]Skills Profile
•Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, & Access, Construction Partner, ADP, and Printshop 21.
Ability to juggle multiple assignments and meet deadlines under pressure.
•Strong written and verbal skills.
•Ability to work independently and as member of a team.
•Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
•Commitment to providing excellent client service.
•Ability to work effectively as single administrative support person in office.
•Ability to type 50 wpm
Work History
Sr. Administrative Assistant
M & M Electric, Sacramento, CA
July 2002 - January 2007
•Answer incoming calls on 10-line phone system.
•Create databases, spreadsheets, workbooks, etc.
•Data Entry.
•Experience with Accounts Payable (Construction Partner Software & Quick Books)
•Filing.
•Formatting and proofreading documents.
•Greet, direct, and assist clients.
•Input Payroll.
•Knowledge of all basic office equipment.
•Maintain databases.
•Maintain OSHA log.
•Maintain Workers Comp files.
•Open and distribute mail.
•Order all office supplies.
•Order concrete & other related material to be delivered to job sites.
•Preparing certified/negative payrolls.
•Preparing insurance & subcontract bond certificate requests.
•Preparing & sending meeting notices.
•Preparing union reports.
•Proficient in many computer programs.
•Responsible for hiring and maintaining janitorial account.
•Started as File Clerk and moved to Front Desk Coordinator within 6 months.
•Took several paper files and created databases and files on the computer.
•Used Print Shop to design business cards.
•Write letters, memos, transmittals, etc.
Stay-at-Home-Mother, Sacramento, CA Sept. 1998 – July 2002
•Stayed at home to raise my family.
Waitress/Hostess,
Mums Vegetarian Restaurant Sacramento, CA Jan. 1997 – Sept. 1998
•Greet & direct clients.
•Cash handling.
•Answer phone.
•Take orders/serve food.
•Clean workstation.
•Started as dishwasher, within a few months moved up to waitress.
Cashier/Food Prep
Famous Burgers, Sacramento, CA
April 1995- Nov. 1996
•Greet clients/take orders.
•Answer phone.
•Prepare & serve food.
•Clean workstation.
Customer Service
Burger King, Sacramento, CA
Nov. 1994 – June 1995
•Greet clients/take orders.
•Answer phone.
•Prepare & serve food.
•Clean workstation.
Education
Sacramento High School
Graduated
1994
The information that would really make this experience powerful for me is to learn how to market my business, to create strong client relationships, and to set my own standards of running a business so I can stay true to my beliefs and get the right type of client.
What I really hope to get from this training program is a good solid foundation for my business, the skills necessary for running a VA business, and the knowledge of how to market and grow my business.
What matters most to me in life is my family. I am married and have three sons and they are my whole life. I want to be able to be there for them and to take care of them, because their happiness enriches me.
I like helping people and working with other people. I have always been a people person and taken great pride in knowing I have done a job well done to help another out. I especially like taking on projects and having the responsibility to do them on my own; to know I am trusted to do a great job and have a finished product that reflects my skills and abilities.
What I liked least about working in a support role was never receiving the recognition for all the hard work I did to help keep the company running smoothly. I always felt under-appreciated and under-valued for everything I did, and that really felt bad.
I have four 1/2 years of administrative support experience with M & M Electric as a Senior Administrative Assistant. I started as the file clerk, and over the years I was able to learn just about every office function that was necessary to maintain daily workflow.
I think that these three individuals would only have good things to say about the work I did for them and their company.
My home office space is set up in a corner of my living room. I have a computer desk with my HP Pavilion a705w computer, an HP Photo smart 8450 printer and a Brother laser fax machine and a space to keep my filing, books, and important documents.
My computer has the following specifications:
Base Processor: Intel Celeron(P)340 2.93 GHz
533 MHz
Memory: 256 MB
Hard Drive: 40 GB Ultra DMA
5400 RPM
Modem: PCI K56kflex data/fax modem
Other Specs:
CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
USB Interface
9-1 Digital Media Card Reader
Internet: Comcast Cable High Speed Internet with Internet Explorer
Virus Protection: Norton Antivirus 2007
Software Programs: Microsoft Office XP Professional - Version 10.0.2627.01
Quicken 2004 - Version 13.00.0000
QuickBooks Simple Start 2007 - Free Starter Edition
QuickTime - Version 7.2.0.240
I currently have no professional training.
I am a member of the following Virtual Assistant organizations:
VANA
VACOC
I was referred by posts on the VANA forum where several VA's who have completed your program highly recommended it.
About The Author
Beth Eckert is Owner and President of Virtual Office Express, one of Californias premiere Virtual Assistant businesses.
