My Life as a Part-Time Virtual Assistant



Being a full-time virtual assistant (VA) is probably more fulfilling than being a part-time virtual assistant. I can only imagine the things that I could do with more time. I started my virtual assistant business part-time because I have to maintain my current salary in order to support my family. However, being part-time keeps my business from growing in many ways.

The difference between being a full-time virtual assistant vs. a part-time virtual assistant means that I would be able to focus more time on the following tasks:

More traditional advertising and networking - With a small to non-existent budget, I do a lot of advertising myself. A full-time gig would allow me to spend time designing and mailing various advertisements and would allow me to position myself at daytime networking events.
Building my client base – Of course being full-time would allow me to spend more time interacting with my social audience, building rapport and learning more about what they need. I could also utilize many of the social marketing skills that I have learned to find and place myself in the right social markets using the right social tools.
Spending time with my clients face-to-face – This is one of the things that I truly enjoy. I have to admit that I really do like all of my current clients. I have enjoyed meeting my clients, spending time with them and helping them grow their businesses.
Spending more time on the creative stuff – Another one of my favorites. For example, I am writing a newsletter for a client that owns a bridal store. I subscribed to a wedding magazine (free with my coke rewards); so that I can see what the latest styles and colors are for this wedding season. This in turn helps me to write a better article and gives me ideas to take back to the client; sometimes a visual really helps.
Sharpening and promoting my technical skills – I would also have time to further develop my software skills in various software programs (like becoming certified in QuickBooks). I have spent many years implementing new software formally or informally in every one of my jobs. I believe that this would be an invaluable tool for clients, especially being able to hire a professional to do the job right, without having to pay high-consultant fees for those services. Reasonable rates for small businesses, so that they can continue to grow and thrive, that’s what a virtual assistant is all about.
In the mean time, this does not mean that I am any less effective as a VA, it just means that I have to limit the amount of work that I take in so that I can do a quality job with the clients that I have. Maybe one day I can spend all day doing what I enjoy.

I welcome any advice or tips on how to maintain or transition a part-time business into a full-time business. What has your experience been like?