Certifications you should get before becoming a Virtual Assistant
Are there any certifications that you should seriously consider getting as a VA?
I feel like I know the basics, like excel, word, outlook etc. but are there specific certifications to obtain in order to create more credibility when trying to gain clients?
I am also curious if I could get more business trying to do book keeping, real estate assistance or Transcription. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Re: Certifications you should get before becoming a VA
I don't think certifications matter to most clients. What they care about is that you have the skills to do THEIR work as accurately and efficiently as possible. As far as expanding your offerings, that would depend mostly on your skill set and interests.
Although I primarily offer bookkeeping, I also do office support, real estate support, and transcription. But my main focus (and marketing) is on bookkeeping.
Re: Certifications you should get before becoming a VA
I agree with Lily, I don't think you necessarily need a specific certification to start your VA business. It is the knowledge and experience you bring to the table that matters. Of course, if there is a course out there, that provides you some education to help improve your skills - then you should do some research and consider taking such course. But, you don't have to take a course based solely on getting a certification.
Re: Certifications you should get before becoming a VA
I did get a certification as an Internet Marketing VA at first, but primarily with a purpose of learning new skills. I hardly ever mention this certification with my clients since a) they don't care if a VA is certified or not as long as the job gets done and b) VA certifications are not true certifications, but rather training courses since VA industry does not have a single non-profit governing/regulatory body and a single set of standards/best practices/performance metrics.
Re: Certifications you should get before becoming a VA
Well said by the others. It is more important that you get the proper education to learn a new skill before you get a certification just to say that you are certified. Don't get me wrong there are many great programs out there and there are plenty of discussions here about them. However, I have never had a client or PC ask me for certifications. It is always experience that wins out in the end.
Re: Certifications you should get before becoming a VA
Sometimes you may not have the relevant experience to do the job but you have the personality to learn and persevere, other clients also take this into consideration. Overall, you just have to be a good "fit".
Re: Certifications you should get before becoming a VA
Do you think that it looks good on a website to have a certification - this may potentially reassure clients who are unsure of the function itself?
I am considering a certification but not sure where to start.
Re: Certifications you should get before becoming a VA
I took the Certified Virtual Assistant Program through Red Deer College, which I have never regretted has I have been out of the work force for over 16 years so I definitely needed the updating. But I do agree with everyone that certification does not matter if you cannot do the job, so if you get a certificate for learning a new skill, good show but it is not important as just learning the skill.
Re: Certifications you should get before becoming a VA
It is reassuming to know that certifications are more for me to increase my skill base & knowledge. I am confident about any task that I accept from a client & I am glad that my experience is good. I am still interested in getting certifications.
Certifications you should get before becoming a Virtual Assistant
Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
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