I am researching to see if this is for me and have noticed a few websites for virtual assitant training and was wondering if they were worth the money. Has anyone here taken courses or any type of training that you have found helpful in your line of work? Also does it help to have these courses to better "sell" yourself?

Hi there,

You have made a great decision!!! I have been in the industry for one year and am loving it! There are many great va coaches out there. I am sure you will have many va coaches coming to you. you can do a google search for VA Coaches. I would be more than happy to pass on some great resources and info for you. Send me a pm.

Hi there, while I haven't taken any VA training courses myself, there are a few that have been discussed here on the forums - it might help you learn a bit more about what's offered.
Also, if you run across one on the web that you're curious about and isn't already discussed there, feel free to start a thread there asking for feedback on that particular program or coach.

Best of luck!: )

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I began working in this industry at its inception, so I never did VA training. What I did do was 23 years of corporate training and then applied what I learned to running a home based secretarial business which went online when the Internet entered the scene. So, my business and I grew as this industry grew (I've been operating my business since March 1994). I do provide training through a 10 week coaching course and there are several other courses out there too.

I feel you need to look at your current skills and ability to see what you can apply now and hang around this forum for awhile to see what gaps you might need to fill.

A VA coaching course should be teaching you how to run your VA business and how to connect into the industry - you should already know how to use the software programs you wish to use, or take the relevant courses, so you can provide those services.

Most of the VA courses out there give you an outline of what to expect so look at their course outlines to see what you already know and what you might need to learn. Also, have a look at who's running the course - have they walked their talk? Do they have the relevant experience to be training you or have they only been in the industry for a short time themselves? Because it's unlikely you'll meet these people face-to-face but only online it's important you do your homework and research who you are going to do your training with. Do they have testimonials on their site?

There are also VA certification programs available - these don't generally provide training but provide certification for what you already know and can achieve. So it's important you know the difference between the two.

And, as Tess mentioned, check out the list on the link she provided, ask questions, check things out and you'll be sure to find the right course for you.

All the best!

I had been an Executive Assistant for corporate for about 10 years when I first became a VA. Thing is at the time I didn't even know there was an industry for it until about 2 months into working with my first client. He was my only client - but he had advertised for an EA that could work from home. I was in hog heaven when he called. me...but I digress.

Anyway - I had the benefit of the fact that I had all the experience & skills I needed in my profession, but I sorely lacked the business knowledge I needed to actually start a business.

After about a year I had to cut him loose because he was asking for things that were not at all kosher and seemed quite shady. So, having learned about the VA industry I started advertising my services. I got a couple of bites - but it was a mess. I had no idea what I was doing...so back to corporate I went for awhile.

I had every intention of taking some training but I was always just too busy, working long hours on my regular job and such. But then in 2008 I got laid off...broke and busted. However, I had this burning passion that itched at me that now was the time! I had the opportunity and now more time on my hands so I went for it. However, I couldn't afford any of the courses out there that had the reputation for excellence - so I did what I know I've heard others mention before. I just dug my heels in to figure it all out.

Let me tell you...2 long years later and I think I've finally gotten somewhat of a handle on it and actually - today is my official launch day! Yeah me!!!!

This is just my story - and the fact that it's been 2 years is mostly because I've sabotaged myself. First - Not everyone over analyzes everything the way I do. I over think everything, which has caused me to waste a lot of time and money. - (I've re-branded 3 times!) - I also allowed myself to get very sidetracked on other stuff (projects at church and such) that just sucked up my time. So...really...in effect I've only been serious for 6 months.

I bring all this up because, just from my personal experience, that if I could re-do the last 2 years there are some things I would have definitely done differently.
1) I would have gotten on board with a mentor or coach in this industry early on (I had a business coach but not in this industry)
2) I would have found the money to pay for a course. Looking back I've blown at least as much over the last 2 years that could have had me on a better track from the beginning. I think some people have a gift for being able to figure it all out on their own (I usually do - but apparently that wasn't the case in this situation)...and other's need a blueprint. I wish I'd had the blueprint.
3) I would have paid attention to the advice of those here on these boards and other forums and such...the veterans ...when they say to niche yourself tightly and narrow your service offerings. (That was why I re-branded 3 times...because of that alone!)

I hope this helps & I hope your business is blessed!

__________________
Pam Blackman - The Process Coach
Get more done in less time by streamlining!