During my administrative assistant experiences, I've been doing mediocre work such as filing, copying,labeling,requistions, etc. I have no writing skills and have not prepared any documents. I am currently self teaching and i have been to a couple of business writing seminars that gives you great references. I can say that i have the latest microsoft office experience and im computer literate. I can prepare business documents but haven't done so for my job because the Executive Assistant does this and I'm under her. I have prepared the company newsletter but its not my favorite.

I enjoy and good at organizing such as calender management,travel and booking (itineries, hotels, car services), I'm also great at communicating and often do email management for an recording artist. I also organize her files and paperwork as well. I promote her through social websites such as facebook and twitter. Im very good at researching as well! I'm sure there's more skills, its a matter of sitting down figuring them out. So far what kind of niche I have? and what do I need to work on before figuring out my services. Please give me constructive criticism/feedback as well.

What you need to do is focus on what you do well and enjoy doing. If you don't enjoy it and can't finish it in a timely manor then you will only be cheating your clients. Your skills should really be based off of your strengths so I would focus on those.

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Amanda Mock
My Virtual Little Helper

I couldn't agree more. As a business owner and service provider you'll do best to build your business around skills that will truly serve you and your clients. This means a focus on things you really love doing and definitely learning new skills that interest you and will allow you to provide a well-rounded menu of services.

Instead of looking at the negatives, why not list out the things you can do and are really great at, things you enjoy doing. Then brainstorm how those skills could help your ideal clients and you'll have a great start.

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I have to agree with Amanda and Tess. You always want to build your business around your skillsets. If you offer a service that you aren't skilled in, you run the risk of disappointing your client and tarnishing your reputation.

A good tip is to work with established VAs on learning and building new skills. Look for courses in areas that interest you, as well as topics like the latest MS Office, etc. The more you learn, the more you can offer your clients. Just be absolutely certain you are fully knowledgeable and competent in the services you offer.

I will be happy to help you if you have questions, as I'm sure many others will be as well.

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Winston Stewart
PennWin Administrative Services

thanks guys and thank you Stewartwin I will look foward to that! I will have a sit down with myself and really examine me, because I really do have the potential!

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Naomi Vela

Janine wrote a great in-depth review of the book, The Wealthy Freelancer, that is one of the best books I've read thus far as a VA - and I've read a few. I highly recommend that you get the book (really affordable!) to help guide you along. Super information and it is well worth its weight in gold!

P.S. Finding your niche(s) is one of the topics covered in the book - including ideas that I hadn't even thought about.

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Jules, SunRise Virtual Solutions - WordPress Customization & XHTML/CSS Web Sites

There are so many good books out there that I have turned to for business guidance and education. I am also transferring my corporate administrative skills and experiences to my new VA business.
I think what has surprised me the most was that I underestimated the usefulness of those everyday administrative skills. People can't or don't want to do many of the tasks that you are good at and would gladly hire you to do them. Promise them a little less than what you think you can do and then impress the heck out of them.

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Wendy Harrison, www.wendy-works.com
Go virtual and you'll never go back.

It takes time to find something you really like in a niche you feel your good at. I have a degree in Nonprofit Management and I'm thinking along the lines of offering a nonprofit package at a reduced rate for nonprofits in the areas of- Board Meeting Management, HR Management, Fundraising, Event Management, and Executive Administrative Assistance. I also enjoy working with small business owners in the areas of Blogs, Social Media, Office Administration, and Personal Assistance. So I have to find a balance somewhere..and figure it out.

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Thanks for these posts, I have also been struggling to explain my niche and the comments here have been very helpful.

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Abi Onatade (@AssistanceE)
www.assistanceeverywhere.co.uk

Like Tess said, it's important to nail down your strengths and focus on those. When you do get a potential client you need to feel and sound confident in your abilities to deliver on those skills otherwise how can you expect them to put their own confidence in you and your business.

I've learned that you don't need to be a rocket-scientist to deliver a valuable service. In my life as a former Executive Assistant, I was often amazed at how much some of the little things that I did, could really made a big difference to a busy Exec's day.

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Linda
Clockwise Virtual Assistance