I am new to the VA business actually still at the research stage without a traditional admin background. I am trying to figure out what services I should start with but one problem I am running into is figuring out what some services entail. Is there a book or website that explains to some level of detail what certain services involve. For example what's the difference between calendar management and just appointment management - I see both listed on some VA websites.

Thank You
Kemi

My advice to you would be to focus on what you already know how to do and what your strengths are. What is it that you are already good at and are familiar with? These are what you should consider as your initial "core" services. People want to hire a Virtual Assistant who is good at every service she/he offers. If you aren't familiar with it or you aren't sure how to do it, then don't offer it. At least not initially. You can always add services as you learn new skills.

Don't worry about offering everything under the sun and don't feel as though you need to offer all the services that other VAs offer. Focus your efforts on what you know you can do and then focus on finding those clients who need those services.

Good question though and it's good that you are researching this in-depth.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

I agree with Kimberly. Focus on what you do well. That will be your niche and you should look for people in that target market. Later on down the road if you want to learn new things then that will be your option. If you want, contact me off list and I can tell you which books and sites I have that really helped me starting out.

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Rebecca Thompson
CLR Virtual Connection * fanTABulous fan pages

Thanks for the feedback - I will focus on the services I can comfortably support and I already know what's involve and use my own language to spell out the service on the website so that I don't inadvertently use a term or name that might mean something else to a prospective client.

I will definitely take you up on the offer Rebecca - thank you

Kemi

Hi Keimi, just like the other ladies mentioned - focus on what you do well. I'm still relatively new to the industry myself but have been witness to a few VA's who have crashed and burned because they have tried to be the 'complete package' but didn't have the skills to do so.

Good luck

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www.virtualsolution.com.au

When you have a client that wants something you are not sure of, offer a discounted number of hours for you to learn that task while getting the job done.

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Kathy
www.theofficevirtuoso.com

Hi

Like the others have said, offer what you are good at and add other services as you get asked for them - there's no point wasting time learning how to do something if no-one is going to ask you for it!

I worried when I started because I was never a "traditional PA" and was uneasy about getting asked to do things like transcription or travel arrangements. I've never offered them and so far haven't been asked for them, so I could have potentially wasted a lot of time and money on courses etc that would have ultimately been no use whatsoever.

Above all, be open with your clients - if you've never done something before then tell them, the good ones will appreciate your honesty and you can do without the others anyway...

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Sara Parr - Above Parr PA Services

Another option you can look into is using subcontractors for those jobs you're not familiar with. But be sure you know who they are and the type of work they do. You don't want subs who do not meet your standards. Makes you look bad in the eyes of your clients.

Another thing to consider with subs is what they'll charge you. If you're charging $35/hr and they are charging you $30/hr...unless you have LOTS of WORK you won't make any money.

I have subs I currently work with and it's been fantastic. Can do work for clients - such as transcription - but I don't need to know how to do it. My subs have the equipment/programs/skills, etc.

I have a few people I've worked with in the corporate world that I know I will feel comfortable to approach about utilizing their skills as my subcontractor. Let's say I want to offer website design or maintenance...I know nothing about that but know several people who do that for a living. If their price is right, I might consider offering that service sometime down the line.

Whatever you do, don't ever take on a job with a skill level you know nothing about. It will cost you BIG TIME!

Carol
CJ's Virtual Business Solutions

I'm a newbie and going through the same thing. What I'm finding is to offer a few services that you know and understand. There is always room for growth. Establish yourself and then branch out. Take your time so you don't crash and burn. Good luck

How do I get experience at a skill that is unfamiliar to me?

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Joy Wilder
Wilder Office Approach