HI Tammy, I wanted to follow up on a previous thread where some of us had actually discussed VOT (I'm assuming it's the same site, but not certain). I knew it was on the site somewhere, but didn't find it until today.
Check it out here...

Thanks for all the great advise everyone. Tess, I did run across that thread. This is one of the most informative forum I have came across. My problem now is too much info.. I am confused to what to do. Maybe someone can help. The problem is the more I read the more intimidated I feel. You all sound so articulate and intelligent, I wonder if I am cut out for this. Don't get me wrong I may not have a degree, however I have some hands on experience in a a few small office's. Dental, Ortho and Legal Assistant. But they were very small practices. The duties included basic administrative answering phones, scheduling appts, billing, acct receivable, Insurance etc... With no prior experience I fell into these postitions and learned, although these were no brainers for me to learn, I just don't know that I'm at your calliber of doing VA. And the problem I am having is all these sites I keep checking out sound to me they focus on helping you get your own VA business going. More a marketing plan. What I need are deatails and education help on duties to provide to a client. Do I have enough skills? Basic one's yeah I'm sure, but it sounds like it's the Companies that hire VA's are very large and expect top intelligence and experience. Don't get me wrong I am not using this as an excuse to not pursue this, I am willing to take classes, program whatever it takes to educate myself. Willing to start out answering phones (which I understand is something a VA is not crazy about doing, to restricted). I am that determined to work at home and make some income!! After re-reading this I hope I get some feedback. Thanks.

Distraught Tammy

Tammy, first and foremost - don't compare yourself! BUT - one thing that is absolutely non-negotiable as a VA (simply because you'll be running your own business) is confidence. Confidence is the key to so much - especially when it comes to interacting with and contracting potential clients; they, like anyone, naturally gravitate toward a confident person who knows the value of the service or skill on offer.

As to what it takes to be a virtual assistant - why not start with brainstorming some of your administrative skills and talents...just start by making a list, and you can even post it right here. Then we can all jump in to help you determine what kinds of services you're qualified to offer.

There are some basic skills one should have under their belt - things like the Microsoft Office suite (Word, XL, Access, Powerpoint, etc. - although honestly, I've never once actually used Access many other VAs do I'm sure ). And of course, the ability to do efficient and pointed research online (or off) - sort of having your finger on the pulse of what's available in terms of small business - because truthfully, the majority of us work for other small businesses and individual entrepreneurs. Personally I prefer it that way and don't take corporate accounts any longer - it's all about how you market and present yourself.

As a business owner, it's totally up to you who you choose to work with.

Why not post back with a list of skills, etc. and we'll help you get the possibilities sorted out?

Tammy, check into this book as well - our other Tammi (with an 'i') has just reviewed this title and I think it would be perfect for helping you get your practice rolling. It's literally a 30 day step by step guide to getting set up and might help you feel more 'on top of things' with a defined structure. Plus, it's much less expensive than any of the courses...

Tammy you have a great niche there with the Insurance and Billing! You can really target not only small medical/dental offices but collection agencies as well.

Insurance verifcation is a big thing. If the benefits are not properly verified before the service takes place or shortly after it delays the billing which in turn delays the payment to the facility and in the end costs more money having it sit on the A/R. Do you follow? And the billing too...if you use the wrong code when billing it will also delay payment. You can sell yourself if you have this knowledge.

It is overwhelming, you just need to take it one step at a time. IMO you have skills that so utilize them!

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

Wow!! What an awesome group of people you are. You know being a stay at home mom friends become very important. But most of mine work 8-5 for someone else. My husband being an CEO of an Internet Market Company is great it keeps me wanting to keep up w/ the fast growing craze of internet business'. Or to be able to contribute an income via home business. So to have someplace to go w/ support that it can be possible is so appreciated I can't tell you how much.

Tess I will work on that skill list.

Dawn I do know quite a bit about Insurance in fact I actually obtained my life and health license about 10 years ago when I worked for a telemarketing Compnay. As far as billing goes each office had their own software program set up such Easy Dental. So when billing I would just put in the code the Dr. wrote that he done to the patient and the computer would do the rest. As far as submitting claims to the Ins. Co. that to was all set up via Web MD. Just a few computer steps and it's submitted. Is this really a skill?? Really not being sarcastic!

And I am ordering the book as soon as I am done here. Yes much better cost than the others I considered.

Thanks again everyone.

Tammy

Y'know Tammy, there are all kinds of VAs, from personal to executive assistants and everything inbetween. You don't even have to have a computer, although it's a whole lot easier with one. But the bottom line for a VA is daily working in his/her own office, supporting other businesses or projects or people. We're called "Virtual" because the term does relate to people who do business through the internet .... but the same kind of thing existed before the web. Our fellow member here, A Clayton's Secretary, will attest to that.
My point is that choosing to be a VA means deciding for yourself what kind of work you want to do, and for whom, and when and where. Making a specific plan listing those items and going into a lot of detail. And then using that information to determine the best ways to realize (make real) that very specific picture in your head.
From your posts, it's clear that you don't lack abilities, or imagination, either! But maybe some planning of the "out of the box, go for broke, totally true to yourself" kind would help a lot. So go for it, girl!

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Hello and welcome. I first tried with VOT a few months ago and have yet to here back from them. They want you to download and become familiar with several software applications some of which offer a free trial, but after a very limited trial you must purchase. It appears to me that their gimmick is in getting people hooked up with these software providers. I am extremely qualified for many of their "positions" yet have never heard from them aside from getting emails detailing the available positions and then reccomending you get the referred to software for a better chance of hire.

Do check out TeamDouble-Click.com. They appear to be legit and I am in the process of trying to gain employment with them.