Hi Fellow VA Forum Friends,

As my signature line reads, I am an aspiring VA. My main questions is, how do I get started. I have checked out a few VA university websites but I don't even know if I need a VA university.

I know my administrative skills are strong with an Associate in Applied Science Administrative Assistant degree, Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) and Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) certifications from the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications in the 2003 versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. I have been an Executive Assistant for 20+ years so I have plenty of on the job skills suporting all levels of management to include Presidents of companies.

I do know that I lack the skill sets to start and maintain my own business. My local community college has an online course that teaches this.

In the end, do I need to attend an online VA university? I'd love to have the opinion of any of the experienced VAs out there.

Thanks so much for your assistance. I hope to be able to change my signature line from "aspiring VA" to "successful VA" someday within the next 12 months.

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Sandy

Welcome! No, I didn't go to college to learn VA skills. Start with the Master List here on the forum. It sounds like you have the skills you need and we can provide the guidance right here at no cost other than participation. Once you have reached 25 posts, you can PM me if you would like to discuss getting started with a further in-depth conversation.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Hi Sandy and !

I would say your training and background more than gives you the skills needed to be a successful VA. And you are exactly right in understanding that those skills don't always include some basic business start-up skills, which is excellent to know. Many regions also have a small business center that offers help to new businesses (offering accounting/business structure, etc.,).

I would say dig in and go for it. There is a thread here that discusses several of the starting up to-do lists, good luck!

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Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

Hi Lily,

I was reading your post to Kate and I am also interested in information on starting out. Can I PM you when I have my 25 posts and we could chat regarding the same subject?

Or if you prefer you can Skype me at excelvs.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Ivette

Originally Posted by Excel Virtual Services

I was reading your post to Kate and I am also interested in information on starting out. Can I PM you when I have my 25 posts and we could chat regarding the same subject? Or if you prefer you can Skype me at excelvs.

I'm always glad to help out. I just sent you a message via Skype.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Hi Sandy,
great news - like Lily has said, you don't need to go to 'VA University' go gain VA skills! I just did high-school style courses to get the qualifications I needed for my career and the best thing is that its what EXPERIENCE that counts - I happen to have over 7 years' experience and I have knowledge of Admin, Graphic Design and Bookkeeping!

This forum has everything you need in order to become a VA!
Wishing you every success!

I agree with Kate, and with all the experience you have the only thing you have to do is do it! as my husband always tells me.

First you have to decide exactly what you really like about the work you know to do and then write down in a list by priority the tasks you want to do and define how you want to do them. When you have this, it is important that you design a Web Page so you can promote your services.

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Norma Carreño
www.virtualassistantwork.com

Hi Sandy,

Welcome! I am so impressed with your skills. I'm new to the industry too and have gained so much knowledge from this website. I also did some research with the Small Business Administration. They have some great on-line resources, such as a business plan template, that are free of charge.

www.sba.gov

Good luck!

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Lillian Hoyer

Hi Sandy, welcome
I agree with everyone else that 'VA School' isn't necessarily something you have to do - although I will say that as a business owner and service provider it's always a good thing to pursue new skills and information (which it sounds like you're doing).

You'll find plenty of valuable information right here to help you get started - so jump right in!

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Startup doesn't have to be intimidating, or expensive!
Register now for Virtual Assistant Jumpstart!

Hello,

I wanted to stop by and say hello, while also answering your question. The VA University is not necessary in order to become a VA. However, getting your feet wet with some potential clients is required! So, I would suggest starting out with some volunteer work, where you volunteer to be a VA for a charity or non-profit for some smaller tasks, as a way to help out a cause you believe in. This will give you some contacts and experience at how it might work out for you, before you've invested tons of time and energy.

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Sincerely,
Lindsey Schocke