HOW TO WORK AS A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT IN NIGERIA

Remote work has become one of the most popular business forms in the world generally today. Not only can individuals have a productive work experience without having to go out to a physical place of work or office but they can also do it from the comfort of their homes and also earn well. The form of business has paved ways for many entrepreneurs with creative skills to be able to showcase their talents and skills and use it to get themselves a good job with a good income with all the entire process coming from their own comfort of their home. Even businesses or companies that normally required the daily need of workers to go from their houses to work everyday have adopted the remote work model, hence the need for creative individuals who can do the work well.

The virtual assistant job is one of the not-too-talked about remote work available in the country though it is something that is really popular outside the country especially for companies who have for a long time now adjusted their methods of operations to accommodate new technological advancements and ways to make the work experience better, one of which is remote working. According to Investopedia, A virtual assistant is an independent contractor who provides administrative services to clients while operating outside of the client’s office. A virtual assistant typically operates from a home office but can access the necessary planning documents, such as shared calendars, remotely. Typical tasks a virtual assistant might perform include scheduling appointments, making phone calls, making travel arrangements, and managing email accounts.

Wikipedia also states that virtual assistant (typically abbreviated to VA, also called a virtual office assistant) is generally self-employed and provides professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance to clients remotely from a home office. Common modes of communication and data delivery include the Internet, e-mail and phone-call conferences, online work spaces, and fax machine. Increasingly virtual assistants are utilizing technology such as Skype and Zoom, Slack, as well as Google Voice. Professionals in this business work on a contractual basis and a long-lasting cooperation is standard.

From both definitions, you’ll find out that a virtual assistant helps companies, small businesses or individuals with whatever kind of assistance they’ll be needing over a particular period of time. The work can simply be operated from the home and individuals might just have to create space for a home office, if neccesary, or even just work from anywhere in the house. Virtual assistant jobs are also usually contractual. When employers or individuals go out looking for virtual assistants, it’s usually on a contract basis depending on what the client wants to do and what he or she expects the virtual assistant to do for them.

One of the main reasons why the business is such a really good one is the comfortability offered by the model of work. There are number of issues that can come up from going to work physically everyday and sometimes, it can really be hectic and stressful for individuals. The remote work model, for a virtual assistant work in this case, simply allows for flexible working hours rather than the usual one where individuals can go to work and simply not be able to have time for themselves. As a virtual assistant, you get to do all the work asked of you by the employer from your home at your own comfort without even having to move out or anything like that. One of the things that individuals like when they’re in search of a business opportunity or job is comfortability and the virtual assistant job typically suits that.

Another thing to consider is the demand for virtual assistants not only in the country but around the world. As I’ve mentioned earlier, many companies now operate more virtually and require the services of professionals who can handle certain things for them without having to physically meet them. The job is also one with very high prospects. As the level of technology increases and even more businesses start to operate remotely, the services of a virtual assistant rises even more, hence making it a really lucrative idea. There are also even opportunities to work for companies not only in the country but outside as well using platforms like Upwork and Fiver.

One important thing in starting the business is to get trained and also get equipped with the neccesary skills that would normally be required of a virtual assistant. The description of what to do actually depends on whoever decides to hire you but you have to have as many skills as you can get. Graphic design, blog/article writing, data entry and bookkeeping, customer support, social media, and marketing are some of the things virtual assistants get hired to do.

In the next sub heads, I’ll be discussing the steps involved in starting up a virtual assistant work in Nigeria and some of the important things that can prove useful during the course of running the business or working as a virtual assistant to ensure that you’re doing the right thing and also making good income from the business.

1. RESEARCH

No matter what you’ve heard someone saying about a business and how well success is assured or how lucrative it would turn out, always try to do your own research. The research will not cost anything except your time and that time will prove to be well spent when the business starts and the successes starts coming in. It is important to do a thorough investigation about the business since you’re going to be investing your money into it and you’ve never been involved in the business. Some hours of research won’t hurt.

The research is always meant to give you an idea of what to expect and the challenges ahead to be faced. It teaches future entrepreneur how the business works and what success means. It shows the risks involved and the ways to tackle them. It also gives ideas on how to sustain the business and work towards more success. Imagine missing out on any of the mentioned points, it’s more like being less equipped about something especially something you plan to spend money on.

There are experts in the business, of course, so also look to advise from these individuals as they are most likely the best bet for reliable information on the business. Take note of even the smallest things during the research period and pay close attention to how to stay and survive in the business. The research is as important as anything in the business.

2. WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN

A business plan needs no introduction. It is equally as important as some of the other processes or things involved in the business. After a comprehensive and thorough research has been conducted, entrepreneurs must now put all their ideas into paper after, of course, deciding to start the business. The business plan will cover things like the way you plan to operate, the cost of several things, how you plan to market your business, future projections and also contingency plans.

The business plan serves a number of purposes. In cases where individuals might need to get investors or even get a loan, it will prove useful as it will contain all that needs to be known concerning the business. It is also going to serve as a point of reference for the proposed business.

3. GET TRAINED

This is actually very important in becoming a virtual assistant. Most companies or individuals like to hire individuals with a wide range of specialty in creative and remote work. You can totally learn most, if not all, of the remote skills needed to be able to fully work as an assistant. There are different online channels that offer online tutoring or training on things like content marketing  copy writing, blog writing, marketing, social media optimization, graphics design as well as many others. You can simply enroll and start learning.

4. CREATE A BUDGET

You’ll need certain things to be able to go about the business without issues. A smartphone, laptop,  or computer system are very important and you can simply just get a small one that can do what you want. There’s no need for a location as you’ll be fully working from home so you don’t need any budget for a location. The budget also covers any likely cost that might be detailed in your business plan.

5. GETTING STARTED

Making use of social media for advertising and also looking for offers is one of the important things to do. Other platforms like Fiver, Upwork, Remotely, Weworkremotely, and many others, that allows individuals to find business or job offers can also be used.  You can simply visit the websites as well as other popular platforms and sign up to get started.