Start a Virtual Assistant Business

If so, starting a business as a virtual assistant might be the perfect business for you. A virtual assistant (VA) is a remote personal assistant that manages administrative tasks completely online.

You don’t need a lot of money to start a virtual assistant business, but you need a computer with dependable internet access. You may also need other technical tools such as Zoom or other video conferencing apps or project management apps.

Like any other business, the first step is to develop a simple business plan to get started. To create a plan, think about these things:

What services will you offer?

Depending upon your skills, experience and interests, there are several types of services you might offer as a virtual assistant including:

Customer support
Processing online orders and refunds
Calendar management and travel arrangements
Editing and proofreading
Email management
Bookkeeping
Data entry
Project management
Community management and moderation

Who is your target audience?

If you have experience in a particular industry, for example, real estate, you may decide to offer your VA services to real estate companies or brokers. Another option is to take a more general approach and provide administrative services to any business in need.

How will you set your rates?

There are several different options for pricing:

Hourly rate. Using an hourly rate means that you need to have a good idea of how long each task will take to complete.
Project pricing. Some clients are more comfortable with a project fee. For example, if you’re providing email management services, you would charge the client one set weekly or monthly fee. It’s important to have a good understanding of how many hours that will probably take.
Retainer. One pricing option for established clients is to place them on a retainer. Retainers are a good solution for clients with a long-term business relationship who regularly use your services. Clients know they can always count on you and it gives you a dependable, steady income.

How will you market your business?

Network. Let everyone you know—friends, business associates, family, neighbors—about your new business. They may know of a person or company that could use your help. Even if networking doesn’t get you clients right away, it raises your profile in the business community, which can lead to clients later.
Website. Having a professional website is a necessity to promote your virtual assistant business. Include a list of services you provide and testimonials from satisfied clients (or if you’re just starting, recommendations from a former boss and coworkers about your skills). It’s also a good idea to let potential clients know that you can create customized pricing to meet their needs.
Social Media. If you’re on LinkedIn, ask your contacts to make introductions for you to their contacts. Set up a business Facebook page and welcome new clients. Facebook also provides very inexpensive advertising opportunities that let you set your budget.

Other things to consider:

How well do you know the business? Learn as much as you can about the virtual assistant business before you get started. There are several industry associations, organizations and networks that offer tips and resources:
Will you need any special permits or business licenses? Check local business rules and regulations to see if you need any licensing.

What can help you be 5X more successful?

Working with a mentor can make you 5 times more likely to succeed! Entrepreneurs who work with a mentor can help you get started and help you grow. They have experience in business and can help connect you with information and contacts and avoid obstacles. Best of all, a mentor believes in you and your dream and will listen to any ideas or concerns you have.

One-on-one Mentorship

You’ll get to meet with volunteer mentors from our network of thousands of area experts in the US and across the globe.

Human Support

In addition to your personalized match recommendations, our Member Experience team will help you get started, invite you to member events, and connect you to startup resources.

Tools & Resources

Not sure where to start with your business? Our step-by-step guides will help break down important business milestones into manageable steps you can work on with a volunteer.

Funding Opportunities

We offer monthly micro-grant opportunities through our Friends & Family Fund, plus exclusive invitation to pitch for larger grants throughout the year.

Friends and Family Fund

Each month, our members vote for at least one Sky’s the Limit entrepreneur to receive a $2,500 startup grant. We’ve given over $100,000 in grants so far and plan to fund millions more.

Find out more

How it works

Step 1:
Complete a profile

Whether you want to get support for your startup or give support by mentoring or advising young entrepreneurs, it all starts with creating your free profile so you can message and meet members.

Step 2:
Message and collaborate

As a member of Skysthelimit.org, you’ll be able to message, meet, and collaborate with other members to work on projects and complete important business milestones.

Step 3:
Celebrate your wins!

Skysthelimit.org members develop valuable business skills and build meaningful relationships — all while building innovative, sustainable businesses and increasing equity in entrepreneurship!