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Starting out as a virtual assistant is probably one of the scariest business decisions there is.
Why?
Well maybe it’s because there isn’t really a set path for success…
Maybe it’s because every mentor out there will point you into a different direction…
Or you know what? Maybe it’s because success looks different to different people.
In my opinion, the scariest thing for me is that there was no constant. Everyone had something different to tell me to learn, strive for and be.
Over the past few years, I have learned what it takes to be a great virtual assistant. I have strived for these qualities in myself and watched them blossom in my students and team.
Although each one is different in just about every way possible…they all share these 10 qualities.
So, if you’re where I was 6 years ago wondering what it takes to become a successful virtual assistant or if you’re in the process of hiring one, here is what I always look for.
Resourceful
When it comes to being a virtual assistant, you will work with companies of all shapes and sizes. A resourceful person is always going to succeed when it comes to virtual assistant work. I have always admired virtual assistants who make full use of their resources when problem-solving and learning new skills. As a business owner, I don't have the time to give answers that can easily be found on Google. I would much rather have a VA who clocks a little more time so that they can figure it out.
Ambitious
This one probably goes for any entrepreneur, but a virtual assistant who isn’t ambitious will have a hard time finding and keeping a client. Ambition is what drives great virtual assistants to excel with their clients and gain new ones. I love seeing my team and students consistently striving for the next step in their career. Taking the time to learn a new program, take a course, offer to provide new services, etc. are all ways that I see ambition in successful virtual assistants.
Enthusiastic
Of course, not every task is the most fun thing in the world. But the best of the best will work to be enthusiastic about what they are doing. The more excitement that you get about your job day in and day out will improve your quality of work as well as the quality of those around you.
Self-Disciplined
To be blunt, a virtual assistant will be working without a manager or co workers to keep them accountable. They are expected to manage their own time to get tasks done correctly and in a timely manner. I don't know about you, but I don't want to babysit full grown adults who claim to be 5-star experts. So, without self-discipline, a virtual assistant would be nowhere!
Companionable
For me, the best kind of virtual assistant matches are the ones between an owner and an assistant that truly get along. That’s why I spend so much time trying to match my team’s clients with the right team member. Being companionable doesn’t necessarily mean that you are always agreeing with the person either, it just means that you are making a consistent effort to make the working relationship more than “do this”, “will do” messages back and forth!
Responsible
Perhaps this is a no-brainer, but a great virtual assistant is someone who is responsible not only for what they do but also what they didn’t do. Throughout a virtual assistant’s career, they will make mistakes but what really counts is how they handle them. Taking responsibility is the only right answer.
Reliable
As a virtual assistant, you will be handling very sensitive pieces of an entrepreneur’s life! Your mistakes can result in losses of income, so you must be consistently reliable. That means doing your tasks, responding to messages in a timely manner and overall just doing what you say you will do.
Considerate
I have found this to be a hidden gem when it comes to virtual assistants. Consideration is truly key here as a virtual assistant must be able to put themselves in the shoes of the client, their teammates and the client’s customers. Without this quality, their approach can be cold and inconsiderate when it comes to matters like errors on their part, teammate arguments or even customer refunds.
Honest
I touched on this lightly when I said that a great virtual assistant should be responsible, but I feel that honesty needs its own category. It’s very important that a virtual assistant is honest with their clients in every aspect. Perhaps the biggest thing that virtual assistants tend to not be honest about is their experience/ability to carry out a task. Trust me when I say that a client would rather know that you are a beginner and receive beginner work than think you are an expert and receive beginner work. Sure, there are clients that won’t want to train you but there are clients that will!
AUTHENTIC
This is perhaps one of the most important qualities and it is one that is often overlooked. In fact, many people opt to NOT have this quality in the hopes of getting clients sooner. However, I’ve always found that the ability to stand out in a crowd does wonders for a virtual assistant. Do not change yourself to fit your client’s aesthetic. Be professional, but be yourself. You will attract the people who are truly your clients. PLUS, when you’re not being authentic it shows and it always seems suspicious.
SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS ARE ALL OF THESE AND MOR!
I do hope that this list gives you an idea of the qualities that make a great virtual assistant and why they are so important.
If you’re on the hunt for a virtual assistant for your company, we might just have one on our team for you! Simply send us a message and book a free consultation to see if we are a match.
If you are a budding virtual assistant and you need more help with how to find clients, I highly suggest joining our free learning community on Facebook.
We’ve got tons of live lesson replays that have already helped over 5,000 budding virtual assistants just like you for $0.00!
Until next time,
~Rayla