What are the benefits and pitfalls of working as a virtual assistant?

September 21, 2011 8:28 AM

I'm considering working from home as a virtual assistant. If you've done this how was it for you? Can you recommend good companies to work for? What should I do to increase my opportunities as a VA and what should I avoid?
posted by WeaverRose to Work & Money (6 answers total)

Are you looking to work as a VA for a group that farms work out to VAs or are you looking to find and work for your own clients?
posted by crankylex at 8:49 AM on September 21, 2011

Response by poster: Either way would be fine with me. I was worried that I wouldn't know how to find my own clients so an agency/group could have some advantages there. I would like to be able to develop relationships with clients but that may be an unreasonable expectation given my lack of experience with virtual work.
posted by WeaverRose at 9:01 AM on September 21, 2011

Many of the pitfalls are the same as most work from home endeavors, being alone all day, not leaving the house, having personal time and work time blur, etc. Finding an agency that pays halfway decent and has reasonable expectations can be challenging. Working for yourself brings with it the huge pitfall of having to find your own clients.

Are you in the US/Canada? Do you belong to any VA associations?
posted by crankylex at 9:21 AM on September 21, 2011

Response by poster: I am in the US and haven't joined an association yet. Am I correct in thinking that you would recommend joining an association? Any one or more in particular?
posted by WeaverRose at 10:01 AM on September 21, 2011

As you are new to the industry, I would say that networking with other VAs is an excellent idea. I have a ton of blogs and groups for you, email me at the address on my profile.
posted by crankylex at 7:49 PM on September 21, 2011

I've worked as a VA with varying degrees of success. Mefi mail me if you want to discuss. I'd love hear what you find out, also!
posted by Rocket26 at 10:05 AM on September 22, 2011