This course will suit experienced PAs and secretaries who are seeking a new direction and wishing to pursue a career as a Virtual PA. It is designed for those who wish to learn how to confidently adopt and develop the essential tools to get started as well gain the important knowledge to ensure long-term success.
This intensive course has been created by long-established industry experts and therefore provides the essential practical tools and theory in order to start and run a successful VA business, enabling the PA to make the most of their past skills and experiences.
It will give PAs in-depth knowledge and understanding of how to build a solid foundation for their business, examining in detail areas including
- understanding the technology involved in virtual working (equipment and software to use) and
- how to gain clients by adopting highly effective sales, marketing and networking skills
Aspiring VAs will also learn the key to great client management, helping to retain clients, financial essentials of running a VA business, and working with a remote team. This course delivers the tools to build confidence, self-esteem and a positive mindset as a VA business owner, using coaching and neuro-linguistic programming techniques to smooth the transition into the new VA experience.
Creating a Solid Foundation
- What a VA is, who uses a VA and the skills required
- The logistics of setting up a VA business
- Focussing on short and long term desired outcomes and strategic planning to achieve them
- Contingency planning
- How to build confidence, motivation, focus and direction
- Making the transition from employed to self-employed
Marketing - How to get the clients
- Understanding marketing and how to create a strategy
- Creating a niche market for increased exposure
- What to say in your marketing material
- Marketing tools: websites, articles, social media, written material
Networking - Building a business community
- How to create and build a successful business community for mutual support
- Social networking with traditional networking
- How to give effective and confident presentations
- Confident networking with great conversations
The Secrets to Managing and Retaining Clients
- Effective consultations with prospective and new clients
- Client inductions and contractual agreements
- Client care service and management on a virtual basis
- Client reviews, and how to ensure a business mindset
- Client boundaries and handling difficult situations
The Essentials to Money
- Understanding financial management
- Fee structures and retainers
- Invoicing and time tracking
- Developing skills to increase earning potential
- Working with other VAs to build a team