Being a virtual assistant means making life easier for your client. In a sense you are delegated to take care of the tasks that will be assigned to you. You have to let your client feel that he/she can leave you unsupervised and still deliver outstanding results. Most of the time, they will be out of the office, busy with their clients, at a speaking engagement, etc. They need someone to look after the business on the administrative side, hence, they need YOU!
Here are the 5 essential skills that a general virtual assistant should have in order to keep the client happy
1. Mastery of the English Language
It is recommended that every VA should be fluent in oral and written English. This makes it easier for you to communicate with your client if you have questions or concerns about your tasks. Most of the time, you will be asked to send emails to your client’s clients, so it is important that you have a good command of the English Language.
2. Proficiency in MS Office programs
Microsoft Word, Power Point Presentation, and Excel are the most commonly used MS Office programs. If you are an aspiring VA, you have to have knowledge and proficiency with these programs because this is the backbone of most of the administrative tasks that will be assigned to you. There are tutorials online that you can watch if you are not so familiar with these programs.
3. Confidence in taking in or placing calls
Sometimes, your client will ask you to make phone calls. Make sure that you are confident in speaking with other people. Remember, you represent your client’s company – so you have to give them an impression that you know your client’s business by speaking confidently. If there are times that you do not know an answer to their question, ask if you can place the call on hold and get assistance from your client. If your client is unavailable, ask for their most convenient time so you can find out the answer and then call them back with an accurate answer.
4. Knowledge in doing research
Sometimes, your client will ask you to do research (e.g. competitor’s profile, new trends in the market, etc.) make sure that you know how to use search websites like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. You may also need to find some websites pertaining to your client’s industry so that you can learn and become more knowledgeable with the industry you are working in. Being able to quickly find information is a critical skill that makes you more valuable to your client.
5. Social Media Management
Social Media Management is also one of the most important skills a general virtual assistant should practice. Establishing brand recognition and online presence is very essential in the market today. Most people have social media accounts and if your client’s promotion and advertisement hits the right audience, this can be a big help to your client. Understanding how to best use social media and how to best utilize it is a key skill. Trust us, it is more than just doing a few posts and tweets. Understanding how to best use and promote your client’s brand will be a key asset.
These are just the highlight of skills needed for you to be a Rockstar Virtual Assistant. Think you have what it takes to work with us? Feel free to submit your resume via email to info@HireSmartVAs.com and we will be happy to see if you have what we are looking for.
Not sure your skills are up to par? Consider purchasing our hottest training – Becoming a Certified Real Estate Virtual Assistant. Learn more here.
