Some of the essential tools a virtual assistant needs to get the job done

If you want to build freedom, learn how to become a virtual assistant. It will give you the much-needed flexibility to strike balance between having a job, making money, and enjoying your life. As a virtual assistant, you work from home, so you don’t have to commute back and forth to the office. If you wish to go into business on your own, figure out what services you’re going to offer, brush up your resume, and start networking. You’ll need at least one of the following tools in your life. Don’t waste any more time and get started.

An amazing computer

Needless to say, if you want to have a digital career, you need an incredible computer. It can be a desktop or laptop. A laptop can make working from home better, more enjoyable, and more efficient. Using a laptop doesn’t require tech experience and it doesn’t take up much space. A wireless mouse and keyboard can go a long way in making your job easier. Your day as a virtual assistant can begin in the kitchen, answering emails, and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee. You can later move on to a desk that suits you. When buying a laptop for work, consider speed and storage.

A separate phone

The phone is your lifeline. Tempting as it may be to use your smartphone as your business phone, it’s not a good idea. All the people from work will have your personal number. If you have a high-speed Internet connection, you can make substantial cost savings with VoIP. No technical setup is necessary. You can take business calls from any place, on any device (mobile phone, tablet, or laptop). If what you decide on isn’t working well, make the necessary adjustments, and inform your clients. The last thing you want is miscommunication.

A strong ensemble of software

Along with a backup system, you’ll need various types of software to get the job done. Examples of must-have tech tools include but aren’t limited to:

  • Grammar checker software – When writing for business, grammatical errors are unacceptable. Your grammar is a reflection of your image, meaning that, good or bad, you make an impression. A tool like Grammarly can help you spot confusing errors.
  • A time tracking tool – Clients pay you by the hour, so you need a way to demonstrate how much time you’ve spent working. A time tracking tool can help you monitor productivity and have a transparent view of your time. 
  • An accounting program – Because you’re running a business as a virtual assistant, you need some kind of accounting system. It’s easier to manage payments, expenses, not to mention taxes. Find out what works for you.

All in all, finding a job as a virtual assistant isn’t hard, even if you have no experience. Make an informed decision and see if it’s something you’d like to do. The work is hard, so you need a different mindset than when you were an employee. It’s not all cafes and jim-jams.