Your Virtual Assistant should possess the following skills
When hiring your Virtual Assistant there are some basic skills that most VA’s are expected to have:
1 – Word processing skills – A lot of work usually involves word processing, such as data entry, typing, emailing and other online documentation. Therefore word processing knowledge for your VA is really a must.
The level of accuracy is also something that should not be compromised in any way and speed touch typing will definitely be an asset.
2 – Computer skills – This goes without saying as the very nature of the job requires the extensive use of the computer thus the need to be computer conversant. Being able to handle the more popular software and applications is also a pre-requisite when it comes to available skills.
Many online marketer’s also hire a Virtual Assistant and 99% of all tasks required will be on the computer. A good knowledge of the online marketing industry will also be a huge asset when hiring a VA who is a good all rounder.
3 – Strong communication skills – Possessing great communication skills is also another necessity when it comes to the capabilities listed for virtual assistance.
Being able to communicate effectively and accurately both verbally as well as in writing is very important as a lot of the communication needs to be explicit and understood on all levels.
Your Virtual Assistant will be emailing your clients, writing up letters and correspondence and more than likely answering the telephone, chasing unpaid invoices, taking bookings or researching travel or events and needs to be confident speaking on the telephone.
4 – Strong writing skills – The bulk of the work is done through emails and faxes, therefore there is a need to be well versed in writing skills in order to execute the requirements of the job well.
Your Virtual Assistant may also be writing on your behalf on social media or your blog so she will need to learn about the Industry you are involved in and take a keen interest. She will also need to learn the background of your target market to speak to the right audience.
5 – Proof reading – Your Virtual Assistant may be proof reading over material is also something that is expected as part of the job requirements.
6 – Strong management skills – If your VA has strong management skills this will come in handy when there is a need to coordinate several different elements at any given time.
These areas may include the advertising aspect, the marketing side and perhaps even the public relations platform of the business.
The general idea is to help the client grow the business entity and help produce more leads, customers and sales.
7 – Listening skills – Your Virtual Assistant should be a good listener, not only to be able to take in clear instruction of her duties but also in the case you want her to perform any transcriptions.
Transcriptions is more specialised and not necessarily a requirement but definitely an asset if you ever need any video or audio converted to text. Maybe you want her to re-purpose the content for a blog post, slide share etc
8 – Software Skills – There are so many different software programs on the market obviously you cannot expect your Virtual Assistant to know all of them but she should really have a good knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite as a minimum requirement.
Having a familiarity with accounting or payroll software like popular programs like MYOB, Quickbooks, Xero, Saasu etc is an added bonus.
Being about to navigate around Blogging platforms like WordPress, Joomla and Wix will definitely be helpful if you are an online marketer or need a website built for your business.
9 – Bookkeeping Skills – Many small to medium business owners or entrepreneurs will more than likely want to leverage their Virtual Assistants bookkeeping skills to keep track of their accounts payable and receivable.
A Virtual Assistant can put a system in place to help keep all of this organised. She can also make payments for you or alert you when bills need to get paid. Another good job to leverage your VA for is collecting unpaid invoices and chasing debtors and or retention’s if you are in the Construction Industry.
So, here you have it the top 9 skills your Virtual Assistant should have. More than likely the Virtual Assistant you hire will have far more experience and knowledge than just this list but this gives you a general idea of what to keep in mind when hiring your VA.
Looking at outsourcing and hiring your first Virtual Assistant? Read HERE to see where to start.