Course Overview - Introduction to Virtual Assistance 101 is a primer (introductory) course for individuals who are interested in becoming Virtual Assistants (VAs). A virtual assistant typically works from his or her home-office offering administrative and business support services to companies and/or professionals over the Internet.

A Virtual Assistant can typically earn between $35-$100 per hour performing tasks ranging from basic word processing to high-end executive support services. In most instances VAs work from a home office, supporting clients located in other cities, states or even other countries. Due to the nature of the virtual working relationship, there is a 99.9% chance that a VA will never meet their client face to face, nor will they ever step foot inside the clients office.  Students enrolled in this self-paced course will learn the how-tos of starting, growing, and managing a successful VA Practice. This course will provide a simulated experience of building your own VA Practice.

Process: Self-paced – Instructor led
Using Interactive PowerPoint slides, eWorkbooks, and Online Resource Materials

Course Modules Overview:
Module 1: Introduction to Virtual Assistant Industry
        Lesson 1: Road to becoming a Virtual Assistant
        Lesson 2: What is a Virtual Assistant
        Lesson 3: Role of a Virtual Assistant
Module 2 - New Virtual Assistant Business Setup
Module 3 - Managing Business Cash Flow
Module 4 - Taxes and Insurance
Module 5 - Marketing your Virtual Assistant Practice
Module 6 - Collateral Design and Development
Module 7 - Ethics for your Virtual Assistant Practice
Module 8 - Customer Relations Management
Module 9 - Establishing Fee Schedule-Rates

Expected Outcomes and Deliverables:

• Develop work for hire agreements for services provided
• Establish competitive hourly rates and fee schedules
• Comprehend basic legal and tax issues related to operating a business from home
• Setup and perform basic recordkeeping, bookkeeping and accounting procedures
• Design creative and attractive business collateral materials
• Understand basic business terminology: business structures, financial management, organization, cash flow, billing practices, and insurance
• Write a clear and concise vision and mission statement for your new practice
• Ability to design or hire a professional to design a website for your new practice
• Basic understanding of: design, layout, and placement in major search engines
• Implement creative processes for delivering excellent online customer support solutions

Course Prerequisites:

We require a minimum of two (2) years executive-level support experience and:

• General knowledge of how to operate a computer
• Internet access is a MUST (see computer requirements below)
• Conduct online research: locating information and resources
• Present your business idea / concept into written word format
• Ability to design and setup a working in-home office
• Possess the ability to work alone and/or as part of a distance learning group

To ensure the best online learning experience possible, please ensure that your computer meets at least the minimum technology requirements:

PC User: Windows Client - RECOMMENDED
Pentium IV® or later
Windows XP® or later
512 MB (RAM)
60 MB free disk space
Display Resolution: 1024 x 768 or higher
Internet Connection: Broadband Cable or DSL
Soundcard with speakers and microphone or headset with microphone
Web Browsers: Netscape, IE, Firefox, Opera or later
Plug-ins: Acrobat Acrobat, Flash, Real Media, Windows Media
Internet Access: High speed DSL or Cable Modem


PC User: Windows Client - Minimum
Windows 98/ME/2000
Pentium III 500 MHz processor
128 MB RAM
20 MB free disk space
Display Resolution: 800 x 600 or higher
Soundcard with speakers and microphone or headset with microphone
Web Browsers: Netscape, IE, Firefox, Opera or later
Plug-ins: Acrobat Acrobat, Flash, Real Media, Windows Media 
Internet Access: 28.8 kbps - 56 kbps dialup 


Mac User:
Mac OS 9.1/9.2, Mac OS X 10.1.5, 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4
G3 233 MHz
64 MB RAM (OS 9.x), 128 MB RAM (OS X 10.1.5, 10.2, and 10.3), and 256 MB (OS X 10.4)
20 MB free disk space
28.8 kbps Internet connection
Speakers and microphone or headset with microphone