What skills do you need to succeed as a virtual assistant?

When I attended my virtual assistant training, I was told that you could be a successful virtual assistant without learning any skills beyond the office management skills you would have as a high level executive assistant.  I think, at the core, this is true.  The base skill that virtual assistants have is being a top-notch administrative expert.  However, the online world is a different working environment that requires some specific online skills.   Basics include knowing how e-commerce works (shopping carts, autoresponders, putting together virtual events, payment gateways), basics about websites or blogging, knowing how to find information online, etc.

Additional and more specialized skills would depend on your niche.  Real estate virtual assistants need to know specialized programs for real estate agents.  Virtual assistants who work with life coaches might need different skills including knowing about coaches console and knowing the systems promoted by the leaders on the online coaching industry.

There can be a lot to learn.  How do you decide where to start?

1. If you are a member of a job referral notebook, note what skills people are asking for.  In my market (psychologists, coaches…), one of the top skills people ask for is 1shopping cart skills. Other niches will ask for different skills and abilities.

2. What are you interested in learning?  You are most likely to stick with something that you enjoy.  Find a class that fits with your schedule.

3. Start small and easy.    Don't try to learn everything at once — you'll get overwhelmed.  Take your time with your internet marketing education.    Becoming an accomplished virtual assistant, is a marathon rather than a sprint.  Take your time.

4. The best way to learn a new skill (especially a new technical skill) - is to practice.  One of the best ways to perfect new skills is to use them as often as possible.  Tell your clients when you are learning a new skill and ask for opportunities to use it. Also, consider taking on an internship or working as a subcontractor to another VA.  Both are good ways to learn the skills that you need.  Tame the Internet Monster has limited internships available.

5. Focus on one skill at a time.  Don't try to learn everything at once.  Start with the highest priority skill and work your way down your list.

6.  While you are learning your new skills, you can also be building your referral network.  Find virtual assistants with skills that you don't have so that you can refer clients if the need arises.

The only way to stop growing is to stop learning.