Virtual Assistance: A goldmine for unemployed youths in Nigeria

You can earn extra cash fast with minimal start up cost and some of the common mode of communication includes email and phone call conferences, the Internet, online work space and your personal computer.

A virtual assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur who works from a distant location and uses technology to offer administrative and creative services to clients globally. It gives you the opportunity to create your own brand as a business owner.

Most VA's are self-employed and may work exclusively for one client or hire themselves to many other clients.

Virtual assistance is becoming more lucrative especially because of the economic downtime, many small business owners get the support they need from virtual assistants because it helps them to get work done and it saves them the time and cost of hiring an employee.

Some of the basic skills you need are office and business administration and a sound knowledge of social media is also important.

There are many services a virtual assistant can offer depending on the level of talents and skills that you have.

Some of these services are social media management, desktop publishing, web and graphic design, editing, event planning, writing, customer service, research, human resources, marketing and more.

To launch yourself as a virtual assistant, you should understand your core skills and be clear about the services you want to offer to clients.

It is also important to define your niche because it makes you the go-to person in your area of specialty. Don't be a Jack of all trades!

Also before you set out, do a market survey to understand what the needs for your niche are and how to apply it to your business.

Determine the level of time and energy you want to commit to the business, if you want to work full time or part time.

There are many online outlets such Upwork, Fiverr, Elance and others through which you can offer your services, they are designed to specifically match you up with people who need your expertise.

A great social media presence will also help to boost your SEO and visibility, thereby growing your network.

Also social networking gives you the opportunity to attract potential business professionals through sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.

Nobody is an island therefore don't see other VA's as your competition but exchange resources, support and even teach each other new skills.

There are many VA groups online that offer professional advice to its members and opportunities for career development.

But first you need to decide on your rates and there are many ways you could charge either by the project, hour or even have retainer rates.

Your client base, level of expertise and industry will determine the type of rates that you charge but nevertheless you shouldn't undervalue your skills.

Virtual assisting is a win-win for everyone because of the flexibility it offers and you can work how, when and with who you want.

To succeed as a VA, you need to communicate effectively, be highly organised and pay attention to details. It involves managing your time effectively to achieve more results and working on your own terms.

The VA path is not always sunshine and rainbows, it can be challenging sometimes but it is still a great rewarding experience.