What’s Your Question Wednesday: Get Experience
December 19, 2007
This week I’m answering a question submitted to my blog by Elizabeth Ashe and it reads like this:
“How do you go about getting training to be a va, when you have no real experience?”
This is a great question, Elizabeth. And I know you aren’t the only one who has this question on her mind.
Here are some ideas to gain some “training/experience” and know how of certain services before you officially open your doors.
- Decide what services you’ll likely provide and study how to guides, ask questions on forums about certain aspects of that service, buy any books or workbooks that might be written on the subject…etc.
- Practice on your own. If you you’d like to offer writing articles, write some and ask a good writing friend of yours for an honest criqite. If you know you’d like to install and edit blogs, then do that for yourself. If you’d like to add articles to a webpage, then do that yourself. You get the point.
- Offer your services for free in exchange for the experience. Somewhat like a training program of sorts or an internship. I’ve recently posted an ad in my newsletter from a VA that needs an intern. This might be perfect for you…if you didn’t see it, please see the end of this post for the ad.
- If you feel fairly confident in your abilities but you know you’ll still need some training from your client, then offer a lowered rate than you might normally like. You need to remember that starting off at a lower rate in order to gain the important perfecting of your skills is going to be worth it in the long run. This is what I did in the beginning of my VA practice.
I landed a really successful client in the internet marketing business and she trained me on all the tasks I needed to perfect. I started with a lower rate in the beginning, because I needed more training than some VA’s. It paid off very well for me in the long run.
These are just some options that came to my mind. I wanted to ask another VA her advice on the topic and was pleased to see we’re both on the same track when it comes to this question. Arika of Take 5 VA writes:
“Learn as much as you can about the field you want to go into, for instance if you want to do web design learn about programs, coding, etc. Also, if you can find another VA willing to train you as an intern, take advantage of the opportunity. Also, be willing to do work for less starting out just to gain experience.”
I hope I’ve answered your question and given you some ideas as to how you can get some experience and perfect your skills? Most VA’s don’t start off with a load of experience, so don’t let that scare you off. If you’re willing to try a few different ways to gain the skills/experience you’ll want then that’s half the battle.
Don’t forget that I offer one-on-one coaching if you’d like to take advantage of it…you can read more here…. virtual assistance coaching.
Here is the intern ad:
Internet Profit Planning Seeks Assistant Intern
This is a non-paid opportunity to learn the trade of internet
marketing assistance from the ground up.
You will learn how to provide ongoing internet marketing support to
small business owners and the skills required to be a valued asset
to a client’s online business.
Skills to be learned include:
Article Marketing
Article Writing & Proofing
Affiliate Program Setup & Management
Shopping Cart Setup
Salespage Creation
Autoresponder/Newsletter Setup & Management
Wordpress Blog Installation and Customization
Simple Graphics Creation
Keyword Research & Webpage Optimization
Audio Recording, Production and Publishing
Appropriate Link Building
Setting up & Promoting Teleseminars
Social Networking
Project Management
Website Editing
The New Year Internet Marketing Intern position requires an
investment of 15 hours per week (learning and working) for twelve
weeks and could turn into a long-term paid position if everything
works out. When you do the majority of your work is not important
but you must have at least five hours a week available in the
morning or afternoon during the business week.
Prerequisite Skills:
Internet Research
Basic HTML
You will sign a non-disclosure agreement.
You must own a fast, reliable computer and have a high speed
internet connection.
You will be provided with all necessary learning materials and
mentoring and any software required.
To Apply:
Sign up for the autoresponder for more details and application by
sending a blank email to: ippintern@aweber.com
Please view the Internet Profit Planning website at
http://www.internetprofitplanning.com before applying.
Please do not email or call directly, let your application form
make your introduction.
Angela Wills
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Thanks nell, that really did answer my question.
Oh, good to know!