Since I started working online, I’ve been doing it independently and preferred to not be a part of an agency. There are some offers of course, but one of the reasons I decided to work at home is to do it on my own, so I think being in an employment agency wouldn’t give me the needed freedom I want. When you work by yourself, you really feel that it is your own business, you set your own rules, your own rate and you choose which client to work with. You develop more of sense of responsibility towards your work and goal.
Starting on your own can be very difficult since most clients opt to hire VA’s who already have virtual work experiences or have online track records on their resumes. A client usually asks from a VA a proof of her work. A client often looks for customer testimonials and online portfolio which he can use as gauge to whether a certain online worker is credible or capable enough. Given the fact that a client and a VA exist in a virtual world and that it is possible to not ever see each other in person, it is very easy to say and do fraud. Someone who offers online services can state any skills she can assume of in order to win a client. On the other hand, a client who hires a VA can assign and start the work as soon as he can with the intention of not paying after the job was done. This online job scam is widespread all over the internet and will surely guarantee a disaster working relationship. In order to be a successful VA, one must carry out an honest endeavor online and practice due care in getting the right person to have business with across the web.
If you are an aspiring VA, you may want to consider an online staffing agency. Working in a Virtual Assistant employment company has its advantages. One fact that you have to face when working online is the possibility of ending a job with a client. This can happen abruptly or with prior notice. If the client is considerate enough he may give you weeks of notice before the termination to allow you to find another job. The termination of employment may due to different reasons like unsatisfactory work performance but often times the business has simply run out of projects to outsource. When this happens, a VA who is working independently full-time to a single client may be left without work, which also means no more pay. Oftentimes, looking for another client on your own may take weeks or longer. However, if you are working under a management firm, it can assist you with any concerns that you may have including finding another client for you. The management takes care of identifying your strength, what you are good at and highlighting your assets as an employee then finds the best client that will fit your abilities and skills. VA staffing firm also offers great support and training to their employees. One thing you have to know as well is that VA companies pay lower than when you are working directly with a client.
Working as a VA for a year now is both challenging and rewarding career for me. I have learned a great deal of things, developed my qualities and am still continuing to improve my skills. Working independently as a VA enables me to earn more which helps pay the household bills and allows my family to do some leisure activities and to have a better quality of life.
Now it is your turn to find out whether working independently or working with a VA management agency works best for you. What do you think best suits you?
