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  • Artificial Intelligence & Virtual Assistants

    Artificial Intelligence & The Virtual Assistant

    Artificial intelligence & Virtual Assistants are like Bonnie & Clyde. It’s 2024, and whether you like it or not, Artificial Intelligence plays a role in your life in one way or another. From social media to messaging applications and popular workspaces, AI is shaping how we learn, communicate, play, and work.

    Work, especially, because every software that is worth its salt has its own AI, created specifically to maximize the software’s efficiency and reduce the time we spend using it.

    So, it’s not uncommon for Virtual Assistants to harness AI in their work and the services they offer. However, as with any human endeavor, there is always a tendency to abuse a tool. It’s important to note that some Virtual Assistants are relying too heavily on AI instead of using it as a tool to enhance their work.

    Unfortunately, more and more people are becoming familiar with AI-generated tone and language, and can easily recognize AI-generated content. This has started to diminish the credibility of the work that many Virtual Assistants produce.

    So, the question is: how do you leverage Artificial Intelligence without sacrificing the credibility of your work and skills?

    First, understand the role of AI in the software you’re using. AI isn’t designed to do the job for you; it’s meant to elevate your output and increase your efficiency.

    Acknowledge your expertise and how important it is to the role AI plays as you use the software. The difference in results between two people using the same AI tool comes down to their input and knowledge of the subject matter. For example, have you noticed how people use ChatGPT but their results vary? This is because their prompts differ. Your knowledge will directly affect the quality of your results.

    Artificial Intelligence should elevate the quality of your work, not replace it. Know this, and you’ll know peace.

  • 5 Simple Steps to Launch Your Virtual Assistant Career

    When people inquire about my profession, I frequently encounter the question: “What is a virtual assistant, and how can I become one?” In response, I will clarify who a virtual assistant is and outline the process of becoming one in five straightforward steps.

    A virtual assistant is a professional who provides services to individuals or businesses from a remote location. The key advantage of being a virtual assistant is the ability to work from the comfort of your home or any location of your choosing. Your current physical location doesn’t pose any restrictions, making virtual assisting an excellent choice for a stay-at-home parent looking for a side hustle or a rewarding career.

    Exciting, isn’t it? Now, if you’ve made the decision to embark on a career as a virtual assistant, let’s explore the five simple steps you should follow:

    1. Choose Your Service Niche: Determine the services you wish to offer. With over 50 potential services to provide, virtual assisting is remarkably versatile. Your choice should align with your skillset, whether it’s a natural talent, something you’ve learned over time, or a skill you’re willing to acquire. Your services will be tailored to your clients based on these factors.

    2. Establish an Online Presence: Choose a social media platform to serve as your virtual office space. While having a website is beneficial, a well-crafted social media profile is essential. Ensure your profile clearly communicates what services you offer and provides contact information.

    3. Package and Price Your Services: Determine the number of hours you’re available to work each day and your desired monthly income. This will give you a rough estimate of what to charge clients based on the hours you will devote to their projects. Also research market rates for similar services to ensure competitive pricing, especially when starting out. Gradually adjust your rates as you gain experience and confidence.

    4. Establish Efficient Processes: Develop processes for client onboarding, contracts, agreements, and payment and invoicing procedures. Having these in place before taking on your first client will make the process smoother and enhance your professionalism, increasing your chances of retaining clients.

    5. Secure Your First Client: Begin by reaching out to your “warm list” – friends and family who trust and support you. Send them an email, WhatsApp message, or text message introducing your new venture. Be sure to explain why you’d make an excellent virtual assistant for their business. Expect mixed responses, and don’t be discouraged by initial rejections. Finally, Cold calling can also be effective.

    Furthermore, social media is a valuable platform for finding and signing up new clients. In fact, about 75% of my clients discovered me through social media. Ensure your posts focus on your services and the benefits you offer to clients. Running Facebook ads can also expand your reach significantly.

    And there you have it, five straightforward steps to kickstart your virtual assistant business today. Good luck!