A virtual assistant is the unsung hero of many businesses. They are often not seen, but their contributions to a business’s functionality are to extremely vital its success.
The role of the virtual assistant has grown substantially in recent years and even more so since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In this piece, we will discuss the main skills and attributes that a good virtual assistant possesses
- THEY ARE RELIABLE
Above all else, reliability is the most important attribute of a Virtual assistant. VAs do most of their work remotely and by themselves. With no watchdog to or structured work environment, they must be self-motivated. VAs must set themselves a high level of professionalism.
- THEY ARE GREAT AT TIME MANAGEMENT
Time is not an abundant resource. VAs should prioritize speed and efficiency. Meeting deadlines, answering queries and emails in a timely fashion are all qualities a business looks for in a VA. Clients don’t have the time or the patience to chase you down for the completion of tasks.
- THEY CAN ADAPT
Depending on the task assigned and its importance, working conditions and hours can change at a moment’s notice. Employees need a VA who is flexible and can adapt to any situation that might present a problem.
- THEY ARE WILLING TO LEARN
Even if you have your way of doing things, being open to suggestions leads to smooth interaction with clients.
- THEY CAN WORK UNDER PRESSURE
High stake clients can be very demanding. Tasks can be sprung on you out of nowhere and can require immediate attention and completion. When the workload starts piling up, a good VA can buckle down and get the job done.
- THEY CAN MULTI-TASK
VAs are often asked to do more than one job at a time. They should be well organized and be able to execute multiple tasks like handling an employee’s social media accounts, emails, and schedule simultaneously.
- THEY ARE RESOURCEFUL
VAs are often assigned tasks that employers either don’t have the time to do or simply don’t know how. As a VA you are expected to complete any tasks assigned to you, and if you don’t know how to do the task, a good VA will research the means necessary to complete the task, no matter how difficult it may seem.
- THEY ARE CREATIVE
Clients look towards their VAs for inspiration when they are out of ideas. A good VA can help coming up with fresh content and offer a different perspective on an issue. Through their creativity, they add value to the business, becoming indispensable to the client.
- THEY ARE PROACTIVE
Instructions to assignments should be strictly followed. That doesn’t mean a VA cannot go above and beyond what is required of them. A good VA will cover any aspect of a task, even if not specified in an assignment’s instruction, and always has their eye on relevant and current issues that pertain to their job.
- THEY HAVE EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION SKILLS
A VA needs to be effective and clear when communicating. Whether it be reading, writing, or communicating with your client or colleagues, excellent communication skills are vital. When interacting they should conduct themselves professionally and have a polite tone.
Not only are VAs either native speakers or are fluent in the language in which they are communicating, but they also have a good sense of the appropriate cultural mannerisms of the people they interact with.
- THEY ARE COMPUTER LITERATE
Virtually all your aspects of a VAs task will be researched, processed, and completed on a computer or similar technology. For a VA, computer literacy is a basic requirement. This goes for hardware and software. A VA is also required to be proficient in navigating the internet and have a strong understanding of social media and its importance to a business.
- THEY ARE GOOD TYPISTS
Most of the communication between VAs and clients is done online. Typing is an essential requirement in their field. Clients want fast and accurate results. The minimum typing speed required for a VA is 60 words a minute.
- THEY ARE GOOD LISTENERS
A VA should be able to empathize with clients and customers. They are good listeners who can understand problems and identify their solutions.
- THEY HAVE PLEASANT PERSONALITIES
One can have all the skills and attributes that are needed to become a capable VA, but if you don’t have a kind, positive and friendly personality, clients will not want to work with you and customers will give negative feedback.
- THEY HAVE INTEGRITY AND HONESTY
AS a VA, trust between you and your client is crucial. Some clients use video to monitor and clock their VA’s working hours which can be unpleasant. That is unnecessary if you have built a healthy trusting relationship. It’s important that you communicate any problems that arise and failure to meet deadlines.
Conclusion
Position as a VA is an intimate job that requires people skills and technical ability. Technical ability can be learned, people skills are character-driven and developed.