Characteristics of a Good Virtual Assistant

Many people are drawn to the idea of becoming a virtual assistant, and it's easy to see why. The role offers a host of benefits, including flexibility, opportunities for professional and personal growth from the comfort of home, competitive salaries, and much more.

Considering factors such as the rise of AI, post-pandemic challenges, evolving business models, and the younger generations taking over the workforce, the desire to become a virtual assistant is certainly justified.

However, before embarking on a career as a virtual assistant, there's one essential question every aspiring VA should be able to answer: "What characteristics make a good virtual assistant?"

Wanting to become a virtual assistant requires more than just researching skills, credentials, etc. It also requires understanding the essential characteristics one must possess to excel in being a virtual assistant.

In this blog, we'll explore the seven key characteristics you need to excel as a virtual assistant. By understanding these traits, you'll gain insight into whether the role is a good fit for you and identify areas where you can further develop your skills. Let's dive in!

Here are 7 characteristics that make a good virtual assistant:

1. Adaptable: Being adaptable helps virtual assistants to adjust to different tasks, environments, and requirements smoothly. If a virtual assistant is not adaptable, they will most likely not last in the industry. It's a crucial characteristic because every day can bring new challenges and tasks that require flexibility.
   Why is it important: Let's say you're a virtual assistant helping with scheduling for a busy executive. One day, they might need you to arrange a last-minute international trip, and the next day, they might need help organizing a large-scale virtual conference. Your adaptability ensures you can handle both scenarios with ease.
2. Efficient: Having the ability to complete tasks promptly and effectively. This is important because time is valuable. Clients need the help of virtual assistants to streamline processes and save as much time as possible. Efficiency can be practiced in so many ways. Start with your daily tasks. The more efficient a virtual assistant becomes, the greater their effectiveness in handling tasks.
   Why is it important: Imagine you're managing emails for a small business owner. Responding promptly to urgent emails, organizing the inbox efficiently, and prioritizing tasks effectively demonstrate your efficiency, allowing your client to focus on other important aspects of their business.
3. Excellent Communicator: Strong communication skills are essential for understanding instructions clearly and conveying information accurately. This characteristic is vital because virtual assistants often work remotely and need to communicate effectively with clients and team members.
   Why is it important: Let's say you're collaborating with a team on a project. Clear communication ensures everyone understands their roles, deadlines, and expectations. Whether it's through email, chat, or video calls, your ability to communicate effectively keeps the project on track.
4. Problem-Solver: Problem-solving abilities make virtual assistants overcome challenges and find solutions independently. Clients rely on virtual assistants to handle unexpected issues efficiently. That is why this is an important characteristic to have as a virtual assistant. This is probably why a virtual assistant got hired in the first place. To make their client's life easier and give them the ability to focus on things that actually matter.
   Why is it important?: Suppose you encounter a technical issue while setting up a client's virtual meeting. Your problem-solving skills come into play as you troubleshoot the problem. Possibly reaching out to technical support if needed, to ensure the meeting runs smoothly and on time. As long as the problem can be solved, then the clients should be less involved as much as possible.
5. Organization: Organization involves keeping tasks, documents, and information structured and easily accessible. It helps virtual assistants to stay on top of their workload and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
   Why is it important?: As a virtual assistant managing multiple projects for different clients, staying organized is crucial. Using tools like calendars, task lists, and project management software helps you keep track of deadlines, appointments, and important details, ensuring you deliver high-quality work consistently.
6. Reliable: Trustworthy and dependable. Integrity plays a big part in this characteristic. Clients will entrust virtual assistants with confidential information. The clients need to have confidence that their virtual assistant will deliver work on time, protect the business/information, and meet their expectations consistently.
   Why is it important?: Imagine you have a weekly task of updating a client's social media profiles. Your reliability shines through when you consistently post content at agreed-upon times, maintain the brand's voice and style, and respond promptly to any inquiries or comments from followers.
7. Tech Savviness: Tech savviness involves being comfortable and proficient with various digital tools and platforms. It's important because virtual assistants often rely on technology to perform tasks efficiently and communicate effectively.
   Why is it important?: Let's say you're tasked with researching and implementing a new project management tool for your client's team. Your tech savviness allows you to evaluate different options, choose the most suitable one, and provide guidance and training to ensure smooth adoption by the team.

After reading these 7 characteristics, do you think being a virtual assistant is for everyone?

The good thing about these characteristics is that anyone can learn them. And it's never too late to try.

You should be more motivated now than ever to kickstart your virtual assistant career!

TO WRAP UP!

In the dynamic world of virtual assistance, possessing the right set of characteristics can make all the difference between mediocrity and excellence.

By honing the seven key characteristics explored in this blog – adaptability, efficiency, excellent communication, problem-solving skills, organization, reliability, and tech-savviness – you'll be well-equipped to navigate this exciting field.

Remember, the journey doesn't stop here. The best virtual assistants are always eager to learn and grow. Look for opportunities to expand your skills, whether it's through online courses, trying out new tools to boost productivity, or staying up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry.

Take the first step today – invest in your professional development, network with other VAs, and explore the vast opportunities this dynamic field has to offer.

If are an aspiring to be a virtual assistant or someone who is in the industry and is looking to refresh their lenses and methods and have any questions, message me here today!