 by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated
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You’ve worked in an office for years. You’re good at your job, but dread the morning commute. You long for a flexible schedule that works with your family needs, not against them. If this sounds like you, you could work at home as a virtual assistant. Virtual assistants provide administrative services to their clients via the Internet. Though not required, experience as an administrative assistant can be helpful. 
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The Technology
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To work out of your home, you will need a telephone line, personal computer, printer, and Internet access. A fax machine is also helpful. If you would rather not invest in a fax machine, try an online fax service. For a monthly fee, you can send and receive faxes by email.
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Certification
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Some virtual assistants find certification helpful in keeping their skills at peak performance. The skills improved upon through certification include executive support, business decision-making, customer service, and project management. Certification is also helpful in gaining credibility among your colleagues, and potential clients. Try vacertification.com for more info on becoming certified.
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Pump Up Your Resumé
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Is your resume looking a little thin in the experience category? If you are willing to volunteer your time, you can quickly gain the experience you need to succeed. There are a number of websites available to connect you with a nonprofit organization in need of your skills. Try idealist.org, volunteer.gov, or volunteermatch.org. Beneficial to your career and the charitable cause of your choosing, this match is a win-win situation. Work hard and you will likely accumulate some professional references as well.
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Choosing a Niche
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Once you have established yourself as a virtual assistant, you may want to consider choosing an area of specialization.  Most virtual assistants choose to specialize in a field of interest, such as real estate or medical transcription. Make the most of your expertise and interests when choosing a niche market. Specializing will help you gain credibility with your clients. Over time, you will become an expert in your field, all from the comfort of your own home.Â
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Sources:
(2007). The Media’s Virtual Assistant Survey Results. Retrieved March 7, 2009 from VA Networking Website:
http://www.vanetworking.com/survey/virtual-assistant-statistics.htm.
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(2004). Virtual Assistant Skill set. Retrieved March 7, 2009 from Virtual Assistant Certification Website:  http://www.vacertification.com/skillset.htm
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