I received a really juicy question from a reader the other day that I wanted to share.
“Do you have a list of applications that are usually used as a VA? I’m constantly thinking and visualizing how great my business will be, but I find myself getting discouraged when I think of questions potential clients may ask, that I have no clue how to answer or explain, like how I would check their email, get into programs they use in their office, or take calls for them from home.” – R.B.
There are 3 parts to this reader question that I want to address:
- How to deal with difficult client questions the right way
- What clients look for in a VA (it may not be what you think)
- Programs you want to be familiar with as a VA
That’s why I decided to make my answer a 3 part series. You can find the answer to How to Deal with Difficult Client Questions the Right Way here and What Clients are Looking for When Hiring a Virtual Assistant here.
Today let’s talk about the last part of this series, programs you want to be familiar with as a VA.
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PROGRAMS YOU WANT TO BE FAMILIAR WITH AS A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
“Do you have a list of applications that are usually used as a VA?” – R.B.
Hopefully, after reading the first 2 parts of this series, you’re no longer feeling the pressure to know it all or have the answers to everything. But maybe you still want to know a few basic applications that are commonly used by business owners.
It’s cool, you should be familiar with a few programs (just don’t stress yourself out about it).
Below is a list of programs that either I or my clients use often. This is by no means an extensive list because there are tons of other tools out there and new ones popping up all the time. But, these are some programs that have either been around for a while and/or are popular with the people I’VE worked with.
Some of these offer free sign-ups, some have limited time free trials, and others might be too expensive to try out just for the sake of learning. You can still do research, however, online or on the program’s website if you want to know more.
You can also find tutorials on SkillShare for various programs.
Some of the most common programs used by ME and MY clients:
- Social Media – Buffer, Hootsuite, RecurPost, Tailwind, Later, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram
- Cloud Storage – Google Drive, Dropbox
- Office Productivity Software – Microsoft Word, Microsoft Powerpoint, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Apple Pages
- Websites – WordPress
- Website Theme – Divi
- Lead Generation – LeadPages
- Newsletter Software – ConvertKit, MailChimp, Ontraport, Keap (formerly InfusionSoft)
- Project Management – Asana, Basecamp, Trello
- Email – Gmail
- Digital Products – DPD, Teachable
- Password Sharing – LastPass
To sum up:
1. Don’t stress out if you don’t have an answer to a client’s question. Just be honest and willing to help figure out an answer.
2. Be familiar with the tools used in your niche, but don’t feel like you need to know every piece of software or program out there (it’s impossible). Highlight your wonderful traits like how organized you are, what a quick learner you are, and how you treat your clients’ businesses as if they’re your own.
3. Learn more about the tools listed above so you’re somewhat familiar with them. Some of them you can use for your own business too.
Ready to start your virtual assistant business and make money at home? Join the Introvert VA Club and learn step-by-step what to do!
RELATED ARTICLES:
Client Organization Tips for Your Virtual Assistant Business
How to Use RecurPost to Automate Your Social Media
8 Productivity Tips for Working Smarter (Not Harder) as a VA
