Essential Tools for new VA’s
Looking to take a step into the Virtual Assistant community? I don't blame you - it's amazing! But it isn't all working from bed and short shifts. You need to know what services you will provide, who your targeted clients are and make sure you have the software to complete your work.
There is clearly a lot that goes on behind the scenes to get your VA career off the ground, so to help you tick one task off the list, I'm going to share with you some top tools you may want to consider using to making your VA work a breeze.
Having the essential tools and software to make everyday tasks easier will be your lifeline and they don't need to break the bank. Here are my 5 go-to tools:
Wave App
Let’s start with my favourite invoicing app. Wave App is a completely free invoicing tool that will ensure your clients receive professional invoices and receipts. It also allows you to accept credit card payments which can be a bonus. You can check your incoming transactions, add sales taxes and see financial reports.
Wave will become your finance friend, especially in those early days when you need to keep a check on income and outgoings. It is simple to use, which is a bonus as I am not the best with numbers! It is one of the many tools I still use to this day in my VA career.
Google Docs
Yes, the faithful competitor to our long term programme Microsoft Office. I never thought I’d say this but I have been converted to the good ol’ Google Docs. Why? Well, I use G-Drive for my clients shared folders and the ease of access to whip open a G-Doc, pop on any comments or amendments, share any new files is just more streamlined. As a new VA, you will come to love streamlined processes.
Saving time on little tasks using G-Docs means time invested on other tasks. You do need a google account, but does mean later down the line you can upgrade to G-Suite (which I will share more on in the coming weeks).
DocuSign
Got contracts you need signed? Well for many, meeting up with new clients to physically sign isn’t an option. After all, we are virtual assistants meaning we can work virtually anywhere! Say hello to DocuSign. This software allows you to send up to 3 contracts per month for nothing, so it is an excellent starter tool for any VA. You just upload your contract, assign who need to sign it and with a click of a few buttons it will be on the way to your new client. You can see when your new client has opened and signed it, so if you feel they are taking a little longer, you can check in to make sure everything is okay, and iron out any creases before starting work with them.
Trello
Whether you are a new VA or a veteran, we all know how organisation is key when it comes to hitting your goals and smashing client work. For keeping tabs on your to-do lists, managing client onboarding and even planning your marketing strategy, I highly recommend Trello. I use this to manage client tasks, as well as my own marketing and planning.
This tool allows you to build lists and within each list add a card. These can be dedicated to set tasks, topics, checklists - whatever you like! The best thing is these can be collaborative, so really good for onboarding clients and allowing them to approve, assign or amend any tasks given to you. Also, it is free too.
Canva
You may not be a graphic designer, but trust me when I
say Canva is the bees knees. They do offer a premium version, but the free version does the job just as well. Here you can design just about anything. Letterheads, welcome packs, social media graphics, cover images, logos - pretty much any graphic you need can be created in here. A must have for all VA’s I say.
Got more questions about becoming a Virtual Assistant?
Most of these have paid upgrades, but the basic options have everything you need to get started and beyond! If you are looking to get into VA work, or have a small business idea but not sure what you need, or need to share your ideas, drop me a message at theaestheticroots@gmail.com to book one of my Business Power Hours, where I can help you gain clarity and reach your top goals.
