Home Based Business Center

For many, doing secretarial work is easy - even relaxing. Taking phone calls, making appointments, answering emails and dealing with clients isn’t difficult for most, and some truly enjoy being a secretary.

The most common gripe with being a secretary, in fact, isn’t the work at all - but the hours. A company that is open from 9-7 often has at least one secretary working those hours, and sometimes worse. It can also be hard to keep your sanity, as many companies not only demand harsh hours, but offer meager pay as thanks for your hard work.

The digital age now offers incredible options to those who want to look outside of the box, work from their own home in their own office, and be able to make a hefty income from doing what they’re good. The internet is opening ever more options - especially if you have skills as a secretary.

Really! Other business owners are interested in hiring Virtual Assistants, or VA’s, who are basically virtual secretaries. And they’re paying good money for those who are willing to do good work.

What do I Need to Start?

The first thing that you’re going to need is a computer, as the majority of your clients will be online. A reliable, fast computer is preferable, with enough storage space to hold a vast number of documents and client information.

A good quality internet connection is also your best bet. Dial up will work at first, but you’re going to find yourself having a hard time handling everything that needs to be done with that sort of connection.
A phone line that’s up for work hours, and has a professional sounding answering machine is also perfect for taking calls from various clients, but if you don’t feel comfortable with your clients having your home number, a program like Skype can be a lifesaver.

What Skills do I Need?

Because of the incredible opportunities that the internet has, you no longer need to go to a secretarial school to be able to work online as one. Having the same skills, however, can improve your chances of taking on more clients and making more money.

Organization is the most important thing. You may be working for several clients at a time, and keeping things organized will save time and minimize stress. Keeping a daily planner is the first step - make sure you always have dates, projects, clients, and time frames jotted out, as well as your projected and actual income.

People Skills are something you’ll need if you want to become successful. You’ll have to deal with clients, at the very least - and many times you may have to deal with their customers. Keeping a good face under pressure, and knowing how to keep your clients happy, is vital to running a successful business.

Adapting to new experiences and enjoinments is also very important. A client may want something a little unorthodox, or you may need to get used to your new job - this can take some adapting, and being skilled at it is great.

While there’s no reason to not work at home if you have more trouble adapting, it may be easier if you can.

Clean, Specific Work Space is something extraordinarily vital, even if you’re only working a few hours a week. Set up a desk with your computer in a spare bedroom, away from your TV, or slowly build up to a home office. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, or expensive, but separating home from work will keep you motivated.

How can I start?

There are a few ways that you can actually start. Websites like Elance.com offer a way to view and apply for freelance projects for secretaries of any skill level, and give you the chance to work on small projects first, before jumping in and saying full time.

You could also place ads for yourself as a virtual assistant on different websites, and start your very own website to drive interested clients to you. This can take longer than freelancing using specific websites, however, but can build an incredible level of credibility.

Placing ads in the local paper can also help pull in local clients, if you’re just starting out - be warned, however, that many times local clients are less willing to pay higher rates, and more willing to criticize and judge.

Overall, if you have the will, there is very much a way. Working from your own home as a secretary can be extremely rewarding - you can spend more time with family, and less time commuting and dealing with the hassles.

If it’s something you love, then there’s no reason you can’t go for it!

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