A virtual assistant is person who performs services for companies from his or her home.

Companies do this to be free off the cost of hiring employees to handle secretarial and clerical duties.

A virtual assistant works from a home office but often has access to necessary planning documents like calendars remotely.

Virtual assistants do a wide range of jobs which can include:

  • Administrative tasks
  • Call handling
  • Email communications
  • Social media management
  • Customer care
  • Graphics design
  • Web design
  • Content creation
  • Copywriting
  • Data entry

Anyone can become a virtual assistant as long as the have the relevant digital skills. Basic computer literacy is required as well as a knowledge of digital tools.

The Rosepreneur is an example of a virtual assistant in Nigeria. She even has a course on her website.

To become a virtual assistant, you need to do the following:

  1. Acquire Education: Generally in Nigeria, you will need to have a University degree or its equivalent. However, the education requirements will depend on the employer.
  2. Get Digital Skills: A good virtual assistant must have good typing skills, excellent grammar and writing skills, familiarity with the Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
  3. Define Your Services and Niche: Analyze yourself to know your strength and weaknesses. Before you can start looking for clients, it’s important to know what skills and expertise you have to offer.
  4. Get the Necessary Tools: A virtual assistant must have a computer with high speed internet, a printer, a scanner, a working mobile line and a workspace that is free from distractions.
  5. Create Your Portfolio: A portfolio is a great way to showcase your skills and experience to potential clients. This should contain samples of your work as a virtual assistant. This article covers how to create a portfolio even without experience if you are just getting started.
  6. Legally Protect Your Business: It is important that you finalize all legalities and financial aspects on you own end. This is because you will be entering into contractual obligations with clients. This template is a contract template for virtual assistants working in Nigeria.
  7. Create an Online Presence: The best place to find clients is on the internet. To this end you need to brand yourself with a professional website and social media pages. Owning a website not only helps potential clients to find you, it also give you a chance to highlight your skills and a good opportunity to explain your services.
  8. Networking: As a virtual assistant, networking with other professional will keep you abreast of other opportunities in your field. Join online groups and forums for VAs in Nigeria and actively participate in discussions.

As a virtual assistant just starting out in Nigeria, you can check out LinkedIn and Upwork for jobs.