Being a virtual assistant is not something that comes quick and easy. It requires a certain amount of professionalism, Besides being an effective virtual assistant should be based on how you handle your dedication to your work, Is just like you have working in any other industry, You need the mentality to work hard,
To become effective in your role, You do not only need your dedication, but You also need some essential tools and a designated space to fulfill your role.
Virtual assistant software tools
As a Virtual Assistant, you need the proper tools to make your work effective and more efficient to meet our client's satisfaction.
Check out these tools here:
1. Google Drive: are file storage and synchronization service developed by Google. Launched on April 24, 2012, Google Drive allows users to store files in the cloud, synchronize files across devices, and share files.
2. Asana: it is a web and mobile application designed to help teams organize, track, and manage their work. Forrester, Inc. reports that "Asana simplifies team-based work management." It is produced by a company of the same name.
3. Pic Pick: is a Windows program used for creating and editing screenshots. After installation, it resides in the taskbar where all its functions can be accessed via the context menu. It can either be installed or can be run as a portable app.
4. LastPass: is a freemium password manager that stores encrypted passwords online. The standard version of LastPass comes with a web interface, but also includes plugins for various web browsers and apps for many smartphones. It also includes support for bookmarklets. LogMeIn, Inc. acquired LastPass in October 2015.
5. Hootsuite: is a social media management platform, created by Ryan Holmes in 2008. The system's user interface takes the form of a dashboard and supports social network integrations for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, and YouTube.
6. Canva: is a graphic design platform, used to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, documents, and other visual content. The app includes templates for users to use. The platform is free to use and offers paid subscriptions like Canva Pro and Canva for Enterprise for additional functionality.
7. Grammarly: is a Ukrainian-origin American-headquartered cross-platform cloud-based writing assistant that reviews spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, engagement, and delivery mistakes. It uses AI to identify and search for an appropriate replacement for the mistake it locates.
8. Skype: is a proprietary telecommunications application that specializes in providing VoIP-based videotelephony, videoconferencing, and voice calls. It also has instant messaging, file transfer, debt-based calls to landline and mobile telephones, and other features.
Virtual assistant designated office
A lot of virtual assistants work from home, There are good points and bad points to this approach, but I find the most important thing to make working from home effective is to have designated office space.
You need a workspace that is organized and quiet, free from some distractions of home-like kids or chores. Even if you live in a small apartment, set aside a quiet corner for your desk with a divider to block out visual distractions.
Make sure that you organize your tabletop, your computers should be comfortably accessing, all your needs for your task should be there like your mobile phone, Bluetooth devices (earphones, mouse, keyboards), and some small pieces of stuff like ball pens, notes, calculator and anything you need for your task
Most of all just being clean and neat for your comfortability working ambiance Also, make sure you have the proper equipment to get your work done, including backup computers if your primary workstation failed, backup the internet in case of connection loss.
Effective virtual assistant
Trust comes when you understand Customer needs, respect them and offer relevant services. Virtual assistants need to be honest, consistent, and reliable about their work. It should be the quality of an Effective Virtual assistant.