The Sterling Basic Virtual Assistance Course
Lesson 1- Virtual Assistance Basics

What is a Virtual Professional?
​
Also known as Home-based professional or Online professional
What work does a freelancer do? ... Freelancing is basically a different way to work. Rather than being employed by a company in one specific job, freelancers are self-employed and find work via a variety of sources. Clients hire a freelancer to complete a task, project, or service for them.
​
Why the world loves Filipino Freelancers
​
ENGLISH SPEAKERS - Filipinos are known to be proficient in written and conversational English making communication with foreign clients much easier. Filipinos are great conversationalists and are fun to work with.
​
GOAL ORIENTED - Filipinos are goal-oriented professionals, hardworking and dedicated to producing quality output as well as committed to customer satisfaction.
​
LOYAL - Hiring a Filipino freelancer almost ensures an amicable long-term partnership. Filipinos are known to be loyal to their clients thus fostering great business relationships.
​
EDUCATED - Most freelancers are degree holders, have had formal training or have attended specialized courses, making them a cut above the rest for the job required.
​
SELF-MOTIVATED - They are pro-active and motivated to do what needs to be done to the best of their abilities. Their positive outlook in whatever situation pushes them to rise to the challenge.
​
Types of Virtual Professionals - Voice
This kind of virtual professional is required to communicate over the phone / skype / other voice call apps. Fluent English communication is almost always required
​
-
Tech support
-
Customer service/ Customer support
-
Project management
-
Virtual assistance
-
Online marketing
​
Types of Virtual Professionals – Non-Voice
​
This kind of virtual professional is not required to communicate over the phone.
Fluent English communication is not required but preferred
-
Data Entry
-
Transcription – Medical / Legal / Cinema / etc
-
Subtitling
-
Graphic Design / Editing
-
Video production / Editing
-
SEO
-
Web Design / Programming
-
Admin support
​
Advantages of being a Virtual Professional
-
You control your workload. One of the best parts of being a freelancer is that you get to say when enough is enough.
-
You're less likely to get sick.
-
You get as many breaks and as much sleep as you want.
-
You control your work relationships.
-
You can exercise at optimum times.
-
Freedom To Choose Clients And Projects. You're your own boss.
-
Immense Flexibility Of Location. You avoid the long commute.
-
An Opportunity To Earn More
​
Disadvantages of being a Virtual Professional
-
Not Steady or Reliable Workloads
-
Distinguishing Between Work and Personal Time
-
A Lot of Legwork
-
Risk of getting scammed or Not Getting Paid
-
No Employee Benefits
​
BEST PRACTICES WORKING FROM HOME
-
Set your goals and meet them
-
Plan your workday
-
Manage your time
-
Provide a designated workspace
-
Prepare the tools you need
-
Dress to Impress
-
Avoid distractions
-
Take a break
-
Stay healthy
-
Connect with fellow freelancers
-
Stay in touch with the outside world
​
​
​
​
​
