Is Virtual Assistant Training worth the investment?

If you are considering becoming a virtual assistant you may have discovered various training options available and wonder if they are worth the expense. Keep in mind, the Virtual Assistant business is unregulated...meaning anyone can put up a website and offer training and certification. 

The question a wise VA will ask herself is "are these certifications necessary and do they add to my credibility in the eyes of potential clients"?

Since the industry is unregulated and many business professionals are still in the dark as to what a VA is and what they do, certification may not make much difference to a potential client. There are certainly many successful virtual assistants that have never gotten any certification.

On the other hand, a new VA just starting out and perhaps lacking many years of experience may gain such credibility and confidence from a good certification program. It's really a personal choice and the right answer will depend upon your experience, education, skills and confidence in promoting your business.

What about training? Is training really necessary or beneficial?

Here again the answer will depend upon you and the training and experience you already have in the services you provide; however, I think training is an excellent way to invest in yourself and your business.

The right training program can do wonders for your productivity and the success of your business. I am involved in continuing education every year - not only for specific Virtual Assistant skills but also for entrepreneurs who run their own businesses.

There is always something to learn... and the great thing about owning your own business is your training is a tax deduction.

When considering a training program, you want to take a very realistic inventory of your skills. Where are you weak? What services are in high demand in your target market that you need to learn or brush up on your skills?

Training programs that are geared toward a specific market, for example real estate, or towards specific skills such as internet marketing, are excellent investments. This is money well spent as your business will benefit from an expanded service offering and undoubtedly your quality will improve as well.

A great way to find quality, reputable virtual assistant training programs is to discover what training other VAs have received. Talk to other VAs who are offering the services you would like to offer and learn what training they received.

Keep in mind that any good training program will cost some money but you need to consider this a business investment. Any profession you choose is going to require some investment in training; therefore, if you are going to take your business seriously, you may need to make an investment in your most important asset...you.