Understanding Your Niche As a Virtual Assistant
Understanding your niche is crucial in beginning your career as a Virtual Assistant. Once you know your niche, you will be more confident to reach out to potential clients. Why? Because you know their world. You are familiar with their needs, struggles, and what makes them wake up every morning. It is easier to grow your client list and hours when you are working in your niche.
Examples of Niches:
If you have worked in a dentist office, you may find dentistry as a natural niche. You know the flow of the front office, you understand the insurance piece, you know what needs a dentist has.
If you have been a teacher, you may find education as a natural niche. You know how children learn, the importance of a good curriculum, what parents are worried about when it comes to their children learning.
If you have worked at a hospital or clinic, you may find healthcare as a natural niche. You know the patient’s concerns, what a physician wants in a well-run office, the flow of insurance and provider referrals.
Think about your background and what you enjoy doing. Once you have your niche, write out what your ideal client would struggle with, what needs they have, and what their biggest challenge may be. Come up with a few bullet points for how you can help these as a Virtual Assistant. Don’t be afraid to be creative and think outside of the box.
Something You Already Know
A niche is something you already know, so you may have several niches. Maybe you’ve been a teacher, an administrative assistant, and a real estate agent. If so, start with your favorite. Flesh out the details of this niche and see where it takes you. If you feel stuck, you can pursue another niche.
Some Niches are More Lucrative
One thing to keep in mind is that some niches are more lucrative than others. For example, a physician’s office or a law office will probably pay you a higher rate than a non-profit or a small start-up business. Don’t let that stop you from pursuing a niche you love, especially if you are trying to land your first client. Starting out, you need experience as a Virtual Assistant, and you can always pivot your niche to something more lucrative down the road.
Remember, clients love an expert. If you can show a potential client that you know their business and you love what you do and are confident in your abilities, they will see you as a valuable resource.