The Learning Institute

Virtual Assistant Diploma

If you've always wanted to work for a number of different clients from home, you've come to the right place.
By studying the Institute of Virtual Assistants' Diploma course, you'll learn everything there is to know about setting up, running and promoting your own VA business.
You'll learn all about the right equipment to use, how to use the internet for your business, and how to take care of your clients so that they keep coming back.
You just have to do the exercises we set, listen to the advice your tutor gives you, and complete all the assignments. Then you'll be prepared to become a professional virtual assistant.
It could be the start of a whole new career - and certainly the start of a new and different life for you. Once you've gained the knowledge and skills that the course provides, you'll understand how to make your business a success.

Course Content
1. Welcome
Before you start
Getting the most out of your course
How to do the assignments
Sending assignments by email
Any problems?

2. Getting started as a virtual assistant
What is a VA?
What challenges will you face?
What skills do you require?
What services will you offer?
Working from home
Setting personal boundaries

3. A virtual assistant's equipment
Telephone, answering service and fax machine
Setting up your computer for the internet
Software
Printers, scanners, photocopiers
Transcription equipment
Stationary - business cards, letterheads, compliment slips, brochures, leaflets
Miscellaneous equipment

4. Client care and management
Your client list
Professional conduct
Keeping your clients
Organising your clients

5. Networking
What is networking?
Networking groups
Body language
Assess your current image

6. Marketing your business
Introduction to marketing
Market research
Who is your target buyer?
Identify your competitors
Local businesses
Word of mouth advertising
Promotion, advertising and PR
Unique Selling Point - USP
Image and presentation

7. Online marketing and website creation
Creating a website
Promoting your website
Affiliate websites
Promoting your business with a newsletter

8. Financial and legal considerations
Setting your price
Different forms of payment
Professional advisors
Accountant
Solicitor
Insurance broker
Bank manager

9. Expanding your VA business
Offering additional services
Associates
Taking on staff
Employee costs
Set high standards
Training

What's in your pack?
Quick Start guide, to get you started on the course.
A sturdily bound set of course modules that lies flat for ease of study. They contain detailed, practical information that guides you skillfully towards becoming a virtual assistant.
The course modules have hundreds of pages of clear and concise advice.
9 assignments. Your assignments will be carefully marked with personal advice by an experienced tutor.
A virtual assistant's manual. Your manual includes useful forms and checklists that will help you in your day-to-day operations as a VA.
A stylish case that keeps all your course material.
A confidential personal profile for you to complete. It helps you assess your goals, your strengths and weaknesses, and your progress.
A study guide and planner that helps you organize your study.
Self-assessment exercises. They occur throughout the course to help you get organized. They also check that you can tackle each type of VA task.
VA textbook. This accompanies the course and provides useful background information.
Question and Answer sheets for you to have your queries answered.

And when you complete the course, you'll get the following items:
A handsome Diploma to frame and display on your wall.
A 'Certified VA' logo to put on your website and your notepaper.
A press release sent to your local newspapers (if you want). It announces your success.
The right to put your contact details on our professional VA database (planned).
The letters Dip VA (Inst VA) after your name.