Communication Skills
A good virtual assistant will have exceptional communication skills regardless of whether they have years of experience or not. Excellent oral and written communication skills are vital as emails, reports, presentations and phone calls are all key ways in which businesses converse with clients, customers and employees. Knowing how to write well is always going to be a fantastic skill to have.
Time Management
Being able to manage time is an important skill for any assistant. They need to be well-organized and able to prioritize their workload to meet deadlines.
Good Decision Making
Virtual assistants will often need to think on their feet so good decision-making skills are vital. If the business owner is not around to answer questions or concerns, a VA will have to judge the right outcome or think outside the box to find a suitable solution. A VA may also have to think fast if a problem arises, demonstrating the aptitude to process information speedily.
A Love for Learning
Being a virtual assistant is a never-ending learning process so having a desire to develop skills and absorb new information is a top skill to have. Every day provides the possibility for a learning curve so an assistant should be open to gaining feedback and finding new ways of managing or streamlining their workload to help achieve company goals or KPIs.
Self-Motivation
Being disciplined is a must for any virtual assistant. Remote working requires motivation, particularly if there are deadlines to meet. Being able to maintain a specific schedule may be key for your business depending on the hours you need an assistant to work.