Are you dreaming of becoming a virtual assistant? Whether you’re eyeing a position at BlitzMetrics or any other agency, you’ve come to the right place. In this insightful conversation with Dennis Yu and Jacob Hastings, we’re going to dive deep into the world of virtual assistants (VAs). If you’re interested in this role, read on for valuable insights that will set you on the path to success.
Table of Contents
Demonstrate What You Can Do
Jacob kicks things off by highlighting the vast array of job opportunities in the digital agency landscape, spanning social media, marketing, website building, content creation, and more. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of the “Content Factory.”
Dennis adds that the digital agency world is teeming with opportunities. You don’t need to scatter your job applications everywhere; instead, focus on demonstrating your qualifications. BlitzMetrics offers comprehensive training to help you showcase your skills, whether you aspire to start your own agency or become a virtual assistant with expertise in various areas like video editing and personal branding.
The Reality of Agency Ownership
The conversation then delves into agency ownership. Dennis cautions against the glamorous façade often associated with owning an agency. To succeed, you need clients, tools, and expertise in multiple areas. He advises starting with a mentor who has navigated the challenges of agency ownership. Building a successful agency requires not only selling your services but also delivering on your promises to clients.
Jacob adds a practical perspective, highlighting the potential pitfalls if you fail to deliver on your commitments. Clients can quickly lose trust if you don’t meet their expectations, which can ultimately lead to a loss of business.
The Role of Virtual Assistants
Dennis describes VAs as the “cooks in the kitchen” of the agency, handling tasks behind the scenes. Account managers like Jacob, on the other hand, manage client-facing responsibilities, representing the “front of the house.” Both roles are crucial, and effective teamwork is key to the agency’s success.
Jacob emphasizes the importance of effective communication within the team. If you have questions or are unsure about a task, it’s essential to reach out for help. Being proactive and seeking assistance when needed is vital to ensure a smooth workflow.
Beyond Solo Performance
It’s tempting to believe that acquiring a specific skill is the ticket to success. You might think, “I just want to learn another video editing skill or acquire more templates for my After Effects library.” While technical skills are vital, Dennis warns that they alone won’t differentiate you from the competition.
The key distinction lies in your ability to function within a team. Dennis highlights how countless individuals fail to grasp this concept. Transitioning from solo work to a collaborative team dynamic can be challenging, unfamiliar, and even daunting. However, Dennis reassures you that this is precisely the place to learn and grow.
The Value of Teamwork Skills
Dennis underscores that working in a team is a unique skill set. While technical skills are valuable, your ability to collaborate, communicate, and organize within a team is equally crucial. Being proficient in one skill is great, but being a team player sets you apart in the job market.
The Crucial Teamwork Advantage
Why does teamwork matter so much in a world where specialization is revered? Dennis provides a compelling answer. In a team, each member brings their unique expertise to the table. While you may be a video editing guru, there’s someone else on your team who excels at copywriting, advertising, or optimization.
Attempting to master every single function within a team is nearly impossible. This is where the magic of teamwork happens. Each team member complements the others, creating a synergy that can achieve remarkable results.
Learning from Those Who’ve Done It Successfully
Dennis advises aspiring VAs to learn from those who have experience in their desired role. Following the footsteps of experienced professionals in the industry is more beneficial than listening to what others say. Understanding how these roles function within a team is key to success.
Jacob reinforces the point by highlighting the significance of understanding the company’s culture, values, and job descriptions before reaching out for a job opportunity.
Taking Initiative and Researching Matters
Both Dennis and Jacob stress the importance of taking initiative and researching potential employers or teams. Instead of sending generic job applications, personalize them. Demonstrating your commitment and dedication is highly valued, especially in remote work situations.
Becoming a Virtual Assistant
We are always looking for virtual assistants who are great team players and hungry for knowledge. If you think you have what it takes to join our team, visit our Become a VA page to start your journey. If you want to read more about becoming a successful virtual assistant, visit Dennis Yu and Jacob Hastings on What It Means To Be a Successful Virtual Assistant.
If you came here looking for information about hiring VAs, visit our VA Hiring Course landing page to learn how to do it right. Our friend, Justen Martin, was able to hire one from the Philippines. Read all about his positive experience in the article “You’ll Know When You Find a Promising Virtual Assistant.”
About the Author
Dennis Yu
Dennis Yu is co-author of the #1 best-selling book on Amazon in social media, The Definitive Guide to TikTok Ads. He has spent a billion dollars on Facebook ads across his agencies and agencies he advises. Mr. Yu is the "million jobs" guy-- on a mission to create one million jobs via hands-on social media training, partnering with universities and professional organizations.You can find him quoted in major publications and on television such as CNN, the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, NPR, and LA Times. Clients have included Nike, Red Bull, the Golden State Warriors, Ashley Furniture, Quiznos-- down to local service businesses like real estate agents and dentists. He's spoken at over 750 conferences in 20 countries, having flown over 6 million miles in the last 30 years to train up young adults and business owners. He speaks for free as long as the organization believes in the job-creation mission and covers business class travel.You can find him hiking tall mountains, eating chicken wings, and taking Kaqun oxygen baths-- likely in a city near you.