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With the rapid increase in new technology, it’s no surprise that even personal assistants have gone virtual. Our physical presence is in less demand and remote employment is on the rise, accelerated dramatically because of the global pandemic. For anyone interested in virtual assistance as a career choice, the opportunities are huge.
While ‘virtual’ might sound ‘very 21st century’, a Virtual Assistant (VA) performs most of the tasks currently conducted by a physically present personal assistant or secretary. The only thing not expected of a VA (although it may well be coming) is to make coffee!
Accredited by Focus Awards through their Focus on Quality Provision (FQP) Scheme, this brand new and highly innovative course from Cambridge Open College delivers the skills and knowledge students need for the role.
COURSE OVERVIEW
This comprehensive course provides all the information you need to perform the role of a Virtual Assistant. We divided the program into 24 units to make it easier to understand and absorb the multiple concepts.
The first section of the course considers the more general aspects surrounding virtual assistance. It clearly defines the role by specifying what a VA might expect to do daily and what skills you must possess to carry these tasks out.
At this early stage, we make you aware of exactly what it takes to pursue a VA career.
As the course progresses, it focuses on individual elements which might affect the day to day running of a business, including dealing with staff and customer care. It also considers the practicalities of starting a business from scratch, such as the difficulties involved and how to succeed.
To give you the best possible start in your future career as a Virtual Assistant, you explore how to create your own business plan, manage your time, and plan effectively for the future.
As the business operates on a ‘virtual’ basis, it is essential that you have a working knowledge of the internet. The course delivers important teachings on the use of email, internet safety and virus protection. One of the units demonstrates how you can create your own website.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
While the course is perfect for candidates with previous experience in administration or clerical work, there is no previous experience or qualifications required in order to undertake this course.
Though the materials are straightforward and easy to follow, students need a basic level of secondary education, as you must fully understand the course content to fulfil coursework objectives. Should you experience any difficulties along the way, you can refer to the provided Study Guide or contact your personal tutor.
What are you waiting for? Don’t delay further – apply today.
1. Assignments
2. What is a Virtual Assistant?
What Is a Virtual Assistant?
Who Uses a Virtual Assistant and Why?
What Tasks Can a Virtual Assistant Do?
What Skills will a Virtual Assistant Need?
Issues to Consider When Setting up a Home Office
What Organisations Are Available to Virtual Assistants?
3. How to Market Yourself as a Virtual Assistant?
Tips on Where to Market Your Business
How to Write a Marketing Plan
Marketing in Other Countries
4. Starting Your Own Business – Decisions
How to Succeed With Your Business
How to Start Up Your New Business
Getting the Right Mindset
5. Starting a Business From Scratch
Why Start a Business from Scratch?
Buying an Existing Business
Buying a Franchise
6. Recruiting Staff
How to Recruit Staff
The Process in Recruiting
7. Dealing with Staff
Introduction to Dealing with Staff
Paying Staff
Training & Development
The Law
Discrimination
Health & Safety
Trade Unions
Taxation
8. Fraud & Theft
Protect Your Business: Stop Fraud Before It Starts
Theft of Money
Theft of Inventory or Equipment
Theft of Intellectual Property
9. The Business Plan
Understand the Role of the Business Plan
Reasons for Developing a Business Plan
Identify Sources to Get Help in Developing a Business Plan
Identify the Type of Information to Include in a Business Plan
Prepare an Outline of a Business Plan
10. Customer Care an Introduction
What is Customer Care?
Defining Customer Care
Characteristics of Effective Customer Care
11. Customer Care and the Benefits
Increase in Profits
Customer Loyalty and Long-Term Profitability
Fewer Complaints
Staff Know What is Expected of Them
More Pleasant Work Environment
Customer Integration and Specialisation
12. Considering a Policy & Plan?
Who are Our Current and Potential Customers, Their Characteristics and Needs?
Staff Interfacing with Customers
What Tangible or Intangible Assets Does the Company Currently Have?
Competitor Characteristics
Improvements and Additions to Customer Care and Service
13. Customer Care and You
The Right Attitude
Looking and Sounding Right
Having the Right Information
Keeping Control
Working with a Team
Customer Complaints
Answering the Phone
A Checklist
14. Customer Care and Service Plans
Contents of “The Plan”
The Advantages of Planning
Objectives, Strategies, and Tactics
Forecast or Assumptions of Outcomes
A Simple Case on Customer Care Planning
Company Policies
People Make a Plan Work
Current Customer Care and Services
15. Basics of the Internet
Internet Basics
How the Internet Works
Internet Access
Understanding Email
About the Web
Internet Safety
Learning About Viruses
16. Creating a Web Site
Introduction
Graphic Design
Web Site Content
Navigation
Key Points to Remember
17. Meetings Skills
Introduction
Why Do We Have Meetings?
Important Things to Know About Meetings
How to Plan a Meeting
How to Run a Meeting
18. Introduction to Conflict Management
What Do Organisations Use Conflict Management For?
Important Things to Know About “Conflict” and “Conflict Management”
How to Identify Signs and Stages of Conflict
How to Build Teamwork and Co-Operation
How to Manage and Resolve Conflict Situations
Outline for a Mediation Session
Mediation Guidelines
19. Introduction to Planning
What Do You Use Planning and Evaluation For?
Important Things to Know about Planning and Evaluation
How to Ensure Planning is Useful and Contributes to Effective Results
How to Plan – 8 Basic Planning Steps
20. Introduction to Proof Reading
Introduction
What is Proof Reading?
Tips on Proof Reading
21. Managing Stress
Introduction
What is Stress?
Symptoms of Stress
Causes of Stress
How to Reduce Stress
22. Managing Your Time
Introduction
Managing Time: Step 1
Managing Time: Step 2
Schedules
23. Small Business Bookkeeping
Introduction
Three Steps to Keeping Your Books
Bookkeeping Systems, Software and Method
Accounting Terms Every Business Person Should Know
24. Inland Revenue (HMRC) Requirements
What Type of Business Are You?
Registering As Self-Employed
How to Pay Your Class 2 National Insurance Contributions (NICs)
Basic Tax Records You Must Keep
£35 deposit: remaining balance at the end of the month
Enrol for £35 deposit and remaining balance at the end of the month. Pay your deposit today get your course tomorrow!
Reduced fee of £259
£259 – all inclusive
Pay by 3 monthly instalments of £259 (approx)
£86 deposit followed by £86 for the next two months
The college accepts payment using the following methods:
Credit/Debit Card, Cheque, Postal Order and Invoice.
It is simple and safe to enrol online. Select one of the payment terms above and you will be taken to a secure sever to enter your details.
Once the enrolment process has been completed you will receive your introductory pack and login details to access your course textbooks, your tutor profile and their contact details.
We look forward to welcoming you as a student of the college and feel sure you will enjoy studying with us.
Key points for this course:
- This is a fully supported home study course supported by your own tutor
- Your enrolment fee covers absolutely everything – there will be nothing more to pay after you have enrolled, there are no hidden fees
- You have 12 months to complete your course
- You may enrol at any time of the year
- Access available within 24 hours
Money Back Guarantee
If you are not happy with your course simply return it within 14 days and we will refund your fees in full.
All students enrolled on a course with Cambridge Open College receive access to our online student community (I Learn It Easy) where you can submit your work, contact your tutor, and interact with other students. We have prepared a short video below to highlight the benefits to you.