You might be wondering what Virtual assistant equipment you need to start your VA journey. With so many things that you need, which one should you prioritize? I made a list of equipment that you need to be a VA.
Desktop Computer or Laptop
This should be on the top of your list of Virtual assistant equipment you need. You need a decent computer to be a Virtual assistant. You can’t be a Virtual assistant using your mobile phone. Preferably you should use Windows 10 operating system as most of the applications you would be using as a Virtual assistant run better with this OS. Some clients would require an I3 processor and RAM of 4 GB. But to be on the safe side, it is better to invest in a computer with an I5 processor and at least 8 GB RAM.
So do you need an expensive Desktop or Laptop to start? No, you don’t. You can forget about those desktops with awesome RGB lights. You don’t need that. You don’t even need a video card if you are going to do admin work, calls, and graphic design. But If you are going to be doing video editing, I suggest you get a computer with higher specifications and a good video card.
You don’t have money to buy a PC or laptop? Don’t sweat it. I started out with a budget PC that cost me Php10,000 all in. It comes with an I5 processor and 8 GB RAM. I am just using it for graphic design and admin work. So far so good. You don’t an expensive computer if you don’t have the budget. I suggest you get a decent PC first, get a job and save money so that you can buy yourself a very good computer.
If you have the money should you buy a Laptop or a desktop PC? If you want to be mobile, I would suggest you get a laptop. The only problem is, You can’t always upgrade a laptop. And having it plugged in for your whole shift would affect your battery life.
Modem
Having a good internet connection is crucial. Most clients would require a minimum of 10 MBPS when you are applying for a VA job. But it is advisable to get a plan with at least 25 MBPS. You should have a wired connection or your computer should be connected to the modem using a LAN cable. WIFI connection is sometimes unstable so you should use a modem instead of a WIFI router. You can purchase a WIFI router and use it as a backup when there is a blackout in your area.
When we are talking about internet subscriptions, you should invest in a postpaid plan subscription instead of a prepaid plan. A postpaid plan doesn’t have data cap compared to a prepaid subscription. It would be more expensive if you purchase a prepaid load. PLDT and Converge are the commonly subscribed internet providers for Virtual Assistant. Although Converge is available only in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Before applying for a plan, make sure to check how good the internet service in your area is. Some areas would have a better internet connection if you are using PLDT while some areas have a better connection with Converge. There are other internet service providers in some areas. If both PLDT and Converge have weak signals in your area, it is better to check other service providers. If you want to apply for PLDT click here and for Converge click this link.
Headset
The headset is a very important piece of equipment that you need to be a virtual assistant. Even if you are just doing admin work, you would be required to attend a team meeting and a good headset with a microphone would come in handy. If your VA job would require you to make outbound calls or take inbound calls you would need a noise-canceling headset. It is a good idea to invest in a very good headset. Jabra and Plantronics are the top brands when it comes to noise-canceling headsets.
Comfortable chair
Since you are spending most of your time in your sitting, it pays to invest in a good chair. Most people would like to purchase a gaming chair. But in my opinion, it is better to purchase an office chair. They are way more comfortable. A gaming chair looks good but you should consider comfort over aesthetics.
Computer Table or Desk
When buying a computer table you should consider the height. The height should be just right so that you can type comfortably. Also you should also consider the height of your chair before buying the table.
Backup equipment
You need to have at least one backup PC or laptop in case of a power outage or if your Primary computer breaks down. You don’t need a high-end backup PC. Just make sure you have at least a Core I3 and 8GB RAM PC.
In case of a power outage, you need a power source. If you have enough funds you can purchase a generator. One of the downsides of having a generator is that it is too noisy and could affect your work, especially if your task involves calls. You can purchase an AVR or a power bank for your laptop. You just have to find a power bank that can charge your laptop. For gaming laptops, you need a higher-wattage power bank to charge them.
For your internet connection, you can purchase an IVR for your modem. You can also purchase a power cord that could connect your Modem to a power bank. If you don’t have a power bank or an AVR, you can purchase a pocket wifi device. You just have to make sure that it always has a full charge in case of a power interruption.
Conclusion
When you are starting out with your VA journey, you don’t need to have expensive Virtual expensive equipment. You can start with affordable equipment. When you have everything that you need, you can check the list of websites where you can find virtual assistant jobs