As a virtual assistant, you need the typical administrative skills, as well as the ability to work independently and run your own business. To stay in the business, and market yourself well, however, you'll need to beef up on some other skills as well. How can you build on these skills? By reading and researching all that you can – it's highly suggested you join some specialized newsletters on marketing, read blogs, and watch videos. Read articles every chance you get. And try to put a new marketing skill into practice every week. Here are the ability you'll want to stretch your marketing muscle in:

1. Your ability to think well. Businesses expect virtual assistants to think clearly, logically, creatively and ethically about business (in general) and should be able to trust your ability to make decisions. Decision-making skills are always in demand in the VA business. You can exemplify this ability by asking intelligent questions from your potential clients and giving them a clear estimate of deadlines and clearly defining your expectations from the beginning.

2. Your ability to speak and to write. Good speaking and writing skills are essential to the career advancement of business people. You will have ample opportunity to practice communicating through presentation of your service offers and through your telephone demeanor and written communication. Be professional, courteous, and always use proper spelling and grammar. Make sure you also show your willingness to ask questions. Good business people learn to ask good questions. Asking good questions can help you and your client help avoid disastrous mistakes.

3. Your ability to do research. Knowing when and how to do research is essential to success in business. Your projects will push you beyond the limits of what you now know. You should be able to let your clients know that you've done your research by researching them before you respond to their inquiries - research is essential to being well prepared in selling your skills. This will also illustrate your ability to use technology effectively. You should master the essential business technology that will enable you to succeed.

4. Your ability to be passionate and persistent. Success doesn't just happen - it's made by those who keep going and will not accept failure. Passion is a learned attitude, and persistence is a learned behavior. Together they will serve you well in your virtual assistant career, your business, and in your life. So remember to always continue on, and strengthen these skills, and not only will your business grow, but your commitment to yourself and your life will, too, as well.

Being a self-employed virtual assistant is a big deal - and you've got a lot of opportunity to create your own ventures, form partnerships, and choose new niches where your business can flourish. Don't be afraid to take a leap if your instinct tells you to. Business owners are risk-takers, and risk-takers are the ones who climb mountains, discover continents, and chart their dreams. Remember the risks you took to just start this career – and how much they were worth to you. You reap the rewards of what you sow – never neglect to reach higher.