The way to build success as a Virtual Assistant is counterintuitive. You might think that it’s important to market yourself to every business professional in order to build your client pool. But niching down actually yields greater results!
Not every business pro is looking for the same type of assistance. Most need specialized help! Learning more about a specific field, like real estate, can bring you great job security, flexibility, and confidence in the long run.
What Is Niching Down?
Niching down means honing your skill set to align with a more specific role. It also means narrowing your competition in the job market and becoming an expert at what you do faster.
For example, Transaction Coordinators perform many of the same tasks as Virtual Assistants, but specifically for real estate agents. While thousands upon thousands of Virtual Assistants are competing for the same jobs online, the transaction coordination pool is much smaller (and the skills required for hire are more specific).
The concept of paring down your client pool and skills can be scary. But refining your already developed skill-set to align with a thriving field is always worth the effort.
Why Is Niching Down So Important for Virtual Assistants?
Not sure if niching down is right for you? Check out five reasons you should zoom in on specific job opportunities as a Virtual Assistant.
It’ll Help You Stand Out in a Sea of Virtual Assistants
Potential clients see “Virtual Assistant” and think you’re one and the same with every other applicant in the pile (and there are a lot). But with a title shift and a few minor tweaks to your resume phrasing…suddenly, you’re the top candidate for that client’s specific business niche.
Transaction Coordinators are similar to other types of Virtual Assistants, but they specialize in managing real estate transactions instead of more general service provider processes. They familiarize themselves with real estate processes, lingo, and expectations and become highly sought-after by busy realtors.
Real estate agents have a TON on their plate. Hiring a general Virtual Assistant could be helpful. But they’re going to be willing to pay way more for someone with actual expertise on the laws, documents, and processes associated with real estate. That’s why niching down into transaction coordination is such a lucrative, wise choice.
You’ll Build a Strong Network (and Client Base!)
Niching down makes marketing yourself much easier! Whatever niche you choose likely comes with a close-knit community of like-minded people. The more you build your network, the more you’ll keep the flow of opportunity coming.
After all, more connections equal more potential clients for your business.
When you niche down, there’s less competition for potential clients. That means your clients are more likely to build a lasting relationship with you and re-engage each time they have a lofty project that needs to be done. As long as you’re available, you’ll be able to leverage your specialized skills to help out over and over again.
Related: How To Use LinkedIn Messages To Successfully Grow Your Transaction Coordinator Business
Niching Down Focuses Your Energy so You Can Grow Your Skills
Virtual Assistants need to wear many hats. You may spend an afternoon shuffling through data and spend the next morning making lots of phone calls.
A lot of people love the variety of tasks Virtual Assistants get to complete. But often, it’s hard to feel grounded when demands are constantly changing.
Niching down means less variety and greater opportunity to grow. A niche like real estate has specific tasks that service providers (like TCs) will complete. For example, Transaction Coordinators are able to design or utilize helpful templates to push through the same paperwork for every single client. No more starting from scratch for every new client or transaction.
You’ll Be Seen as an Expert in Your Niche
Is there a greater feeling than mastery? As a general Virtual Assistant, you may feel like a newbie with each new client or task. But with a more specific niche, you’re able to develop a reputation for the specific work you do.
It’s like: What good was setting up all those automated services for client A when client B wants you to manage their social media platforms, and client C wants you to proofread their legal documents?
Expertise is a powerful thing to carry when working from home. A more targeted role can help you develop a reputation as the guru with fewer bumps in the road.
You’ll Be Happier!
Even if you love the idea of virtually assisting the masses, there’s much more to happiness than pleasing everyone. You can’t possibly conform to the new demands of every client you come by without reaching burnout at some time or another.
On the other hand, happiness is more sustainable when it comes from contentment, job security, and predictability. A niche like transaction coordination comes with less mystery and far more consistency so you can achieve work-life balance and pay your bills.
Related: Why Setting Daily Intentions Is So Powerful (and How To Do It)
How Do You Start Niching Down Your Virtual Assistant Business?
Niching down isn’t as complicated as it seems. To steer your Virtual Assistant status in a new (more fulfilling) direction, try one of these in-house tips!
Focus on Passion Over Profit
You probably started your Virtual Assistant journey with some lofty goals in mind! You want to work remotely, have flexibility, and make enough money to afford your life. But you’re not finding your current niche to be as homey as you’d like.
The opportunities you’ll have as a Transaction Coordinator will be far more conducive to your hopes and dreams. Not only will you discover greater professional fulfillment through a specific purpose, you’ll be able to juggle the rest of your life as you initially intended!
Do Your Research
Don’t start niching down haphazardly. Not all virtual job opportunities are built equally (as you’ve probably experienced already in your journey as a Virtual Assistant).
There are loads of factors to consider:
- Pay
- Flexibility
- Job requirements
- Technology
- Environmental needs
Be sure to choose a niche that’s within your reach, like transaction coordination. You’ll have all the tools and resources you need to drive success in that field in just a few clicks.
Think About What You’ll Most Value in the Long-Term
Enjoyment, security, and demand are all great things to consider before niching down. You want to choose a specialty that won’t fizzle out over the next few months or years.
A career as a Transaction Coordinator may be the constant you’re looking for. As your own boss, you get to choose the real estate agents you work with for optimal working relationships. You also get to make your own schedule, so your workload remains sustainable over time.
Plus, whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market, you’ll always have work to do as a Transaction Coordinator. So long as there are homes out there, you will be needed.
No matter how long you’ve been a Virtual Assistant, niching down can bring you greater fulfillment. A career as a Transaction Coordinator could be right for you! With an endless amount of perks (like optimal flexibility and security), you’ll wonder why you didn’t niche down sooner.
