How to Make Money from Home as a Personal Assistant

When you hear the words “personal assistant” what do you think of? Do you think of someone plodding along behind a spoiled celebrity, handing out water and holding coats? The days when you had to work for a celebrity if you wanted to be a personal assistant are in the past. These days executives, single parents, and elderly shut-ins use the services of a personal assistant. Increasing demand means more money and a rewarding career. Would you like to learn how to make good money as a personal assistant? This article will show you how.

Pick a Specialty

You have two choices as a personal assistant. You can work for one person exclusively, or for a group of clients. Working for one client will give you a predictable paycheck—but it does mean you have to live in a place where high-paying executives and or celebrities make their homes. If you live in a rural area you’re out of luck.

That is where a “group” service can be helpful. There might not be too many celebrities needing services where you live, but everyone these days is short on time. We work longer hours and lead more complicated lives. There are hundreds of people around you who would love to have a personal assistant—they just can’t afford to hire one on a full or part time basis.

What you will do, in essence, is split up your fee between a half dozen people. Each person can pay you a small retainer per month, and in exchange they get a certain number of hours of work from you. This is good for them because they can now afford to hire a little help. It is also good for you because it gives you a lot of flexibility.

Market Your Services

Once you pick a specialty it’s time to let people know you’re out there. There are many services that can help you find work as a personal assistant for one person. Just be careful—you shouldn’t have to pay a fee to get listed by their service. The person looking for the personal assistant should be the one that pays. You can also find these jobs through word of mouth and through the classified section of your newspaper.

If you want to run a “group” service, you will want to run your own add in the paper. You might want to call up the public schools in your area and ask if you can put an add in their PTA newsletter. That is a great way to get the attention of busy parents. Make up some business cards (check out vistaprint 50% OFF Premium "Custom" Business Cards) and leave them with everyone you meet. Make up some flyers and see if you can leave them at your local library, at community centers, at your bank—basically, anywhere your clients might see them. Don’t forget to list the services you are willing to perform (i.e. picking up laundry, going food shopping, picking out gifts, etc.)

Set Your Price

Basically, you will want to charge the same amount of money as other personal assistant services in the area. You may find them under ‘Errand Services’ or ‘Personal Assistant’ in your telephone directory. Pose as a client and ask how much they charge for the types of services you want to offer. If you want to be competitive, charge a little less.

Starting a home-based personal assistant business is very easy. There are so many people who would love to have your services. So pick your specialty, market your services, and set your prices. Soon you will be making good money as a successful personal assistant.