From title to talent: What it really takes to be a standout Virtual Assistant
Here’s the truth: calling yourself a Virtual Assistant (VA) isn’t enough anymore. If you want to win global clients and become truly indispensable, you need the right skills to match the title.
In his post below, Jimmy Khoury (Certified Management Consultant (CMC) | Leadership Coach | Downstream Oil & Gas Expert) breaks down the essential tools and platforms every serious VA should master—especially if you want to stand out in a crowded market. Spoiler alert: Power BI might be the edge you didn’t know you needed.
To every woman chasing this path, it’s time to level up. 👇🏾
“Recently, I’ve noticed a rising trend, many young Nigerian ladies are positioning themselves as Virtual Assistants (VAs).
And honestly, it makes sense:
-You can work from home
-No more transport wahala
-Flexible hours
-High demand for remote work
It’s a smart move, and I respect the hustle. But let me be honest, many VA profiles on LinkedIn are not competitive yet.
The title is not enough.
You need the skills that make a client trust you with their business.
If you’re serious about becoming a reliable, global-standard VA, here are the must-have skills you need to work on:
*Administrative Tools
Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Calendar)
Microsoft Office (especially Word & Excel)
Notion, Trello, Asana for task management
*Email & Calendar Management
Writing clear, professional emails
Scheduling meetings, setting reminders, follow-ups
*Social Media Support
Canva, Buffer, or Meta Business Suite
Scheduling posts, replying to messages, light content editing
*The most important is: Power BI
This is a game changer.
If you can learn basic Power BI, and create simple dashboards or reports for your clients, you’ll instantly stand out.
Being a VA is not just a title. It’s a full-time role that requires structure, learning, and consistency.
“Don’t let it be an excuse for you to stay home, but a reason for your to develop your skills.” That’s my advice.
To every young woman taking this path, I’m proud of you.
But don’t stop at the title. Grow your value. Learn the tools.
If you’re a VA or planning to become one, or you have an advice for VAs drop a comment. Let’s share to spread the info.
©Jimmy Khoury
Numeris Media is official Media Partner to GITEX Nigeria x AI Everything Nigeria
[03 – 04 September, 2025 – Lagos]