How To Develop Business Management Skills While Still Employed

Many Administrative Professionals who make the decision to start a Virtual Assistant business do not have a “traditional” background or training in business management. However, this fact does not have to hinder them for developing a thriving, successful business.

One way to support the foundation of a new (or forthcoming) business is to invest time and energy into learning the necessary skills to be a successful business owner, BEFORE you take the leap into Virtual Assistance.

For instance, many companies offer a tuition assistance reimbursement program for their employees. When I was employed at The Carlyle Group, we were allowed to spend up to $3,000 per calendar year on training and continuing education. I took full advantage of the benefit and took a number of classes offered by the AMA (American Management Association ® – http://www.amanet.org/seminars/category.cfm?cat=205)

I just received the latest training catalog from AMA and noticed a number of courses that would benefit aspiring VAs, such as:

• Project Management for Administrative Professionals
• Greater Productivity Through Improved Work Processes
• Fundamentals of Finance and Accounting for Administrative Professionals
• Get Sharp: Smarter Decision Making and Critical Thinking for Administrative Professionals

The AMA, and other similar organizations, offer such courses all over the country, on varying dates throughout the year.

If you are still employed, there are number of benefits to taking such courses:

1. You will learn and develop skills pertinent to your current position.
2. You’ll show your employer that you are pro-active about making positive contributions to the company by volunteering to enhance your current skill set.
3. You’ll enjoy a day (or two) away from the office dedicated to your professional growth.
4. You’ll have the opportunity to network with other Administrative Professionals.
5. You’ll earn continuing education credits.
6. You’ll have new information to include on your resume or C.V.
7. You’ll enjoy the wonderful sense of accomplishment that comes with learning something new.

If your company offers a tuition assistance program, don’t let this valuable benefit go to waste! Take advantage of the opportunity to develop skills that will make you more valuable to your employer now and more importantly valuable to your new business and prospective clients in the future.