As a newbie Virtual Assistant, purchasing equipment and gadgets for this work is costly, especially if you are still starting with zero experience. You are still starting and discovering ways to boost your productivity working from home.
Also, as a minimalist for more than a year, I carefully thought which things I need as a Virtual Assistant. Eventually, I got the items I want that motivated to work at home and enhanced my working condition.
I did not get these things all at once when I was still starting. I was making purchases little by little when I already had a steady income and saved some money.
In this article, I compiled the list of my best purchases I made which are essential as a Virtual Assistant:
Laptop or personal computer
A laptop or personal computer is the most essential virtual assistant equipment. You need this to perform your work and deliver outputs to your client.
The computer specs you need depend on the nature of your work as a VA. You might consider how much RAM or graphics card a laptop would consume on your typical workday.
When I decided to become a VA, I anticipated that my work wouldn’t consume much of the laptop’s memory. I own an ASUS VivoBook Laptop X415EP. The specs below currently worked for me:
- Processor: Intel i5, 11th Gen
- RAM: I originally bought this laptop with 8GB RAM but it is expandable up to 16GB. Over time, I bought another 8GB which brings my laptop’s total RAM to 16GB.
Stable internet connection
An internet connection is important to communicate with our clients and do our work. Check your area to which internet service provider gives a stable connection at your place.
I have a wired internet connection to give me stable online access and backup pocket Wifi where I just buy prepaid load in case I work outside or there’s a power outage:
With this, the following internet service providers worked for me:
- Globe At Home Broadband (Main connection and wired)
- Smart Bro Pocket Prepaid Wifi (Back-up Connection and rechargeable)
Back-up power source
It’s also important to have backup electricity in case of a power outage in your area. You can go to coffee shops or co-working spaces that offer power sources or internet connectivity in case of these events.
However, I feel more comfortable and safer working at home than going outside.
I currently own a Yoobao 72000mAh 300W power bank. I make sure that it is fully charged so that I am always ready whenever there is a power interruption. This equipment has never failed me since I have used it several times. It has different plugs and ports which include those I can use for my laptop and electric fan. Plus, it also has an emergency light.
Anti-Rad Eyewear
Our eyesight is one of the most important human senses. Without good eyesight, it hinders us from doing the things we enjoy. I’ve been very keen on taking care of my eyesight ever since I started working in my office job up until now that I am already a VA. I am proud to say my vision is still clear!
As Virtual Assistants, we stare at our computer screens for 4-8 hours which strains our eyes if we don’t have protection from computer radiation.
With this, I always wear my anti-radiation glasses that filter blue light which causes irreversible eye damage. I recently had mine from Sunnies Studios.
However, when purchasing an optical eyewear, it’s not a one-size fits all purchase. Each of us has different vision types so make sure you consult first with an optometrist or eye doctor so they can prescribe the right eyewear that suits you.
Ergonomic Chair
When I was applying for jobs, I only had a monobloc chair with a pillow to support my back. Mind you, back pains would affect your work productivity especially if you’re sitting 8 hours a day.
I bought mine from a known local supplier here in our city. The chair supports my back well from hours of sitting. It’s a bit expensive but a good investment for your back. For me, it’s better to invest in this one than spend money on physical therapy in the long run.
Standing Desk
This is optional but I noticed that through long hours of sitting, I experienced lower back pains, specifically in my right quadratus lumborum, due to my posture.
I bought my standing desk online and assembled it at home.
Though my ergonomic chair is already a good investment of mine, having an ergonomic table allows me movement by standing up and working longer within the 8 hours duration without having back pains.
Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
If buying a wireless keyboard and mouse is not yet within your budget, you may still keep your wired ones as long as it does their function. I also had those when I was still starting.
By the time I was earning, I opted to purchase a wireless keyboard and mouse. It reduced the clutter in my table by having no wires and giving space to it as well.
I have a White Logitech M650 Signature Wireless Optical Mouse for my mouse. What I like about it are its silent-touch feature and two-programmable side-buttons
For my keyboard, I have a White Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard.
Noise-Canceling Headphone
During interviews, I use a noise-canceling headphone to avoid background noises. I have been using my Logitech H370 USB Headset with Noise-Canceling Microphone during my interviews and even until now whenever I have virtual meetings with my client.
Its noise-canceling feature is truly effective. I am not bothered during virtual meetings in case there are barking dogs, clanging plates, crowing roosters, or noisy vehicles in our area. One time, I even asked my client if she heard our dog’s bark which is just outside of my workspace window, but she hasn’t heard it.
I highly recommend this product from Logitech. It’s not cheap for a headphone but the most affordable with superb quality among noise-canceling headphones sold in online shops.
Conclusion
Being a Virtual Assistant is a struggle especially if you are still starting to invest in things to improve your working condition at home.
Some would say, “Why bother working as a VA when you are the one who provides the things you need in this work?” I would just tell them that with the earning potential in this work, I could have a substantial return on these investments within just 2 months of working.
As a minimalist Virtual Assistant, I see money as energy. I became more selective about how I decided to utilize my money. These things are not cheap but as long as it allows me to live my life while working remotely and be at my best self as a VA, it’s not the price that you pay for these equipment and gadgets. It’s the value you get.
What are the best purchases you made as a Virtual Assistant?
