Do you have a pleasant voice and demeanor? Are you well-organized and can keep track of details? Then you may have what it takes to be a virtual administrative assistant. Every company needs someone to answer the phone, take messages, and schedule appointments. And not just big companies — individual business people like realtors, salespeople, and freelances often have the greatest need. Since in most cases they are their company, these individuals have a lot on their plates. While taking calls and maintaining a schedule is important, these professionals are usually more focused on doing what makes money. That means they will pay you to answer their phone number, take messages, and maybe keep their schedule and do some minor office duties like faxing.

And you can do all of this with your computer, from your house. You just need a voice-over-Internet (VOIP) service and the software you already have (like a word processor and spreadsheet programs). The trick is finding professionals that can use your service. Place ads in local newspapers or online in places like craigslist.org. Create a small, simple Web site to attract customers. Is there demand for this work? See for yourself.