FAQ
What is a Virtual Assistant?
“Virtual Assistants (VAs) are independent entrepreneurs providing professional administrative, creative, managerial, technical, business office and/or personal support services. Virtual office assistants use the most advanced means of communication, and the newest and most efficient and time-saving office products and work delivery, regardless of geographic boundaries. Virtual Assistants work from their own offices, on a contractual basis, and abide by an established Code of Ethics requiring integrity, honesty and due diligence.”
~The Alliance for Virtual Business
~The Alliance for Virtual Business
What this means is a Virtual Assistant can do just about anything you do to keep your business running, ie. daily tasks, bookkeeping, email management, calendar management, social media placement and maintenance. One thing to keep in mind, most Virtual Assistants will have more experience and skill in these areas because these are not your areas of expertise.
What are the advantages of partnering with a Virtual Assistant?
Virtual Assistants support their clients on an “as needed” basis, for less than the cost of hiring a permanent or temporary employee. Whether it is an hour, a week, a day per month or a full-time two week project, you only pay for the time your Virtual Assistant spends assisting you. You do not need to pay any employee costs or taxes when you partnewith a Virtual Assistant because they are self-employed independent contractors. You can be assured of a high quality product because a Virtual Assistant depends on satisfying their client’s needs.
Partnering with a Virtual Assistant provides you:
- Access to high quality business support services.
- Administrative professional who has a vested interest in your business.
- Time to spend on the projects you do best and love to do.
What you don’t have to pay/supply:
- Vacation Time
- Social Security and Employee Taxes
- Office Space
- Equipment
- Time spent waiting for phone calls or additional work
Do I need to contract for a certain number of hours?
You are not obligated to sign up for a certain number of hours. Clients will often hire a Virtual Assistant for one or two projects to see if the partnership will work to their satisfaction. Once you’ve determined you will be satisfied and have a clear understanding of how many hours you will be able to delegate, you might decide to take advantage of the retainer packages which include reduced rates.
Will it work for me?
For some entrepreneurs and small business owners, partnering with a Virtual Assistant is becoming a key ingredient to growing their business. However, it is not for everyone. A successful partnership requires both parties are:
- Open to new ideas and new ways of doing things
- Confident using email and/or instant messaging and other integration services available
- Understand that the relationship is a partnership
- Are willing to answer questions
