Would you hire a Virtual Assistant?

Canada
February 23, 2008 8:33pm CST
What is a Virtual Assistant? A clear and cut dry answer: A Virtual Assistant is an entrepreneur who assists other business owners with their administrative needs. This support is available via phone, instant messaging, conference calls, video call, fax and/or mail. But what does a Virtual Assistant actually do? First and foremost, a Virtual Assistant is a professionally committed and motivated associate. Your Virtual Assistant becomes a reliable partner instead of becoming a task-based provider. This means that the Virtual Assistant has your business's best interest at heart. Although a Virtual Assistant isn't sitting next to you, listed below are examples of how they can still support your business: Database, World Wide Web, Bookkeeping, Desktop Publishing, Business Communications, Research, Project Management, Calendar & Contact management. Virtual Assistants are quickly replacing time-honoured secretaries in view of the fact they can virtually do the same tasks and more... Well, except for making the morning coffee! All types of businesses may benefit from outsourcing a Virtual Assistant. Financial benefits: By hiring a virtual assistant instead of a face-to-face, 'in the office' personal administrative assistant, you no longer have to pay for overtime, taxes, health benefits, vacation time, sick days, breaks, down time, additional software, technical support, and extra office equipment & supplies. Aside from saving a pretty penny, further advantages include: 1. No resume screening and lengthy hiring process; 2. You don't require additional office space; 3. Professional office assistance is available when you need it; 4. No more paying for idle periods; 5. Allows you extra time to focus on more important tasks; 6. Expanding your network. Where is the Virtual Assistant's office? Most Virtual Assistants work from their home office. You could be in Australia while your Virtual Assistant is in an office in a small community somewhere in Canada. Providing sufficient access to communication means, business relations become a piece of cake. When is a Virtual Assistant available? Virtual Assistants set regular business hours while remaining flexible for their clients. Every Virtual Assistant is different however you can count on reliability. Suppose you have an important morning deadline which results into working all the way through until 2am. You can (literally) rest assure that the project will be completed to your specifications. As mentioned above, payment is based on actual time spent working on a project; no overtime; no coffee breaks.
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1 response
• United States
31 Mar 08
Even though I am a virtual assistant, I would certainly hire a virtual assistant if I had the money. I know that I would be freed up to handle marketing my business and performing client duties if I had a virtual assistant.
• Canada
1 Apr 08
A lot of VAs hire assistants or even team up with others. I have quite a great team and we help each other out. Since I'm efficient with designs and web development, I help the team with their websites while others contribute their skills as well. Sometimes we do this free of charge for one another and sometimes there's a small fee, all depending on the task! Are you new to the industry? After doing several projects here and there, I am finally launching my very own business and website this week and I'm so very excited! Let me know if you want to receive my Grand Opening letter! I will be having an official website launch online party soon!