Why is a Virtual Assistant Key to All Businesses?

First and foremost, a Virtual Assistant (VA) is just what it says; a virtual assistant is an assistant that provides assistance to any person from a location that is not bound by geographical borders. They are administrative experts in a variety of fields. Virtual Assistants sometimes offer additional, separate specialties that fall under creative and/or technical services. Virtual Assistants come from a variety of business backgrounds, but the single-most important qualification the industry expects of its peers is at least five (5) years administrative experience earned in the real (non-virtual) business world working in upper-level capacities such as administrative assistant, executive assistant, secretary, legal assistant, paralegal, legal secretary, real estate assistant, office manager/supervisor, etc.

Virtual assistance (or VA) is the professional service of remote administrative office and other specialized support by a virtual assistant who works with clients in an ongoing collaborative professional relationship.

Virtual assistants utilize today's technology to deliver their services and communicate with clients by working remotely. Virtual assistants were an integral part of the 2007 bestselling book the 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferris. Virtual assistants are independent contractors, not employees, who structure their own rates and operating standards and policies, pay their own self-employment taxes, and control management of the work and how it is carried out. Virtual Assistants work with clients on needs across the board, long term, and their assistance hinges upon relationships. 

Our Virtual Assistant definition encompasses the spirit our profession and was founded upon it, and reinforces to anyone reading it, whether that's a new Virtual Assistant or prospective client, who we are, what we do and what our qualifications are. Like other professional service providers, Virtual Assistants operate remotely from their own places of business and utilize today's technology to deliver their services and communicate with clients. In my opinion, a virtual assistant is like a secretary on steroids. 

Virtual Assistants’ expertises are becoming much more popular, thanks to technology such as email, the Internet, online instant messaging, fax, phone, and overnight delivery. 

Thanks to our growing technology, and the fact that it’s easier to just out source work to a Virtual Assistant, and due to the fact that a business won’t have to pay for any benefits when they out-source, the type of services that a VA can offer will only increase in demand. 

Clients also avoid the logistical problem of providing extra office space, equipment or supplies. Clients enjoy the flexibility of using Virtual Assistant services only when they require, without having to pay a regular wage and employee benefits.

Clients typically hire them on either a project and sometimes take on more than one at a time. Clients pay only for hours worked, and can utilize a virtual assistant regularly or on an as-needed basis. Clients do not pay any benefits for a virtual assistant. Clients always have the right to find another Virtual Assistant to work with if they feel their Virtual Assistant is not up to par for their project. Clients have had positive reviews as well, describing as friendly, professional and being on top of things, giving client’s confidence their projects and situation are being given the proper attention. 

Rates for VA work will be determined through our initial consultation. Rates vary according to the differing skill sets, but generally you can expect to pay between $6 and $20 per hour. So if you are exploring the idea of working with a highly-experienced virtual assistant, please contact me today for your private consultation to determine if a virtual assistant is right for you.