Transcript WH - what-is-a-virtual

What’s A Virtual
Assistant
This title is a common title which is used always on every Virtual Assistant ‘s Website., and
each of us have a different definition, but we end up with the same conclusion. ‘WHAT’S A
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT’.
My definition is not the same as another VA, “Action Jackson” a VA located in New Mexico.
Her definition is:
A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative
and/or technical services. Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and
data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in his/her area of expertise from his/her own
office on a contractual basis."
In a traditional office, they are known as Administrative Assistants, but in the online
community, they are known as Virtual Assistants.
VAs work from their own offices and use their own equipment Virtual Assistant's provide
services to businesses, entrepreneurs, executives, and individuals.
Assignments are usually communicated through e-mail, phone, fax, or mail. Whatever the
project, information is easily transferred between client and Virtual Assistant.
What’s A Virtual
Assistant Cont’d
My definition is quite similar :
Virtual Assistants are entrepreneurs they are highly skilled in their
profession and are able to have a enormous impact on the productivity of
those they work with. We were traditionally known as secretaries,
administrative assistants, executive assistants or bookkeepers. But
with today’s technology the world is a much smaller place, and where
more professionals are working from their homes or in satellite offices, the
former assistant has become virtual and thanks to the Internet,
worldwide. In today’s business world, a virtual assistant can assist you
with Web design, accounting, press release, real estate, resumes, SEO,
grant writing, networking, etc, etc. The list is endless.
What’s A Virtual
Assistant Cont’d
Virtual Assistants can be a long term collaborative partner with your business, a
provisional solution to staffing or the per diem solution. We are the original
outsourcers -- we are called upon to tackle assignments in our field of expertise. We
are not temps or employees; we are, however, business owners and professionals.
Virtual Assistants works independently away from an traditional office setting;
almost every task that can be accomplished in the traditional office can be
completed virtually. They work from their own office, and provide home, small and
large business, executives, entrepreneurs, solo-preneurs, and busy individual the
back office or administrative support that they need.
Microsoft Encarta Dictionary definition of a Virtual Assistant is, "long distant
assistant -- somebody who uses a computer and phone links to work from a
distance as a personal assistant to somebody else".
A Virtual Assistant can work from another state or another country, We are
WORLDWIDE.
The Prefect Partner For Your
Business
 You don't have to share your computer, or set up a second
computer, for the assistant to use. A VA uses his own equipment and
computers. In addition, you don't have to set up an extra desk in
your office for an assistant.
 Instead of having a fixed schedule of hours each week, with a VA you
only pay for the hours you use.
 You can hire a VA to work a specific numbers of hours per month on
a retainer which guarantees availability. Some VAs work on a perproject or per-hour basis as well.
 You can find VAs with specific skill sets, from certified QuickBooks
specialists to those with graphic, internet, marketing, or technical
skills.
The Prefect Partner For Your
Business
 VAs own their own business, so they know what it's like to be selfemployed.
 A VA works as a consultant, not as an employee. Therefore, you won't
have to pay employment taxes or benefits for your VA. (It's critical that
you understand the government rules about employees versus subcontractors; in the USA, check out the IRS website for the rules
www.irs.gov)
What Should You
Consider When Hiring A
VA?
Communication/Patience
• Professionalism
• Skill Set
Project Management
• Technology Skills
• Image
Experience
• Availability
• References
How Can A Virtual Assistant
Help Grow Your Business
Managing
Your Office
Researching
and
Planning
Events
Arrange and
Schedule
Appointment
s
• Returning important
phone calls
• Answering Emails
• Research on the
internet and creating a
Report
• Updating your
Customers on Planned
Events
• Remind you of
important
appointments
• Arrange Travel, Dinner
or Personal affairs.
How Much Should You
Pay
Each VA charge differently for their services, their payment structure
depends on which is easiest for their client.
F E ES ST RUCTU R E S
Monthly
Retainers
Per Hour
Sliding Scale
Pay As You Go
Project Base
Each is sometime negotiable
You Make Money When
You Partner With A VA
YOUR SECOND IN COMMAND
A VA will allow the Business owner the opportunity to spend more time
negotiating for more business and also networking to gain more client.
Think of a VA as your Aspirin that will heal your headache.
A VA can become the second in command for their clients. When the trust
grows over time, the VA starts to work with the clients customers directly
which in turns help their clients make even more money and allow them to
grow their business.
Trying a VA may be the best thing for your business whether it is small,
large or if you’re Entrepreneur, Solo-preneur, etc.. Your attention will be
focus less on your usual busy work and more on growing your business.