What is a Virtual Assistant and what do they do?
We were merely given a new title!
For the most part, a virtual assistant (or VA, as an acronym) is what was previously most aptly referred to as an administrative, executive, or personal assistant. Some secretaries and bookkeepers have also crossed over the threshold and are now performing common virtual assistant tasks and duties. The term "virtual" applies to how these skilled, global entrepreneurs perform their work-- most is accomplished solely through the use of modern technology such as the internet and World Wide Web, e-mail, real-time instant messaging, telephone and fax technologies, and disk or file transfer, for examples.
Although the term "Virtual Assistant" is fairly new, emerging onto the scene within the last 7 years, the entrepreneur working from their home office has been around since the beginnings of the internet... many VA's were virtual assistants long before the industry even named their profession!
VA's often have expertise and knowledge in many differing areas of business. They can handle a wide variety of tasks from e-mail, telephone and information management, bulk mailing, printing and fax-on-demand duties, bookkeeping, billing and accounting procedures, appointment, travel and event planning, reminder services, and desktop publishing tasks. Many VA's also specialize in one or more "niches", allowing you to use their knowledge in these categories to benefit your business. It is not uncommon to find a VA who on top of the above-mentioned list of duties also performs web or graphic design and development, SEO services, advertising or marketing services, programming or scripting, and a variety of other more specialized or focused industry duties.
Most importantly, as a virtual assistant is an entrepreneur and business owner themselves, they know how to handle a business efficiently and effectively, and will have the utmost stake in your business should you choose them for this honor-- after all their reputation, and thus their business, depends immensely on their customer's satisfaction. Word-of-mouth is often the best advertising and everyone knows bad news travels faster than good in most circles!
Choosing the right VA for the duties you need done does not have to be a difficult task. Often times asking for a meeting or interview with the person you are interested in outsourcing to can elicit a great deal of information about their competence, attitude, professionalism, and abilities. Some things to remember as you choose a virtual assistant are that the one (or ones) you choose to work with be well-educated, knowledgeable in the areas pertinent to your business, organized, able to work without direct supervision, resourceful, and creative problem-solvers.
Virtual Assistants can efficiently handle all those "little tasks" that many business owners find are mundane or are just taking too much of their time to handle. A VA, in this case, is the perfect solution to freeing up more time in a business owners' busy schedule, tackling these tasks on their own. Simply put, a VA can be a highly effective, cost-efficient answer to solving your outsourcing or "temp employee" needs.
To see some of the benefits of hiring a VA to work with you versus hiring a "temp worker" or in-house employee, feel free to view the comparison table located here.
About The Author
April Rendonvera has been a MSVA for 10 years and is a freelance writer, ghostwriter, and former editor with 23 years experience. She has written articles and essays, journal and copywriting pieces, newsletters, web copy, press releases, reports, editorials, brochures and sales materials, company profiles, resumes, and technical pieces spanning many industries (including within the psychology, health, criminal justice, community service, sociology, counselling, and education fields) in both the US and Canada.
In her spare time she reads avidly, enjoys writing for pleasure, always has music playing in the background of her home & office, and enjoys spending time in the outdoors as well as with her family.
Copyright © 2004-2008, April Rendonvera. All Rights Reserved.
For more information : Please see the remainder of the links to the right under the "Do You Need a Virtual Assistant?" heading to read information about our company, our clients, and what we can offer you and your business should you choose to work with us.
