Q. What is a Virtual Assistant?
- A Virtual Assistant (VA) provides administrative support and specialist services to Businesses, Entrepreneurs, Executives, Managers and Small/Medium Business Owners who do not have the time to carry out their own PA and Admin tasks.
- In a traditional office they are known as Administrative Assistants but in the online community they are known as Virtual Assistants/Virtual PA's.
- A VA will provide services via the internet and email, traditional methods such as postage and couriers are also used if and when required.
Q. What are the benefits using a Virtual Assistant?
The financial benefits of partnering with a VA include:
- No extra equipment to buy and maintain. Most VA's have their own fully equipped office with state of the art technology.
- No payroll or taxes to worry about
- You only pay for the time your VA has concentrated on your assignments/projects.
In this time of climate change the environmental advantages include:
- There will be less energy consumption by your business.
- No commuting which means less traffic congestion and fuel consumption resulting in less worker stress and environmental pollution.
- Less paper and ink usage resulting in a decrease in demand upon the planet's forests and a reduction in industrial-chemical pollution.
- Your VA works from home which removes the need to heat another room or building which reduces the waste from miscellaneous items such as milk cartons, coffee tins, lunch wrappers and cleaning products.
Q. Why would I use a Virtual Assistant instead of a temporary worker?
- Unlike temporary employees, Virtual Assistants are self-employed, home-based specialists who form long-term partnerships with our clients in a dedicated effort to help you successfully manage and grow your business. Because we are partners in business rather than employers/employees, we have a vested interest in the growth of your business. Our success is measured by your success!
- A temporary employee has no vested interest in your success. They require a period of adjustment and training in office procedures and company policy for each assignment, and an adjustment period that you pay for! Factor in office space, equipment, lunch & coffee breaks, idle time, plus the agency's fee, and a temporary employee ends up costing you about three (3) times the cost of hiring a VA. With a VA, there is no adjustment period, and you pay only for the actual production time of your specific project. We save you time and money.
Q. How do you charge for your services?
- The first consultation with the client is free and there is no obligation. I charge by the hour or per project depending upon the task I am employed to do. If you find you need my services on a more regular basis then you can retain me for a fixed time and price per month at a discounted rate. This would mean that I am always ready to work for you for the agreed period of time and you will always take preference over new clients in my time management.
- Costs vary according to the amount/type of work required. Rates are market competitive and tailored to individual client's projects and budgets.
Q. What type of company would benefit from a Virtual Assistant?
- All types of companies can benefit from the services of a virtual assistant. It can be ideal for a small business who wants to develop their business and move it in the direction it should be or those just starting up.
- Space issues become non-existent as does expensive recruitment and training.
- Larger companies can benefit by utilising a VA during busy times, to cover annual leave or when you have a special project.
For more information on our Services and Rates click here
For more information on partnering with a virtual assistant click here