Virtual Assistant
"An independent contractor providing administrative, technical, or sometimes creative assistance to clients, usually to other independent entrepreneurs and solo and small business practices, such as that of a lawyer or realtor. Virtual assistants work from their own office (hence 'virtual'), thus making it a fairly popular (and growing) profession. It is estimated that there are about 5-8,000 virtual assistants worldwide.
Common modes of communication and data delivery include the Internet, FTP, and fax machine. Although the occupation gives a degree of independence, work is on a contractual basis, and a long-lasting cooperation is standard. Typically 5 years of administrative experience in an office is expected at such positions as executive assistant, secretary, legal assistant, paralegal, legal secretary, real estate assistant, or office manager."
-Wikipedia
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Frequently Asked Questions
No one really likes change. Partnering with a virtual assistant is a huge change from the well-known course of hiring an employee. When you decide to outsource for a VA, you're not just hiring another person to work for you. You're hiring a partner; someone to help and assist you and your business needs. You're hiring someone to take on some of your extra tasks.
How much does a VA cost?
This is the biggest question going through a business owner's mind. Everything comes down to cost. Virtual assistants range in price from $15 to over $100 per hour.
Isn't that more expensive than hiring an employee at $10 per hour?
When you look at it as the hourly rate, it does seem more expensive. However, the savings of hiring a VA is more efficient on your financial and emotional state for your business or personal needs. When you hire an employee, you have to offer benefits, equipment, and you have to administer payroll which, in turn, means payroll taxes. You also have to share office space that may not be available. Aside from all that, there's also the added liability insurance that you're paying out of pocket. That $10 per hour employee is now costing your business close to $30 or $40 per hour.
Why do I need a VA? I handle all my business needs on my own.
As your business grows, you'll find that you can do anything. You can create your own spreadsheets, handle your own travel arrangements, input your own data, etc. However, you'll also find that you simply do not have the time to do everything on your own. This is where virtual assistants come in handy. Simply put, they're just there to help.