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What
is a Virtual Assistant? (VA)
A VA is an individual who provides office support to businesses or
individuals from an off-site location. Information is typically shared via
email, fax, telephone, etc.
VA's like many of their clients are business owners themselves; they own and
operate their virtual company. Often, a VA will become a behind-the-scenes
partner with their clients, handling such tasks as administrative support,
bookkeeping, scheduling etc.
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What
services are offered by Virtual Assistants (VA's)?
VA's offer a wide Variety of services. Here are some samples:
Client correspondence, Accounting Services, Travel Arrangements, Business
Coaching, Research, Concierge Services, Secretarial Support, Billings and
Collections, Office Management and many more.
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Why
would I use a Virtual Assistant (VA) instead of a temp agency?
Unlike with a temp agency, your VA works for YOU. Typically a VA has
several years of experience in his/her field. A VA's goal is to help your
company grow. Beyond that VA's have a vested interest in your success. When
you succeed - we succeed. You can use the same VA for all of your needs.
With a temp agency you may get a different temp each time you need their
help. With a VA you are able to develop a long-term working relationship.
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What
are the benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) as opposed to an
employee?
There are numerous benefits: No employee taxes, benefits or insurance, no
OSHA issues or jeopardy of lawsuits. Maybe your company only needs 10 hours
worth of support each week. You would have to pay someone part-time or
full-time and scramble to keep them busy to justify their expense. Possibly
you have seasonal work overloads and only need assistance for a few months
out of the year. The wonderful benefit of a VA is the working relationship
is tailored to fit your needs.
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How
much do
Virtual Assistants (VA's)
charge?
VA's generally charge by the hour, at rates ranging from $20-$40. My price
will vary depending on your needs and the project assigned. I also offer
retainers.
At first glance this may appear to be a high rate. Look at the "real cost"
of employees: statistics show that employees actually cost 2 to 2 1/2 times
their rate of pay when you factor in the cost of recruitment, base salary,
employment taxes, mandatory insurance benefits, paid Vacation, paid
holidays, sick days, equipment and training. Don't forget the "more
difficult" to price variables, time lost on socializing, the risk of
lawsuits, personality conflicts, etc. You are sure to pay significantly less
for a Virtual Assistant with several years of experience.
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Who
can benefit from using a
Virtual Assistant
(VA)?
The amazing part of virtual assistance is that almost everyone can benefit
from using a VA. A large company may find using a VA for any overflow work
to be useful or maybe instead of 3 secretaries they may need to only employ
1 or 2 and have a VA do the rest. A small company may use a VA for all of
their billings, collections, marketing, accounting, etc. needs. A busy
individual may use a VA to help them plan a special event. This may include,
for example, everything from booking the room, ordering the food,
coordinating travel, creating invitations, etc. A college student may use a
VA to type their 25 page research paper. VA's are typically very skilled
typists. This may prove to be a great time saver for a busy college student
who doesn't possess great typing skills or speed. Almost anyone can benefit
from using a VA.
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Do
I need to use a local VA?
No. The beauty of your assistant being virtual is - - location doesn't
impact our ability to do our jobs. The work is distributed via email, fax,
telephone or in some cases US Postal service. The location of your business
or the location of your VA has no impact on the services that are available
to you. If your company relocates - - we simply relocate with you! There
will be no need to recruit, hire and train a new employee. This can be a
great cost saving benefit to you or your company!
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Tell
me more about you.
My favorite question! I am a Virtual Assistant dedicated to your needs. I bring to the
table several years of office administrative support and skills in multiple
software programs. To read more about my background, please read the
information in the
About Me section of this website.
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