What is a Virtual Assistant?

“A Virtual Assistant (VA) is a highly-trained independent entrepreneur who provides a myriad of business support services virtually via phone, fax and internet based technology to support and meet the growing needs of businesses worldwide.” - VAnetworking.com

Although the virtual assistant industry has been around for many years and has been utilized by speakers, business/life coaches and real estate professionals, it has only recently been brought into mainstream business world. Entrepreneurs often find they need assistance with business related tasks but often do not have the space, resources or budget for an employee. Enter the VA.

A VA can help with virtually any aspect of your business. Although many virtual assistants are generalists, many VAs offer specialized or niche services. Services range from general administrative services such as data entry, calendar management, email management, transcription and proofreading to specialized services like bookkeeping, email marketing campaign management, desktop publishing and website design and maintenance. Partnering with a VA can significantly free up your time to focus on the money making aspect of your business.

“Why wouldn’t I just hire an employee?”

• If you run your business from home you may not want someone else inside your home.
• You don’t have the budget or space for an extra work station (desk, computer, printer telephone, etc.).
• You don’t want to deal with employment taxes.

“Why wouldn’t I just hire a temp from an agency?”

• Temp employees do not have a vested interest in seeing your business succeed.
• Temp employees are just that – temporary!
• Employment taxes are included in the fee you pay to the temp agency, but you still need the extra work station, have the issue of having someone inside your home (if you’re home based), and many times temps have only basic office skills and are limited in the scope of the work they can perform.