How can a VA help me and my Business?
Virtual Assistants are becoming more and more in-demand by startups, solo-preneurs and online businesses that need help, but do not haver the space and resources to take on a member of staff. Many small and mid-size businesses also use virtual support, especially for tasks such as Social Media, Marketing and PR and Bookkeeping.
What do Virtual Assistants do?
A Virtual Assistant can do anything that any member or admin/support staff can do, except for making you a coffee - although, they could order you one from a local delivery service! However, virtual support duties are not limited to clerical work. Some VA's specialise in just one skill, while others can multitask skills such as:
Email management
Social media management
Diary Management & Appointments
Marketing and PR
Research
Writing
Graphic Design and Creation
Website Management
Bookkeeping
Customer Support
Project Management
Travel Concierge
Customer Service
Most virtual assistants run their own home-based virtual assistant business. They work self employed and invoice clients either by the hour or per 'job'. VA's fees start from around 20.00 per hour, depending on the service provided'
Where can I find the right VA for me?
As a startup or growing business owner, there comes a time in which it's impossible to do everything, at least well enough to be efficient and effective. Using a VA frees up your time so you can focus on the work that will make money. Plus, many virtual assistants are better than you at some tasks. It's always faster and less expensive in the long run to hire out duties you're not skilled at.
The first step in hiring a virtual assistant is to make a list of the tasks you want to outsource. Make a complete list, prioritising the activities you want to delegate first.
The next step is determining who to hire. There are many ways to hire a virtual assistant. One of the best, is by recommendation - maybe someone in your network. Most VA's advertise locally, but the bulk of their work comes from word of mouth. Most VA's have a great network with business owners and other VA's which means that if they cant help you with the support you need, they will be able to recommend a VA who can.