The Virtual Assistant Industry is booming!

Those who participate in the VA forums will know that there’s been a steady (and fast) increase of new VAs joining our ranks. I believe this is partly because our industry has well and truly come of age and is easily noticeable but also because of our current global economic situation.  People need to find other sources of income and build up businesses to protect their homes and families should their existing jobs go belly up. For some they’ve already lost their jobs and are seeking to provide security through their own exertions rather than depend on another company to provide that for them.

But while that is happening there are still so many who fall for the scams out there that become even more prevalent and visible ready to snare those who are desperate and will look in any corner for that hope of security.  I was chatting with a couple of new VAs about this recently on a VA forum.

As I advised the VAs there, do the research and don’t take what you read at face value. Look further, make contact, ask questions.  Google can be your best friend when researching a VA group to join and there are many of them.  I had to remind both new VAs that they are not employees and are not seeking employment with a ‘company’ but rather they are business owners seeking clients and connecting with peers from whom they can learn.

For clients the increase in the VA industry is a good thing.  Many businesses are not employing new staff but looking to outsource the needs they still have and which still need to be carried out by someone.  It is true that paying $$ per hour for a VA is better than engaging an employee who needs office space, furniture, computer equipment, software, meal breaks, leave, superannuation, taxes paid and other things.  A VA is a business operator and does have overheads – you’re not going to get them at a low rate such as an employee but they will be much more cost effective for the work that is performed and charged for – you don’t have to pay for all those extras!