I often get emails or phone calls asking me what's involved in working with a Virtual Assistant, what do we do, how can we help the caller, and how does it work? Many find it a struggle to get over the hump relating to working virtually. It's really quite simple once you know how to look at it. For me, it's like this: Think of a corporate PA who works close by to the boss, either in a room next to their office, or nearby. They converse face-to-face, by intercom and internal email. The … [Read more...]
Full time job as a Virtual Assistant (VA)
This week I saw a post where someone has posted a 'job for a fulltime Virtual Assistant'. Before any of you get excited, let me tell you why this is not a good idea. First and foremost, Virtual Assistants are business owner/operators - they provide a service to other business owner/operators. Several - not one. If you are in the situation of having only one client, then the tax dept in your country could see your working relationship as that of employer/employee which can open a whole can of … [Read more...]
The truth about using a Virtual Assistant
I see so many articles, comments, blogs, etc on how to use a Virtual Assistant and of the benefits or the challenges. One thing that comes through over and over is that many business owners think that having a Virtual Assistant might be something they cannot afford - nice to have, but on their wishlist. Why do they think this? Because many are still in the mindset of engaging administrative or secretarial support in the corporate world - full time role, full time pay involved. Nothing could … [Read more...]
Being a VA doesn’t mean ‘cheap’
I get amazed by the (thankfully small) number of people who contact me looking for, and I quote ' I could do with a good inexpensive VA. My experience with them has been poor. Would appreciate your advice on this score. My response to this person was: Re 'inexpensive' VA. Not sure what you mean by that exactly. I don't have any on my lists who charge what the Asians charge but I do have Virtual Assistants in 11 countries, all English speaking and writing and depending on their cost of … [Read more...]
Tips for clients to find the right VA
On my site there is a form for clients to fill out and the information therein goes to my VA team so that the client can receive several responses. However, often I have to write back to the client, before the request is sent to the team, to ask for more information. Things that are really useful to know, when responding to a request for work to be done are: - What software program are you using? If you want data entry done for a database or bookkeeping done, it would be useful to know if you … [Read more...]
We are not ‘just secretaries’
Had an interesting conversation with a prospective client today. They were despairing that they couldn't find good telemarketers and had spent extensive time doing some research to find the right people. I spent some time asking questions. Seems they only want to pay sub-contractor's rates and not full rates. I explained to them that an agency might pay the rate they wanted to pay to one of their workers but they would charge the client considerably more. The client agreed on that point. I … [Read more...]
Working with a VA should be a personal experience
I love this industry! It has allowed me to get to know my clients on a more personal level. What do I mean by that? Well, I don't mean that I've become friendly with their family and attend family functions (although occasionally I definitely have done that in the past) but it does mean that in getting to know my clients and the way they operate their businesses, I've been able to provide a much more personalised approach in the virtual assistant support I provide them. Some clients can get … [Read more...]
A VA for each thing…
Somewhere along the line the general public (and clients) have been given the idea that you can engage one VA and get everything done! What a neat idea that is. Trouble is, it's usually far from the truth. The reality is that some VAs are generalists, i.e. they can do wordprocessing, database management, website management and even help with social media. I'm one of those VAs. But when it comes to including book-keeping, graphic design, public relations, marketing and even sales, then the … [Read more...]
Need a VA who can really do what they say?
I sometimes hear from disgruntled clients who secure a Virtual Assistant through various means only to find they can't do what they say they can. This is not only frustrating for the client but is bad for our industry too. As much as possible I try to encourage all I speak to, to look for Virtual Assistants through the VA Networks that have been established to help build up the industry, educate its members, and provide quality services to clients. Generally the VA members have had to meet … [Read more...]
