In today’s world it is very obvious that most companies, as much as possible, will turn to outsourcing. Given the fact that cost-cutting is vital for companies to survive (just one aspect, I know) nowadays, VA or virtual assistance is a thing in the present. According to BCentral.com, virtual assistance is one of the hottest home-based businesses.

What is Virtual Assistance?

Virtual assistance (or VA) is the professional service of remote administrative office and other specialized support by an independent contractor called a virtual assistant who works with clients in an ongoing, collaborative professional relationship. The profession was formalized in 1997 by Stacy Brice when she created her company, AssistU – the first organization of any sort for Virtual Assistants. (source: wikipedia.com)

VA’s usual tasks

• Handle email or US mail, handling most and forwarding to the client just those which need his/her attention
• Make appointments, keep a schedule
• Make/receive phone calls/inquiries
• Fax/receive faxes
• Research of all sorts
• Plan meetings and events
• Plan parties (business and personal), weddings, reunions
• Make travel arrangements — business and personal
• Handle reservations for seminars given by clients
• Writing
• Proof reading
• Copy editing
• Desktop publishing
• Newsletter publishing (print and internet)
• Coordination of web design/hosting
• Mailings
• Buy gifts/cards for customers of clients
• List managing (majordomo, listserv)
• Reminder service
• Transcription and Dictation
• Bill paying
• Bookkeeping — business and personal
• Manage vendor relations
• Create/maintain databases

So why does companies hire a VA?

1. Virtual assistants work on an independent contract, which has several advantages. Chiefly, it relieves a business of the financial burden of paying taxes, insurance or an employee benefit system. Sometimes it is impractical to have a full-time employee especially if you just seldom need them.

2. Another financial perk of recruiting a VA is that you are not required to purchase office supplies. Everything from a P.C. to printer ink is the property of your virtual assistant. Particularly for a small business, these kinds of expenditures can have a huge impact on the company’s finances. Therefore, this advantage cannot be overstated.

3. A virtual assistant is ideal for your specific requirements. Whether you choose to hire through an agency or advertise your position, you are certain to find an individual with the exact skills and experience you need. In addition, it is widely recognized that virtual assistants take their work very seriously and personally, subsequently, your satisfaction is their main goal.

4. If you are running a business from a small office or from your own home, a VA is an ideal solution. Additionally, the benefits of an employee that telecommutes include the opportunity of having an assistant that is potentially available whenever you need him, or her. In fact, it may be advantageous to your business to hire an assistant who is based in another country. This could provide opportunities for translations of documents. Alternatively, you may find it useful for your assistant to complete necessary work while you are asleep. In turn, this allows you the luxury of time to concentrate on the things that are really important to your company.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites