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Virtual Assistant – Do you need one?
Virtual Assistant – Do you need one?
By Shannon Davidson
www.officesetting.com
Do you have a business? Do you have administrative tasks that are taking up time that could be better spent running and growing your business? Do you want someone to complete your administrative tasks on an as needed basis?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, a Virtual Assistant is a resource you need to consider.
Businesses and individuals outsource administrative tasks to specialized Virtual Assistants. There are many benefits to outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant verses hiring an in-house employee.
Consider the following benefits when deciding if a Virtual Assistant is right for you:
SKILLS:
Virtual Assistants are skilled entrepreneurs. They have their own hardware and software and generally the most up-to-date hardware and software.
Virtual Assistants provide services such as general administration services, database and website development, graphic design, internet research, writing, editing, proof reading, presentation preparation, bookkeeping, desktop publishing, transcription, and many more services to businesses and individuals. Work is delivered via email, fax, telephone, or postal service.
Most Virtual Assistants know how to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, ACT, Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint, and Front Page.
COST:
Generally, Virtual Assistants bill at $30.00 an hour or more. Some Virtual Assistants will bill per project. Some Virtual Assistants bill clients once the work is completed. Some Virtual Assistants charge a deposit up front and others may work on a retainer.
A Virtual Assistant is far more cost effective than a regular employee if you only need support on certain projects or at limited times.
A Virtual Assistant will only charge you when they are working on your project(s).
You will need to tell your Virtual Assistant what you need and want, and give some general guidelines. Generally Virtual Assistants do not charge you for this ‘training’ period.
A Virtual Assistant should be set up as an independent contractor, never an employee.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THE SERVICES OF A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT:
Any business or individual who does not have office support personnel, the means of hiring in-house office support personnel, or the need to hire in-house office support personnel.
Perhaps the most important thing a Virtual Assistant can do is relieve you of the time consuming tasks that keep you from growing your business. As a business professional, your time needs to be spent growing your business by being in front of clients, making sales, following up on leads, or attending networking events. Their success depends on your success.
A Virtual Assistant can become one of the best assistants and business partners you've ever had. After all, they are business owners too.
About the Author
Shannon Davidson
www.officesetting.com
Shannon has been performing virtual assistance for over 13 years. She provides transcription, data entry, logo design, web creation, and many other services to businesses and individuals. Shannon is also a freelance writer and provides articles and research information to businesses and individuals.
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