Virtual Assistants are the right hands of on-line or home office business owners.
In general, a Virtual Assistant (VA) is someone who performs administrative tasks away from the office of their clients. A VA is the modern day version of the executive assistant or personal assistant.
A VA is usually not an employee, which comes in very handy for many home business owners. If you live (own or rent) in a place where the business or city codes say you can’t have an employee in your home – you CAN hire a VA! No employee benefits to deal with either!
Each VA works a little differently. It is important for you to identify the skill-set you are looking for and know how many hours you’re initially looking to contract for before you start the interview process.
Below is a list of things Self-Employed Freelancers should consider when hiring a Virtual Assistant.
1. It is more likely a VA will not live near their clients; although some do live in the same city or state.
2. A VA will work with you when you need extra help but don’t know for how long you’ll need that help. Note: it is usual for a VA to charge a “rush” fee for jobs you want “yesterday”.
3. They might be the missing link in your business and your eyes or ears on the Internet.
4. A VA can act as a sounding board for your ideas or plans.
5. They will coordinate your work, work orders, and/or work flow.
6. A VA is an independent contractor, consultant, and a business owner, too.
7. A VA may charge for time on a task, or by the hour, week or month. In general, they charge you extra for phone calls they make and for supplies, stamps etc.
8. They have a written agreement with you.
9. Some VA’s work individually and others may be part of a larger group of VA’s.
10. VA’s specialize in certain areas or they may generalize. They could be current or former CPA’s, web designers, coaches, executive assistants, personal assistants, etc.