Do You Need A 'Virtual Assistant'?

Do you have a small business or are you a solo-preneur? Are you in need of administrative support help? Do you find that you use the time that you should be earning money to complete day-to-day support tasks? Hiring a virtual assistant may be the perfect solution for you. According to the International Virtual Assistant Association, "A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative and/or technical services. Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in his/her area of expertise from his/her own office on a contractual basis." Virtual assistants have a multitude of skills, and work with business owners as office support staff. In the business world, they are referred to as secretaries, office assistants, administrative, and executive assistants. Virtual assistants work from their own office and have their own equipment. They pay their own taxes, and charge only for actual time worked. By contrast, for in-house support staff, you are responsible for salaries, benefits, equipment, office space, and employment tax. Virtual assistants are a cost-effective way to run your business. Hiring a virtual assistant is a necessity for many small business owners. VAs can be responsible for such tasks as general administrative support, web design, content creation, article writing, blog updates, and email campaigns, or your social marketing needs. With your busy work covered, you are able to concentrate on the task of earning revenue for your business. Most virtual assistants see themselves as a partners working with you to help grow your business. They can also be a source of networking for business resources and tools. Although they work off-site and independently, they can become an important part of your team. Researching and Hiring a virtual assistant Finding and hiring the virtual assistant is not something that you want to rush into. Before choosing a VA, you should discuss their skills, services, and fees, and you can check testimonies posted to their website. Ask for referrals from friends, business contacts, and other small business owners. You can search online virtual assistant organizations such as IVAA, AssistU or VAnetworking. A Virtual Assistant will allow you to grow your business by doing what you do best. Isn't it time that you got your own Virtual Assistant?