FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS
What is a Virtual Assistant?
A Virtual Assistant (VA)
is a highly skilled, professional independent contractor who
utilizes the latest communication and data delivery technology
to provide off-site
solutions and services as well as technical and creative
support for home-based, solo entrepreneurs and small
businesses.
Who uses virtual assistants?
-
Self-employed
entrepreneurs
-
Small
business owners
-
Business
people "on the road"
-
Large
companies with relatively short term periodic projects
-
Anyone
needing an extra pair of hands to get a job done
Who should not use a virtual
assistant?
-
Micro
managers
-
People
who have control and/or trust
issues
How do I know if I need a virtual
assistant?
-
Are
you disorganized or overwhelmed - even a little
bit?
-
Are
you missing income earning opportunities - bigger jobs,
more customers?
-
Are you paying late
fees because your bill paying system is out of
control?
-
Is your cash flow
suffering because you aren't on top of your accounts
receivable?
-
Are
you too busy to network or promote your
business?
-
Are
you drowning in paperwork?
-
Are
you feeling frustrated trying to "do it
all"?
-
Are
you procrastinating because you don’t know where to
begin?
-
Do you
dread facing your to-do list each day?
-
Do
you wish you had a to-do list to
keep you focused?
-
Are you
late for, or missing, appointments?
-
Could you
improve your customer service if you had more
time?
-
Did you
answer "yes" to any of the above? You need a
VA. Contact
Us now!
If my virtual assistant isn't on-site,
how do we communicate?
Once a Service
Contract has been signed assignments and information
can be communicated by e-mail, telephone, fax, postal
service, or courier. Modern technologies allow people to
interact from remote
locations as
effectively as if they were working in the same
building.
Do I have to be
high-tech to work with a virtual
assistant?
No. Your virtual
assistant will work with you using the tools that you
have. Your VA uses technology so you don't have to.
Your VA can also guide you if you decide that you
want to advance technologically.
What is the advantage of using a virtual assistant instead
of a temp?
·
Virtual
Assistants are small business owners, so they have a direct
interest in ensuring their clients receive quality service.
They have a better appreciation of the small business
environment than an employee or a temp and are capable of
having a powerful impact on your
productivity.
·
Virtual
Assistants have experience and skills that greatly reduce
the amount of time you would spend in training and
supervising a temp or new employee.
·
Virtual
Assistants provide their own office equipment and space.
·
A
Virtual Assistant learns your business and personal work
style and is available for future assignments. Temps move
on to other employers and may not be available for repeat
assignments.
How do I report payments to my Virtual Assistant on my tax
return?
Payments to your
Virtual Assistant are treated as a deductible expense in
the same way as other professional services such as
attorneys and accountants.
How can using a Virtual
Assistant save money if I can hire an employee at a
lower hourly rate?
See the cost comparison
chart
here to get an idea of the savings possibilities.
Remember, in addition to financial savings a Virtual
Assistant is a professional who will provide expertise and
quality services that you may not find in your local job
market.
|