Frequently Asked Questions

What is a virtual assistant (VA)?

A virtual assistant is not an employee of your company, but a small business entrepreneur who contracts out their administrative skills for individual and small business entrepreneurs. Many VAs are accomplished executive assistants and secretaries, however, they want the added responsibility of being a small business owner. Virtual assistants are versatile and can perform a number of tasks ranging from basic correspondence to desktop publishing. Additionally, a VA can be trusted to make travel arrangements, take care of event planning, and produce quality Internet research for projects.

What are the benefits of using a VA as opposed to hiring a full-time or temporary administrative employee?

You only pay for the time that your VA is contracted to work, either by time or project. No additional expenses are incurred (i.e. overtime pay, FICA, unemployment insurance, sick leave, vacation pay, medical insurance, employee educational programs, or retirement programs). Your overhead costs are also kept to a minimum in that no additional office space, furniture, or computer equipment is required.

Aside from the monetary savings, a virtual assistant seeks to become an extended part of your company. Unlike a temporary employee, VAs pride themselves on helping your small business succeed through getting to know you and your customers personally and assisting you in maintaining close contact with your customer base. Though you may call on a virtual assistant to perform single projects, VAs become a greater asset when incorporated as a regular member of your business team.

How is business conducted between you and your virtual assistant?

Business communications are conducted through the use of phone, fax, email, diskette transfer, cassette tape, overnight mail, and instant messaging.