Versatile Virtual Assistant
Business Support Services
Business Support Services
Simplify your life!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Memberships & Affiliations
Click on the links below to visit each organizations website and get more information.
International Virtual Assistants Association
Yvette Bryars
Member 2008
International Association of Virtual Office Assistants
Member 2008
International Association of Virtual Office Assistants
Yvette Bryars
Member 2008
Member 2008
Women of Vision Express Network
Yvette Bryars
Member 2008
American Business Women's Association
Q: What is a VA?
A: A virtual assistant (or VA) is an independent contractor, in most
cases an entrepreneur or business owner who also happens to be a highly
skilled administrative professional. The VA provides administrative,
technical and/or creative support to clients, while operating from
their own fully equipped offices (hence the term "virtual"). Technology
based communications and data delivery are accomplished through
utilization of the Internet, email, instant messaging, telephone, fax
and overnight mail.
The clientele of a VA can consist of other small business owners, entrepreneurs, small or medium sized companies, non-profits, busy executives,or even just busy families and individuals.
Q: Why would I need the services of a VA?
A: If you need more time to do other things, like market your business, to coordinate and send out a direct mail piece, or assistance with a marketing campaign, a virtual assistant can help. If you require travel arrangements, event coordination and planning, reminder services or invitations for your event sent out, a virtual assistant can help with all these and more.
Q: Why use a VA instead of a secretarial service?
A: Most secretarial services have a pool of employees they utilize to provide their services. Most of these employees provide one specific type of service to many clients, or do piece work. With a VA, great attention is given to your business, how you work, what your preferences are and the goal(s)you are seeking to achieve. A VA works in a collaborative relationship with you in order to determine which systems and procedures to implement in order to help you be more organized, focused and productive. And we all know that a more productive person is a more successful person.
Q: Wouldn't I be better off just hiring an employee?
A: Not necessarily. Consider that you will have to pay a salary, possibly benefits such as insurance and vacation. You may also need to provide office space, equipment and furniture, not to mention the day to day management of an employee. With a virtual assistant, you pay only for the time spent on your project, and any materials required for your project. As VA's are independent contractors, they pay their own taxes, their own insurance and they already have fully equipped offices.
Q: What is so unique about virtual assistance?
A: Virtual assisting is unique in that you can be located anywhere in the world and so can a virtual assistant. Remember that the most important aspect of working with a VA is the establishment of a mutually beneficial relationship. A VA will spend time getting to know about you, your business, your strengths, your weaknesses and work with you to develop and implement systems that will make you more efficient and productive. If you are successful, then your VA is successful also.
Q: How do I find the right VA for me and my business?
A: Well, the first step is to assess what areas you will need assistance in. Then you will need to do some research. There are several organizations on the internet that provide listings of virtual assistants, IVAA (International Virtual Assistants Association) being one of the most widely recognized. These organizations will usually provide links to their members' websites along with a list of the services they provide. IVAA also provides an RFP system in order to match you up with possible candidates. It will require some homework on your part, but it will be worth the effort. Other organizations such as IAVOA (International Association of Virtual Office Assistants), your local chamber of commerce and other business networking groups can be sources for finding a VA as well.
The clientele of a VA can consist of other small business owners, entrepreneurs, small or medium sized companies, non-profits, busy executives,or even just busy families and individuals.
Q: Why would I need the services of a VA?
A: If you need more time to do other things, like market your business, to coordinate and send out a direct mail piece, or assistance with a marketing campaign, a virtual assistant can help. If you require travel arrangements, event coordination and planning, reminder services or invitations for your event sent out, a virtual assistant can help with all these and more.
Q: Why use a VA instead of a secretarial service?
A: Most secretarial services have a pool of employees they utilize to provide their services. Most of these employees provide one specific type of service to many clients, or do piece work. With a VA, great attention is given to your business, how you work, what your preferences are and the goal(s)you are seeking to achieve. A VA works in a collaborative relationship with you in order to determine which systems and procedures to implement in order to help you be more organized, focused and productive. And we all know that a more productive person is a more successful person.
Q: Wouldn't I be better off just hiring an employee?
A: Not necessarily. Consider that you will have to pay a salary, possibly benefits such as insurance and vacation. You may also need to provide office space, equipment and furniture, not to mention the day to day management of an employee. With a virtual assistant, you pay only for the time spent on your project, and any materials required for your project. As VA's are independent contractors, they pay their own taxes, their own insurance and they already have fully equipped offices.
Q: What is so unique about virtual assistance?
A: Virtual assisting is unique in that you can be located anywhere in the world and so can a virtual assistant. Remember that the most important aspect of working with a VA is the establishment of a mutually beneficial relationship. A VA will spend time getting to know about you, your business, your strengths, your weaknesses and work with you to develop and implement systems that will make you more efficient and productive. If you are successful, then your VA is successful also.
Q: How do I find the right VA for me and my business?
A: Well, the first step is to assess what areas you will need assistance in. Then you will need to do some research. There are several organizations on the internet that provide listings of virtual assistants, IVAA (International Virtual Assistants Association) being one of the most widely recognized. These organizations will usually provide links to their members' websites along with a list of the services they provide. IVAA also provides an RFP system in order to match you up with possible candidates. It will require some homework on your part, but it will be worth the effort. Other organizations such as IAVOA (International Association of Virtual Office Assistants), your local chamber of commerce and other business networking groups can be sources for finding a VA as well.
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This site was last updated 7/31/2008 10:20
