Small Business Information

Getting Behind in Your Work? You Need a Virtual Assistant!


If you don't know what a Virtual Assistant (or VA) is, don't worry. I only came across the term myself about a year ago. It seemed like a high-tech occupation that I would know little about until I stumbled across some information and found out that I was a Virtual Assistant! Not only that, I realized that small businesses were missing out on the opportunity to improve their efficiency by neglecting the vast talent so easily available online.

What Is A Virtual Assistant?

The term Virtual Assistant started in the mid 90's. Virtual Assistants are really the same as telecommuters, usually performing administrative tasks for businesses and working out of their own homes instead of the office they provide services for.

Using a Virtual Assistant can be a low budget alternative to hiring full or part-time staff. Fees are variable and often range from $15 -100/hr depending on the work or specialty. For small businesses, even one-man (or woman) businesses, a VA can dramatically ease your work load at a very reasonable cost.

Virtual Assistants provide needed skills such as proofreading, bookkeeping, website design, writing, data management and more. Some specialists work with the real estate or medical fields. Others handle the day-to-day tasks or help you with certain projects - all on an as-you-need basis.

How Do I Choose A Virtual Assistant?

There are several associations such as the IVAA (International Virtual Assistants Association) which provide the names of screened Virtual Assistants. Another way to find a good Virtual Assistant is by word-of-mouth. As with any freelance job, it is wise to establish if the worker is efficient and responsible as you cannot always follow up in person.

All Virtual Assistants should have a privacy policy if not a member of an association. This shows that they understand that your business information is confidential and will take steps to ensure your privacy.

Finding a Virtual Assistant that you feel comfortable with can lead to a relationship that gives you the freedom to pass assignments over without the need to re-educate them about your business. A personal virtual assistant will learn your business through projects, and apply that knowledge to all of your assignments.

I have had great joy in learning how being a Virtual Assistant can benefit small businesses in handling their tasks. It is a rewarding experience to meet new individuals, be exposed to various business that are being run online, and to develop relationships with clients all over the world that can count on me. Consider what hiring a Virtual Assistant for your business could do for you!

Shannon Emmanuel is a freelance author and Virtual Assistant, check out her available services at: http://www.assistant-for-hire.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Ask the experts: Small business survival plans
Financial Times, UK - 2 hours ago
By Jonathan Moules Be positive, be distinctive and be brave in the face of a recession, say our experts. “During the last recession, I was running a company ...


Balti bail-out is no comfort food for small business
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - 7 hours ago
There is also too little water from the fireman’s hose being sprayed in the explicit direction of the small business owners who are being starved of credit. ...


Dividend.com

BofA's Small Business Lending Woes
BusinessWeek - Oct 10, 2008
by Amy Barrett Bank of America (BAC) has taken a hit on small business lending—and that could mean still tighter credit for entrepreneurs. ...
Analysts: Sooner is better for BofA capital raise Bizjournals.com
Bank of America Corporation Q3 2008 Earnings Call Transcript Seeking Alpha
Bank of America Announces Third Quarter Earnings and Capital ... International Business Times
Wall Street Journal Blogs - DSNews.com
all 860 news articles


Reuters

Candidates Present 401(k) and Small-Business Plans
New York Times, United States - 23 hours ago
Campaigning in Ohio, Senator Barack Obama also put forth a proposal to deal with the economic crisis, urging a rescue plan in which the Small Business ...
Obama Proposes Small Business Rescue Plan Washington Post
Obama Unveils Small Business Rescue -- And Boosts SBA Inc.com
Obama proposes small business rescue plan United Press International
Wall Street Journal - New Hampshire Business Review
all 238 news articles


Small business owner: 'We haven't lost hope'
Bay News 9, FL - 1 hour ago
But small business owners in Safety Harbor don't seem to think the bill will help them much. "I think the bailout was just for the big guys," said BJ ...


Seattle Post Intelligencer

Obama Proposes Small Business Rescue Plan
Washington Post, United States - Oct 10, 2008
He said the $5 billion Small Business Rescue Plan would be similar to one implemented after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and would be run ...
Video: Obama: 'Taxpayers Shouldn't Pick Up Tab' AssociatedPress
Ohio politics news and analysis from The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com
all 1,059 news articles


SMALL BUSINESS Negros producers transcend boundaries
Inquirer.net, Philippines - 18 hours ago
By Chupsie Medina MANILA, Philippines -- An advocacy that was started by 15 women from Negros in the early 80s has blossomed to become today an outstanding ...


Couldn't be more timely, Small Business Expo set for Thursday
Great Falls Tribune, MT - 15 hours ago
By JO DEE BLACK • Tribune Business Editor • October 11, 2008 What's a small business owner to do in this uncertain economy against a backdrop of tightening ...
Tight race expected in HD20 between Jack Allen, Deb Kottel Great Falls Tribune
all 2 news articles


How Small Business Owners Can Cope With the Crisis
BusinessWeek - Oct 10, 2008
Chad Moutray, chief economist at the US Small Business Administration, says small business owners are scared like everyone else. "A lot of them are sitting ...


Small Business Week 2008 ready to Launch
is4profit, UK - 1 hour ago
Following this will be five days of events for small business–owners, presented by experts from businesses, business support organisations and industry and ...

Small-Business - Google News

Home | Index | SiteMap