A Virtual Assistant (VA) provides assistance to a variety of clients remotely from a home office, possessing numerous transferable skills and the ability to work with any individual or business, in any location, in any time zone.  The profession is growing as companies and entrepreneurs are seeking remote support, more now than ever before. Virtual Assistance is a solid industry that withstands unsettled times, with a variety of solutions to help clients adapt and provide support. Virtual Assistants hold valuable skills, are resourceful, highly organised and have excellent abilities.

You may be thinking, well what does a virtual assistant do? But a more appropriate question here would be “What can’t a virtual assistant do?”

From administrative tasks, diary management and coordinating events to personal errands. You can have a VA that can do almost anything. They can take over all the business duties that a typical administrative assistant would do, avoiding the logistical problem of providing extra office space, equipment, or supplies. Although they’re not there in person they become a vital part of the company. As a lot of tasks these days don’t need to be done in-person, they can easily be outsourced to a virtual assistant instead.

But why do individuals/businesses need a virtual assistant in the first place?

• To make the most of existing employees – Administrative tasks that take up time can be done remotely. Outsourcing to a VA can allow employees skills to be utilised with more pressing matters that need to be done in-person.
• Reduce costs – Instead of hiring a full-time employee for a small job, outsourcing at an hourly rate results in saving on salary costs. Not only salary, but training costs can also be saved as virtual assistants are experts in their field and can hit the ground running straight away. 
• Save time - We all know that time is money – especially in business. Again, by outsourcing tasks, this saves on employee training time and frees up space for other projects.
• To support with peak periods – When the workload is stacking up and the deadlines are getting closer, obtaining virtual support with the busier periods allows a smooth running of the business.
• To focus more on business and important projects – Rather than getting tied up with mundane tasks, using a virtual assistant leaves more time to focus more on business and other projects.

Thinking of becoming a virtual assistant?

If you have worked in an office as a PA, secretary, or administrative assistant then you certainly have the ground skills. Key skills that tend to be required to be a successful VA include having excellent organisation and scheduling skills with the ability to work comfortably with Microsoft packages. Confident over the telephone with commercial awareness. 

You will need to be sure that you have the equipment to complete the work functions successfully at home. Mainly a computer (Mac or PC) with an up to date browser and good internet connection. A professional email account specific for clients such as Outlook and a phone.

Benefits of being a virtual assistant include spending more time at home, making a higher income, and being able to work to your own schedule.

If you are considering becoming a virtual assistant or want an affordable virtual assistance solution, get in touch today!