Most FAQs at the Top of Minds
What is a virtual assistant?
Virtual Assistants (VAs) are entrepreneurs who provide professional administrative, technical, or personal assistance to an array of clientele. For the most part, they work for other small businesses and entrepreneurs who need administrative support but want to shave off the overhead that comes with hiring fulltime support staff.
Are VAs flexible in the services they offer?
The most common services include data entry, desktop publishing, transcription, bookkeeping, administrative projects, database management, web design, and a variety of personal assistance including but not limited to performing concierge services. Because VAs are experienced in all aspects of business administration, if the service is not listed it does not mean they don't do it. It's best to reach out directly and find out how they can be of assistance.
Where do they work?
Generally VAs work from their home, using their own equipment, software, hardware, technology, etc. to get the job done.
Who do they generally support?
Because of the increasing number of entrepreneurs and small business owners taking the leap into their own practice or agency, VAs are in demand for Realtors, Doctors, Lawyers, Brokers and the list goes on.
What is the difference between hiring a VA as opposed to a full-time employee?
COST - Start-up costs for a small business are a huge investment and not all business owners have the capital to hire an assistant to provide the administrative services they need. The overhead created by providing a regular salary with required deductions such as benefits, work space, equipment, not to mention managing employee paid time off (PTO) can exhaust more time and dollars than it's worth. Whereas with a VA you only pay for the work requested and completed. No overhead, no benefits or office space to pay.