Virtual assistants are independent contractors who can take on the admin
of your small business
What is a virtual assistant
A virtual assistant is typically running a small business just as you are. The difference is their business is admin.
What are the benefits of using a virtual assistant
You get expert admin help without the costs of employing someone on a permanent basis.
You can work with any number of virtual assistants depending on what speciality you need at the time.
You only pay for productive time.
You do not need to set up an office space, ideal if you work from home
You can choose an assistant who is available at the times you need them not just 9 to 5
How can a virtual assistant help
There are a huge range of admin services covered by virtual assistants
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Telephone answering
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Book Keeping
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Diary Management
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Telesales
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Database creation
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Graphic Design
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Web Site Design
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Word Processing
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Data Entry
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Payroll
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Human Resources
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Marketing
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Technical Writing
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Mail Shots
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Presentations
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Copywriting
In fact the list is endless
How to find the right virtual assistant
Try to get some personal recommendations find out if any of the business people you know are using a virtual assistant. Chat with them to find out how they work with their virtual assistant and what they find good and bad about the experience. Remember though your business contacts may not want the same kind of service as you or work comfortably with the same kind of people.
Look out for virtual assistants at your networking groups. Take the time to chat and find out about the services they offer.
There are many virtual assistant directories and virtual assistants advertising on the internet. The virtual assistant directories often list them by services, skills and location.
Spend some time thinking about what you want them to do and when you want them to do it then list the admin skills they need. Remember you are not tied in to a particular time zone it is possible to get someone whose working day starts as yours is finishing and who can get all your work done for you overnight ready for you to have a head start the next day.
This should give you a short list of people you can work comfortably with who have the skills you need and who are available at the right time.
Obtain references and check them. All in all take the same care as you would in recruiting any employee or finding a new business partner.