| In general, a Virtual Assistant (VA) is someone | | | | help. Note: it is usual for a VA to charge a "rush" |
| who performs administrative tasks away from | | | | fee for jobs you want "yesterday". |
| the office of their clients. A VA is the modern | | | | 3. They might be the missing link in your business |
| day version of the executive assistant or personal | | | | and your eyes or ears on the Internet. |
| assistant. | | | | 4. A VA can act as a sounding board for your |
| A VA is usually not an employee, which comes in | | | | ideas or plans. |
| very handy for many home business owners. If | | | | 5. They will coordinate your work, work orders, |
| you live (own or rent) in a place where the | | | | and/or work flow. |
| business or city codes say you can't have an | | | | 6. A VA is an independent contractor, consultant, |
| employee in your home - you CAN hire a VA! No | | | | and a business owner, too. |
| employee benefits to deal with either! | | | | 7. A VA may charge for time on a task, or by |
| Each VA works a little differently. It is important | | | | the hour, week or month. In general, they charge |
| for you to identify the skill-set you are looking for | | | | you extra for phone calls they make and for |
| and know how many hours you're initially looking | | | | supplies, stamps etc. |
| to contract for before you start the interview | | | | 8. They have a written agreement with you. |
| process. Below is a list of things to consider when | | | | 9. Some VA's work individually and others may be |
| hiring a VA. | | | | part of a larger group of VA's. |
| 1. It is more likely a VA will not live near their | | | | 10. VA's specialize in certain areas or they may |
| clients; although some do live in the same city or | | | | generalize. They could be current or former |
| state. | | | | CPA's, web designers, coaches, executive |
| 2. A VA will work with you when you need extra | | | | assistants, personal assistants, etc. |
| help but don't know for how long you'll need that | | | | |