| "body"> | | | | certain projects - all on an as-you-need basis. |
| If you don't know what a Virtual Assistant (or | | | | How Do I Choose A Virtual Assistant? |
| VA) is, don't worry. I only came across the term | | | | There are several associations such as the IVAA |
| myself about a year ago. It seemed like a | | | | (International Virtual Assistants Association) which |
| high-tech occupation that I would know little about | | | | provide the names of screened Virtual Assistants. |
| until I stumbled across some information and | | | | Another way to find a good Virtual Assistant is |
| found out that I was a Virtual Assistant! Not only | | | | by word-of-mouth. As with any freelance job, it is |
| that, I realized that small businesses were missing | | | | wise to establish if the worker is efficient and |
| out on the opportunity to improve their efficiency | | | | responsible as you cannot always follow up in |
| by neglecting the vast talent so easily available | | | | person. |
| online. | | | | All Virtual Assistants should have a privacy policy |
| What Is A Virtual Assistant? | | | | if not a member of an association. This shows |
| The term Virtual Assistant started in the mid 90's. | | | | that they understand that your business |
| Virtual Assistants are really the same as | | | | information is confidential and will take steps to |
| telecommuters, usually performing administrative | | | | ensure your privacy. |
| tasks for businesses and working out of their | | | | Finding a Virtual Assistant that you feel |
| own homes instead of the office they provide | | | | comfortable with can lead to a relationship that |
| services for. | | | | gives you the freedom to pass assignments over |
| Using a Virtual Assistant can be a low budget | | | | without the need to re-educate them about your |
| alternative to hiring full or part-time staff. Fees | | | | business. A personal virtual assistant will learn your |
| are variable and often range from $15 -100/hr | | | | business through projects, and apply that |
| depending on the work or specialty. For small | | | | knowledge to all of your assignments. |
| businesses, even one-man (or woman) | | | | I have had great joy in learning how being a |
| businesses, a VA can dramatically ease your | | | | Virtual Assistant can benefit small businesses in |
| work load at a very reasonable cost. | | | | handling their tasks. It is a rewarding experience |
| Virtual Assistants provide needed skills such as | | | | to meet new individuals, be exposed to various |
| proofreading, bookkeeping, website design, writing, | | | | business that are being run online, and to develop |
| data management and more. Some specialists | | | | relationships with clients all over the world that |
| work with the real estate or medical fields. Others | | | | can count on me. Consider what hiring a Virtual |
| handle the day-to-day tasks or help you with | | | | Assistant for your business could do for you! |