| Having worked in non-profit organizations in three | | | | decisions have to be made and it’s hard to |
| different countries, I have seen the benefits and | | | | see the forest from the trees. |
| drawbacks of non-profits hiring full-time | | | | 5) Timing – There are always busier times in |
| Administrative support staff. There are many | | | | non-profit organizations. Why not hire a Virtual |
| different reasons why a Virtual Assistant would | | | | Assistant to create your quarterly newsletter, |
| be a better choice for non-profits and I have | | | | organize and mail out your yearly donation |
| come up with these seven. | | | | receipts, or create the posters and mail out the |
| 1) Cost – Virtual assistants cost less than their | | | | thank you cards for your annual fundraising drive. |
| in-house counterparts. With lunch breaks, coffee | | | | 6) Volunteers – Volunteers are the backbone |
| breaks, telephone calls and personal conversations, | | | | of the non-profit organization, but volunteers only |
| most in-house employees work less than 28 | | | | have so much time and ability to “donate” |
| hours per week. Costs such as benefits, training, | | | | to your organization. Having a cost effective, |
| office setup, etc. also cost the organization | | | | dedicated alternative for administrative tasks is a |
| money that it doesn’t always have. | | | | great way to avoid “volunteer burnout”. |
| 2) Loyalty – This can be a great thing to have | | | | 7) Networking – Non-profits need networking |
| from an employee, but can be a costly thing to | | | | like any other business, if not more. A good |
| have as an employer. When things get tight, as | | | | Virtual Assistant is another way of networking for |
| they always do in non-profits, we are less likely to | | | | your particular cause. They are members of |
| lay off staff. This is great and the probably the | | | | organizations and associations and have contacts |
| right thing to do, but it does cost. Hiring a loyal | | | | that you may never be able to reach on your |
| Virtual Assistant when needed is better than | | | | own. They may even have other clients who are |
| having to lay people of when needed. | | | | willing to donate their time or resources to your |
| 3) Expertise – I have seen it time and again. | | | | organization. |
| People are hired because they like to “help | | | | Think about these seven points and really look at |
| out” and have been volunteering for a long | | | | how your non-profit organization can benefit from |
| time – not necessarily because they have the | | | | a Virtual Assistant. Then when you are ready to |
| skills and expertise that the position requires. | | | | hire one, do some research and find one that fits |
| 4) Perspective – Having a Virtual Assistant | | | | with your organization. Find one that shares the |
| that supports the ideals of your organization, but | | | | same values and will partner with your |
| is not actually involved gives you an outsider’s | | | | organization for its success. |
| point of view. This can come in handy when | | | | |