What is a Virtual Assistant?

Virtual assistants are independent entrepreneurs who work remotely and use technology to deliver services to clients globally. Virtual Assistants (VA's) are qualified administrative specialists who offer their services 'virtually' to other businesses via the use of today's growing electronic technology, and have adapted traditional skills to a virtual marketplace. They are business owners themselves who provide a variety of skills to help small business owners and other professionals manage their back end administrative activities and creative services. These skills include administrative, executive, marketing, secretarial, customer support and others that can help small businesses become more effective and productive. Virtual Assistants is the largest UK employment agency resource which matches people that work from home with the businesses that need their skills.

One really useful thing about using VA’s is that they can help you get your work done without increasing your payroll. Virtual Assistants most often charge an hourly fee or a monthly retainer, and charge only for actual hours used on projects. They are very cost effective because you only pay them when they work. Also there are no payroll costs i.e. National Insurance, tax, pensions, training or HR admin. Another is, as mentioned above, you only pay for the time taken to complete any work. You don't pay for lunch hours or tea breaks!

And how do you find a VA? See my next article due to be published early next week.