Virtual Assistants…Six Questions You Need Answered

By Yvonne Weld

Although Virtual Assistants are popular in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, Canadians are not as familiar with this new – and quickly growing – industry. It is through education that this field can truly grow. Hopefully someday soon people will be asking, “Who is your Virtual Assistant?” rather than “What is a Virtual Assistant?”

1. What is a Virtual Assistant?
   
   Before you can determine how you can work with a Virtual Assistant you must understand what the term means. Simply put, a Virtual Assistant is a business owner who offers administrative support, virtually. The International Virtual Assistant Association defines a Virtual Assistant as “an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative and/or technical services. Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional Virtual Assistant assists clients in his/her area of expertise from his/her own office on a contractual basis."
   
   
2. Why would I want to work with a Virtual Assistant?
   
   There are many advantages! First, there are no hidden costs. The Virtual Assistant takes care of his or her own expenses including office space, equipment, computers and software, and all wage-related expenses. A Virtual Assistant is not like other employees; instead she becomes a member of your team and has a stake in the success of your company. If you don’t succeed she won’t succeed.
   
   Most Virtual Assistants have many years administrative experience and can handle a variety of tasks. Many work outside of traditional business hours to provide flexibility. With a Virtual Assistant on your team you have an opportunity to grow your business rather than just maintain it. You can get back to the things you love doing…while the tasks on your TO DO list are looked after.
   
   
3. How do I find a Virtual Assistant?
   
   There are two associations that list Virtual Assistants in Canada – the Canadian Virtual Assistant Connection and the Canadian Virtual Assistant Network. Thanks to technological advances, a Virtual Assistant doesn’t need to live in close proximity as communication is available through email, facsimile, Internet, and telephone.
   
   
4. What can a Virtual Assistant assist me with?
   
   Virtual Assistants can assist you with everything from basic administrative functions (document preparation, correspondence preparation, transcriptions services, etc.) to specialized services such as Web site design and maintenance, bookkeeping, and event planning. Each Virtual Assistant has his or her own skill set and services. Many have established connections with other Virtual Assistants and will contract out specialized work or direct you to another Assistant.
   
   
5. How do I communicate with a Virtual Assistant?
   
   The most popular methods in communication are email and telephone; however, facsimile, courier, and Canada Post are often used. Many who have worked with Virtual Assistants have set up post office boxes that are accessed by the Assistant to ensure all client correspondence is handled directly by the Assistant.
   
   
6. Is there anything a Virtual Assistant can’t do for me?
   
   There is no task that an in-house assistant can do that a Virtual Assistant cannot do for you…except make your morning coffee.
   

Yvonne Weld is the owner of ABLE Virtual Assistant Services. She can be contacted at (519) 652-0914 or by email at yvonne@ableva.com.

Published in Networking Today, June 2006.