There still seems to be a stigma around Virtual Assistants (VAs) and who they are and what they do.
Let’s start at the beginning. For the past couple of decades Virtual Assistants mainly provided secretarial services. As time went on and the internet became more widely used by many, the role of a Virtual Assistant changed and evolved into the supportive industry it is today.
Today in 2020, asking what a Virtual Assistant does is like asking someone what do you do in Finance Industry or the Health and Wellness sector it’s a very broad question and it’s the same with Virtual Assistants. VAs today specialise in different fields such as marketing, copy writing, design, bookkeeping, reception, administration and the list goes on. If you’d have asked ten years ago, is there really a niche for virtual reception? The answer would have been very different.
What is a Virtual Assistant?
When you do a search for Virtual Assistants (VA) in Google all sorts of topics come up depending on your search criteria, such as:
- What does a virtual assistant do?
- How do you find a trustworthy VA?
- Virtual Assistants Australia, and the list go on.
The answers that come back can be in the hundreds and that can be very overwhelming, trying to find exactly what you are after.
My recommendation would be to go through a directory such as Virtually Yours Virtual Assistants because these directories have taken years to build their businesses and are very reputable. Many of them have already vetted the skills of the VAs before they can become members. I am part of the Virtually Yours Directory and it’s been very valuable to me and my business.
How does it all work?
When you go to a directory and post a job you’ll have several VAs respond to your job advert and you can interview as many as you like till you find the right fit your business. Finding the right VA for you and your business is essential to getting the support your looking for Offshore or onshore VA?
Offshore versus onshore Virtual Assistants, it’s an age-old question
Engaging an offshore Virtual Assistant, creates its own set of differences:
- They are in different time zones
- They have lower fees
- They are process driven rather than pro-active
Whereas, Australian Virtual Assistants are in your time zone, no waiting till they’re back on deck. They create a rate based on their experience and knowledge and they are most often pro-active in suggesting better, easier ways to help your business. The world is changing rapidly, the current situation sees a lot of small businesses being forced to move online to survive. This would be a great time to utilise a virtual assistant because you need one.
Why would you hire a VA?
To give you back time in the day to focus on the other areas of your business, to help your business grow. To resolve pain points that you can’t. At the end of the day we can’t do it all ourselves. The cost to you, your business, your lifestyle or your family can be enormous.
The last key point I want to make about virtual assistants is that Virtual Assistants that are part of directories tend to have a wealth of experience in their areas of expertise. This means that you are in more than capable hands to complete the task you’re looking for.
If a VA doesn’t feel confident in helping you, they’ll easily recommend another VA that CAN help you or subcontract that part of your request to another VA.
Being a part of a virtual community means that the many skills are covered. Copywriting, social media management, graphic design or diary and email management can all be found in these directories. Don’t waste your precious time advertising elsewhere, go to where the VAs are.The networking that exists in these groups is a very supportive and knowledgeable environment.
What are you waiting for? Have you used a VA in your business? I’d love to know about your experiences.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything I’ve mentioned today, contact me at steph@virtualassociateservices.com.au or call 0451 584 288.
