What is a Virtual Assistant (VA)?

Virtual Assistants (VA) are entrepreneurs – highly skilled in our profession and able to have a powerful impact on the productivity of those we partner with.  Our clients include - but are not limited to - real estate professionals, realtors® and brokers, career professionals (consultants, motivational speakers, executives), individuals, other entrepreneurs, home-based businesses, small business owners, medium-size businesses, and corporations.   

Traditionally, we have been known by many names: “secretaries,” “administrative assistants,” “executive assistants,” or “bookkeepers.”  But in an age where technology has made the world a much smaller place, and where more professionals are working from their homes or in satellite offices, the former “assistant” has become “virtual” – and thanks to the Internet…global.  

The VA and Client communicate assignments through e-mail, phone, fax, mail, diskette transfer, and real-time online messaging.  

Most VA's have more than one client at a time.  As the partnership grows, the services required by the Client will also grow and change.  In those instances, where the VA does not have the experience in the new services or is overloaded with work during peak periods, the VA will outsource those specific projects or services to another VA.  This is beneficial to both the VA and the Client.  For the Client, this means:

• Continued outstanding performance because the Senior VA will collaborate, monitor and verify all assignments with the outsource VA prior to receipt by the Client;  

• No time spent in searching for and interviewing another VA;

• Client's growth potential is unlimited.  

 Client Self-Assessment Form

Evaluate your need and readiness for partnering with a Virtual Assistant, click here!  This 18 question, comprehensive form is only for your benefit, does not collect any information about the user nor does anyone see any of the data or scores! No cost or obligation is involved! 

Are you ready to partner with your own MSVA?  Do you have more questions?  Start experiencing the ripple effect of success today!  Contact me for a free 20 minute, no obligation consultation!

Virtual Assistance is about building a partnership between the VA and the Client.  Your business partner, the VA, will be equally focused in helping you grow your business, your career, or your interest.  After all, you are the VA’s business!   A comparison of working with a VA versus the obligations of hiring an employee is listed below.

 A Partnership with a VA means:

• You pay only for the “time on task” or per project;

• VA is available wherever and whenever you may be globally;

• Handles your seasonal or periodic projects;

• Is a sounding board, if you need one;

• Helps you stay on track and on schedule;

• No need to buy additional computer equipment or fax machine;

• Works only when you need services;

• Convenient when your current staff gets overloaded;

• No computer training needed;

• No time wasted on breaks or personal issues;

• No extra office space is required.  No extra rent and/or loss of privacy;

• No need to buy an extra desk, chair, phone or supplies.

Obligations of Hiring an employee:

• You must collect and pay FICA taxes, pay employer social security taxes, and pay worker's compensation insurance;

• You must pay federal and state unemployment taxes;

• You must comply with OSHA and with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) including - minimum wage and overtime payment;

• You must comply with Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA);

• You may possible have to pay medical benefits, dental benefits, and vision care benefits or for other employee benefits such as 401K, retirement plans, etc.;

• You may possible have to pay vacation time, sick time, and holiday time;

• You pay someone to administer the above;

• You have legal responsibilities that include employee policies on working hours, sexual harassment, vacation time, sick time, leave of absence, holidays, benefits, performance reviews, grievances, terminations, substance abuse and training;

• If you hire someone and lay them off, your unemployment rate may increase for years to come;

• If you have the unpleasant experience of needing to fire an employee, make sure you have legal grounds or you may face a lawsuit.

Partnership Philosophy

The VA/Client relationship is one of a partnership - an extension of the Clients organization and mine.  A successful VA/Client partnership is focused and has specific goals in mind.  I am committed to developing a long-term relationship that reflects and implements the Clients business philosophy, their "vision."  Commitments are required by both parties; in order, to ensure that we are on the road to a successful partnership. 

In recognition of my professional obligation to my Clients, I shall:

• Protect the proper interests of the client at all times;

• Present a fair, honest, and objective viewpoint;

• Avoid conflicts of interest and insure that the Client is aware of any potential conflicts;

• Safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of all information entrusted to me;

• Refrain from using the resources of the clients for personal gain or for any other purpose;

• Accept full responsibility for work performed;

• Hold in the highest regard the authority entrusted to me;

• Represent truthful information concerning the capabilities of my equipment, software or systems.

The Ideal Client:

• Can clearly define his/her goals as well as time and money restraints;

• Clearly communicates his/her expectations and requirements;

• Clearly states, "I need help staying organized";

• Is not sparing of information that is necessary to complete the project;

• Helps meet deadlines;

• Knows how to voice worries and criticisms;

• Gives feedback;

• Respects and values our expertise;

• Participates actively in helping the VA do a superior job;

Through this joint commitment, we forge successful partnerships, which in turn enable us to enhance your business growth and help you to achieve all of your "visions" of success.