Virtual Assistants – Making a difference and enabling businesses to thrive
A few years ago, when I first began hearing about virtual assistants, I imagined sleek, sophisticated robots, working in large offices somewhere in outer space! More recently, when I told close friends and family I was launching a business as a virtual assistant, a few confessed that an image, not too dissimilar to my own came to mind! So, to remedy their misconceptions, I soon explained the role of a virtual assistant and visions of robots or offices in another galaxy promptly disappeared!
So, what or who is a virtual assistant? A virtual assistant is usually an independent or self-employed person who performs various administrative duties for businesses or clients. Some virtual assistants are associates who work for larger agencies but many work independently.
What does a virtual assistant do?
Virtual Assistants not only carry out a wide range of administrative tasks, but many are also skilled in other areas such as social media management, project leadership and content creation. Specific tasks may include:
- scheduling meetings and appointments
- managing email accounts and diaries
- blog writing and newsletters
- marketing campaigns
- research
- data entry & analysis
- bookkeeping & accounts
Virtual Assistants have different skill sets which influence the services they offer meaning the list above is by no means exhaustive! Some virtual assistants have degrees and other further education qualifications meaning they can offer highly skilled services in their areas of expertise such as HR, hospitality or accountancy.
Why hire a virtual assistant?
Hiring a virtual assistant for a few hours a month or to support specific projects has many benefits for employers. To start with, virtual assistants work remotely using their own office equipment and, in most instances, they have the relevant software installed on their computers and laptops. In addition, employers don’t need to go through a lengthy recruitment process or sort taxes and national insurance as these are the responsibility of the VA. In fact, by working with a virtual assistant, businesses only need to pay for the specific work they need whilst gaining more time for their priorities.
Who hires a VA?
Clients from a wide range of industries will seek out the services of a virtual assistant. From large corporations that may require extra support during a project launch to solo entrepreneurs who are perhaps unsure how to market their new product or service, a virtual assistant could be just what they need!
Undoubtedly, virtual assistants offer essential services to their clients. They are highly skilled individuals who understand the demands of running a business in today’s world. A competent VA is honest, trustworthy, reliable and completes tasks to a high standard ensuring employers and independent companies can have more time to focus on what matters to them and watch their businesses thrive!
You can find more information about virtual assistants at the Society of Virtual Assistants website:
Society of Virtual Assistants – UK virtual assistant organisation – Society of Virtual Assistants
