What is a Virtual Assistant?
A Virtual Assistant is an independent professional who works from a remote office offering services on a contract basis.
A virtual assistant is highly trained in computer software, knows how to use the internet and has experience in general office administrative tasks.
Many virtual assistants also offer specialised services. A virtual assistant can perform administrative tasks like word processing, presentations, bookkeeping, data entries, internet research as well as event planning, travel arrangements and other business support services via fax, phone and internet based technology.
Outsourcing of these tasks not only offers the business owner more time to build his business, he also cuts down on costs like salary, employee benefits, taxes and office equipment.
A virtual assistant already has a fully equipped office and works on a contract basis, which means that a virtual assistant is only paid for time and services performed.
A virtual assistant takes pride in the work that she does. As a business owner she understands the importance of quality services, meeting deadlines and what it takes to build a successful business. The reputation of her business is dependent on the interest she has in your success.
Virtual assistants have to adhere to a Code of Ethics. Client information has to be held in the strictest of confidence and will not be shared with others or being used for personal gain.
How does a VA and a client work together?
You as the client can contact me, your VA, via e-mail, fax or phone and provide all the details of the project you need.
Upon completion of the project, it is returned to you either via fax or e-mail.
Member of
TAVASA
for Transcriptionists
and
Virtual Assistants
in South Africa
Member of
VAforHire
for
Virtual Assistants
in South Africa
More Benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant
When you hire a Virtual Assistant on a contractual basis you can save up to 50% in compensation. You also only pay a VA when you need their services.
A full-time employee may sometimes have unproductive periods in a business for which you as business owner still have to pay. A virtual assistant only charges for the time it takes to complete a project.
A 40-hour week for a permanent employee could easily equal only 20 hours for a virtual assistant because a VA does not charge for vacation, sick leave or idle time.
