| In
today’s tough economical times it’s hard to
think of hiring someone else to assist you, but it
may be more cost effective than you think. If
you’re spending a large percentage of your day
doing “busy work” rather than working on growing
your business or gaining more clients, a virtual
assistant may be right for you.
Are you a writer,
but spend more time researching and less time on
your actual writing? Are you a professional coach,
but spend more time with your newsletter and other
day-to-day things and less time finding new clients?
Are you a realtor, but spend more time on your
mailings instead of getting new listings? Maybe
you’re the home business owner and you’re
Webmaster, receptionist, and assistant all in one,
but you aren’t productive enough. These are
circumstances where an assistant could be used. Now
you’re thinking, my business is too new or my
business is too small for an assistant. A “Virtual
Assistant” could be your answer.
A Virtual Assistant
only works when it is necessary. In other words, you
only pay when there is work to be done. You might
only need someone to send out your weekly
newsletter, do some research for the book you’re
writing, keep your schedule/calendar, do a mailing
for you, or all of the above. Whether it is one hour
a week or 20, your VA will be there for you. She or
he can live anywhere, so you do not need to provide
office space or equipment. Taxes, social security,
and benefits won’t be a worry for you because your
VA is working for herself.
Finding and hiring a
VA is also an easy process. With technology always
progressing and more people wanting to stay home
with their families, many assistants are leaving the
workplace and starting their own businesses from
home and bringing all of their experience with them.
You can get their resume and references or just hire
them for a small job. As your partnership grows
you’ll feel more comfortable assigning more work.
At any time, if either of you feel it isn’t the
right fit you can easily convey this to each other
and end the partnership.
Trying a VA may be
the best thing for your business whether it is
small, large or just beginning. Focus your attention
less on your usual busy work and more on growing
your business. You may be pleasantly surprised at
what a VA can bring to your business.
Marie Fahey is a
virtual assistant, wife and mother of two living and
working from her home in Massachusetts. She has 10
years experience as an assistant. If you have
questions regarding Virtual Assistants or would like
to hear more about her services, please contact
Marie at MTFahey@aol.com. |
