What is a VA and how do you choose the right one for you?
A Virtual Assistant is a freelance professional who works remotely from their own office and provides a number of services to businesses. Many VAs are home based but increasing numbers are establishing business premises.
Already successes in the US, Virtual Assistants, are among one of the fastest growing industries in the UK today. In the US last year the estimated revenue for these services was $250 million and according to research by the firm
Evalueserve, the market is expected to grow to $2 billion by 2015. Forecasts that the web would revolutionise the way we do business have been around for over a decade but it is only recently begun to reach momentum. As new software, search engines, means of accepting payment over the net and other new features improve buyers and sellers are feeling far more comfortable trading online. Virtual Assistants such as secretaries, web designers, administrators and marketing consultants are tapping in to a new global trend.
Author Information: Judy Cable, Director Judy Cable PA Services. www.judycablepaservices.com.info@judycablepaservices.com
With the threat of recession looming Virtual Assistants may provide the best cost effective answer. There are no overheads such as office rental, equipment and software and no PAYE, employee pensions, benefits and maternity pay. A business which outsources its requirements can still afford administrative and support staff, trained in the skills that they require, albeit on a virtual basis. Small to medium company owners can still afford to grow their business with flexible support and hire permanent staff only when they are certain that they are in an economic position to so.
For a business owner who has never outsourced services, traditionally undertaken in house, what should they look for when considering a Virtual Assistant? A VA who is serious about their business will have an established professional website with several means of contacting them easily located. They will be able to provide testimonials from previous clients and be a member of relevant professional bodies. A written contract between the client and the VA to protect the confidentiality and security of both parties is essential and the nature of the work, the timescale and the costs should always be agreed in writing prior.
Date: 10/07/2008
Category: BUSINESS ADVERTORIAL