How to Utilize a Virtual Assistant in Your Work

 How to Utilize a Virtual Assistant in Your Work

I get a lot of inquiries when I tell people that I work as a virtual assistant in response to their inquiry. A virtual assistant: what is it? A virtual assistant is used by who? What is the price that they charge? How will they finish my work if they're not at my office? What advantages does a virtual assistant have over an employee at my office? How can I be certain that the hours they charge are reliable and that they won't divulge any of my personal information? What is the process for locating a virtual assistant who fits me well? Anybody thinking about hiring a virtual assistant should ask and know the answers to all of these valid questions.
A virtual assistant: what is it?

An organization or individual that does various computer, web, and administrative tasks electronically is known as a virtual assistant. This implies that they finish the job at their workplace and deliver it to their client by fax, mail, web link, or email. The majority of communication is done via phone and email, and many virtual assistants never have in-person meetings with their clients.
A virtual assistant is used by who?
Anyone is able to. A virtual assistant's services can be beneficial to small business owners, churches, coaches, real estate agents, and non-profit organizations, to name a few. A virtual assistant's advantage is that they can be hired on a "as-needed" basis or have their monthly hours contracted out by a customer.
How will they finish my work if they're not at my office?
Thanks to technology, work may be done from any location. Certain virtual assistants will work directly on a client's computer by connecting their own to it. Sending work by email, regular mail, or even posting it online and letting clients download it are more alternatives. A virtual assistant can figure out how to finish a project and ensure that the client receives it.
What advantages does a virtual assistant have over an employee at my office?
For someone working in an office, the primary advantages of a virtual assistant are space and money. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (March 2003), an average office worker makes $43.54 per hour after benefits. Consider how much money is lost by the time an employee at an office takes breaks for lunch, uses the restroom, and engages in small talk with coworkers! A virtual assistant pays their own benefits and only bills their customer for the time they actually spend working on the job.
Space is the additional advantage. Adding a second employee to an office requires finding a place for that person's desk, computer, and other necessary office supplies (not to mention the expense of all this gear and upkeep). Virtual assistants are responsible for providing their own workspace, computer, tools, upkeep, etc. Furthermore, the majority of virtual assistants will pay for materials, which an employer must also supply for an employee. Upon totaling these expenses, the Virtual Assistant proves to be a significantly more affordable choice.
How can I be certain that the hours they charge are reliable and that they won't divulge any of my personal information?
The majority of virtual assistants keep track of their time in and out using software. Similar to a punch clock, the user can punch in and out of a number of software applications. It keeps track of the time, and the user can write a "report" at any moment to attest to the amount of time spent, which can then be given to a client as required. I use TraxTime as a virtual assistant. I can track my working hours with this and quickly log out if I have personal matters to attend to. In order to provide a client an estimate of how long a task would take to complete, it also enables me to create memos on what I am working on. While each virtual assistant has a favorite piece of software, they all operate under the same code of ethics, charging solely for the actual time spent on a project. You won't be charged for either the call from another client or their lunch break. Virtual assistants, of course, operate under the honor system, punching out for personal time. If a client feels their virtual assistant is charging them for time that wasn't spent on their assignment, they always have the option to work with another virtual assistant.
Regarding the sharing of a client's corporate information, it is important for clients to make sure they have a contract in place guaranteeing the confidentiality of their company's information. Since many virtual assistants have "niched" in on a particular business, they face competition from clients. They are not allowed to share or utilize a client's information for the benefit of another client while a contract is in effect. To put it rationally, a virtual assistant would lose the confidence and trust of their clients if they performed this, which would lead to the collapse of their company. Therefore, disclosing a client's information is not in their best interests. Clients should make careful to sign a contract that includes a privacy clause, though, to protect themselves.
What is the price that they charge?
Generally speaking, the cost per hour varies from $20 to $50 or more based on the services needed and the degree and expertise of the virtual assistant. Many virtual assistants provide clients who are ready to commit to a set number of hours each month with a "retainer plan." A client can receive a break on hourly charges by signing up for a retainer plan.
What is the process for locating a virtual assistant who fits me well?
As I previously indicated, a lot of virtual assistants choose a "niche" in which they thrive. A client must locate a virtual assistant who specializes in their field and provides the services they require. It can be advantageous for certain clients to have two or three virtual assistants with varying specialties. When looking for a virtual assistant, compatibility—rather than price or even specialization—is what matters most. Are your work ethics the same? Do your personalities complement one another well? The most crucial thing to do is to find someone you feel comfortable working with, as a virtual assistant will become your business partner and help it grow even more.


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