The business world is changing rapidly along with the way business is accomplished. In this day and age, there are many entrepreneurs taking advantage of operating their businesses by themselves utilizing the Internet as their store front. Generally, these businesses are solo-preneuers, where the business owner is the only one working in and on the business. This business model as well as traditional business models will benefit greatly by hiring a virtual assistant, (VA).
A VA is a highly skilled professional providing administrative assistance as an independent contractor. A VA uses leading edge technology to skillfully complete work assignments via the Internet, e-mail, or diskette. Traditional methods of delivery such as regular mail and overnight shipping are also used. Virtual assistants save business owners time and money because all the work is done in their office, using their equipment and supplies; eliminating the need for more office space or office equipment. No payroll, vacation or holiday pay, medical insurance, 401(k) plan, unemployment compensation, payroll tax liabilities, or other cost associated with hiring an employee is necessary. Virtual assistants have the power to save you time because you’ll spend less time doing administrative work and more time growing your business, nurturing your family, or just plain relaxing.
Every person that is in business for them self has a talent, service or product to offer the world that earns them income. Doesn’t it make sense to use the better part of your day doing what it is that you do best and earns you income? If you are a cabinetmaker, why do you want to do the payroll? If you are the CEO of a sales company, do you have time to promote your brand on the Internet through social marketing? Usually, the answer is no. These are some of the tasks that can be outsourced to a VA in addition to word processing, bookkeeping and contact management. You will find that your VA will bring more value to your business other than freeing up your time and providing an administrative service. VA’s have a tendency to become your business partner. They keep their ear to the ground, discovering new and easier ways to do things, new markets for businesses to enter and generally watch your back as you move your business to the next level.
The very first virtual assistant position happened almost by accident. Back in 1992, Stacy Brice moved out of the travel agency where she had been providing “distance travel support” to executives, doctors and consultants and began working from home as a contractor in this position. She had many clients that she provided travel and personal assistant services to. Fast forward a few years and Stacy was receiving an Internet newsletter from Thomas Leonard of Coach U, a professional coaching trainer, in order to learn more about the field of business coaching. Stacy, along with the other subscribers of the newsletter received an announcement that Thomas Leonard needed an assistant because he would be traveling the country in an RV while running his business. Stacy got the position and Leonard coined the term “Virtual Assistant”.
Partnering with a VA is one of the best business decisions one can make. Not only will you free up your time but you will be able to clear your head during regularly scheduled conferences with your VA where you can discuss your current goals, problems and ideas. The VA will take this information and hold it for you while creating steps to reach the goals, solve the problems and turn the ideas into reality.
