Virtual Assistant Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Virtual Assistant (VA)?
Wikipedia.org defines a Virtual Assistant as the
following: "A Virtual Assistant (or simply VA), is an
independent contractor providing administrative, technical,
or sometimes creative assistance to clients - usually to
other independent entrepreneurs and solo and small business
practices, such as that of a lawyer or realtor. Virtual
Assistants work from their own office (hence "virtual"),
thus making it a fairly popular (and growing) profession."
In simple terms, a Virtual Assistant acts as your own
"satellite office"... without the office overhead!
The use of virtual assistant services is especially
beneficial to small business entrepreneurs who need various
administrative tasks/projects completed, but may not have
need nor budget for full-time employees and office space.
Virtual Assistants are responsible for their own taxes as
self-employed sub-contractors, and do not collect standard
employee benefits. Virtual assistance is used only on an
as-needed basis.
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"Christine Buffaloe has been my VA for a
year or so. She has helped me set up my
blog, work on my website, send out my
newsletter and much more. I highly recommend
Christine."
Joyce Dillon,
Healthy Living and Balance in Midlife |
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 As
a V.A., Chris is thorough, efficient, and easy-going.
She is knowledgeable and skilled with setting up
transactions in 1ShoppingCart. I especially appreciate
that she always, always asks if she needs clarification
on any of my requests. She often has great suggestions
about better or more efficient ways to do things. These
are always presented in a helpful tone, without ego,
leaving me as the business owner to make the decision.
Chris has been using her knowledge of social media to
dramatically boost my business presence there. Chris’
steady, collaborative assistance has helped me get
things done, attract new prospects, and grow my
business. I recommend her to any business owner who
needs to offload administrative tasks, so they can focus
on what they love to do.
Julie Gabrielli,
Go For Change
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Why You Should Hire a Virtual Assistant:
 As
a business owner, you understand that managing details does
not make optimal use of your valuable time, and has a
directly negative impact on your bottom line. Yet, you may
not have need nor budget for office space and full or
part-time employees.
Delegating administrative tasks to a Virtual Assistant
only makes good sense for your business.
An experienced Virtual Assistant will not need to be
micro-managed, and the 'learning curve' is minimal. This
enables entrepreneurs/business owners to spend their time
doing what they do best; to work on their business instead
of in it.
"One of my most valuable VA's,
Christine Buffaloe directly helps me
make money by not only untangling the
many mysteries of the popular
1Shoppingcart, but by making proactive
suggestions about ways to increase my
revenue.
Chris asks questions I didn't realize I
needed to address so she can put new
offers onto my site. She goes above and
beyond the call of duty, whether it’s my
shopping cart, the site in general, or
helping expand my social network
presence. I’m so grateful to have her in
my life." |
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Paulette Ensign,
Tips Booklets International |
How Virtual Assistance Works:
A Virtual Assistant generally charges a set hourly fee,
keeping track of all tasks performed, and the length of time
spent on each task. The Virtual Assistant then provides each
client a detailed invoice at the closing of a pre-determined
invoicing period, (usually on a monthly basis) In some
instances, a Virtual Assistant and client may agree upon a
flat rate for larger projects, on a case-by-case basis.
While the hourly rate to hire a Virtual Assistant may be
higher than that of an in-office assistant, the overall cost
is considerably lower than maintaining an office and hiring
a year-round employee, with or without benefits.
For more detailed information regarding our services,
click here.
View the Serenity VA Blog
where you'll find tips, discussion and info on working
smarter.
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