Need a Virtual Assistant?

May 24, 2011
Need a Virtual Assistant?

Think an employee who is on top of technology, manages day-to-day tasks and is available whenever your clients need her is a fantasy? Think again.

Thanks to the growing trend of virtual assistants, hiring one may be the secret to keeping your company ahead of the curve.

Though thousands of companies are hiring virtual assistants, the position was almost nonexistent just five years ago.

What are the pros and cons?

"A virtual assistant will do the same amount of work a regular employee does at a fraction of the cost,” says Leah Evangelista, SEO operations and virtual assistant manager at Freelance Virtual Assistant. “A company can

concentrate on doing what they do best and leave the [clerical] work to the virtual assistant, thus improving profit.” Evangelista adds that they can also keep your employees organized and use creative services to handle clients.

Whether you run a small company or have a team spanning the globe, virtual assistants can help you save money through fact-finding, calendar managing, trip planning and opportunity exploring.

However, a virtual assistant may not be for you if you don’t have time to over-communicate, you don’t want to deal with possible time zone differences or you find them too pricey (some virtual assistants charge $40 to $75 an hour).

More women are becoming virtual assistants because of the ability to work remotely, flexible work hours and better Life/Work balance. Plus, nearly 97 percent of virtual assistants are women who are usually also continuing education, running their own business or taking care of a family.

Bonus PINK Link: If a virtual assistant is right for you, here’s how to make sure you avoid a hiring disaster.

By Aleta Watson

"Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something." Unknown

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