I have recently had a lot of questions on what a Virtual Assistant is, and what a Virtual Assistant does? I am here to help you understand that. Being a business owner has its everyday challenges. How many times a day do you find yourself saying, “I need another one of me”? Here is some helpful information to help you understand what a Virtual Assistant is and what they do.

What does Virtual Mean?

Virtual Means working from an offsite location. They are not located in your office. This person can also be in another state.

How is this managed with someone not in my office?

Today’s technology makes this very easy to manage. The internet allows this person access to your company or computer just like a person on your staff would. Your assistant can also make calls and receive calls as requested.

Is this safe?

This is all very safe. If you feel the need, you and your assistant can work up a contract agreement. If you have a large company you may allow your assistant to remote into another computer to work. Or you and your IT company put together another remote access point.

What type of Assistant are they? Who do they assist?

This person assists you with your daily tasks. The process is just like hiring someone to be in your office. The difference is they are subcontracted, and work from a home office. Depending on the structure you could have this Virtual Assistant help you with work and personal tasks.

What types of assistants are out there?

The list of assistant is very long, your most common are:

– Administrative Assistant

– HR Assistant

– Doctor’s Assistant

– Marketing Assistant

What types of tasks can a Virtual Assistant help me with?

Think of it this way, If the task can be handled via phone or internet and does not need direct physical interaction, your assistant can handle it. It could be anywhere from rescheduling a doctor’s appointment to managing your email and calendar with clients. Typical everyday tasks that take you away from being your best, are tasks that a Virtual Assistant can handle.

The biggest question might be how much do they cost and how is this safe? Your VA does come with an hourly rate, However you do not pay them by the hour you pay them by the minute. For example your VA charges $15.00 an hour. Your VA will use a software program that tracks their check in and check out time on the task. This is taking that $15.00 and dividing that time into the time spent. Using a VA is perfectly normal, and safe. They are held to the same confidentiality as your staff. Believe it or not your VA has the same concerns when starting with you for the first time. Assistants have agreements they can offer you, or you can give them one.

Using apps like Lastpass allows you to give your assistant access to websites and accounts without giving them actual passwords and credit card information. When delegating permissions to view emails it’s best to do in Gmail. Gmail allows them to be delegated, leaving the control of the email in your hands. There are many more apps and programs that are free that protect you and your assistant.