Virtual Assistance: A Boon in Business

Virtual Assistance might sound a little too technical for people who are not aware of the nature of this job. Virtual Assistance is a term used to refer to services rendered online to companies who hired them to fulfill certain duties such as article writing, video editing and submission, creative writing and other secretarial and/or administrative jobs. A virtual assistant who offers virtual assistance services is also an entrepreneur in that he/she dictates his/her own working rate, how he/she will work and is responsible for his/her dues like taxes and other health and social benefits. he/she will provide the service via internet, cellphone, fax and other electronic communicating media available.

There are many reasons as to why most companies and budding businesses hire a virtual assistant. First off, many struggling business owners nowadays have to cut operational costs. With the dwindling economy, operators deem it important to cut down on all costs even if it means sacrificing manpower. The booming online marketing industry has opened new doors both to businessmen and workers alike. The cost of hiring a virtual assistant is far more affordable than when hiring an actual office worker. Since your hired assistant works online, you do not have to worry about setting up a space for him/her. All his/her supply is not a business expense, and most importantly, no training is required. All the stuff required to get your assistant moving is not shouldered by the company. They only have to pay for his/her skills, time and output. Indeed, it is cost-efficient.

A virtual assistant can do what an actual assistant specializes in. If you wanted someone who specializes in banking and finance, you can hire someone who can do that.

Third, business owners do not have to worry too much on the benefits they have to provide for their employees. Virtual assistants are independent contractors. They operate on their own and it is their duty to pay their own insurances, benefits and taxes.

Fourth reason why more and more employers are hiring virtual assistants is that it allows them to have more time to spend on more productive business-related activities. Business owners and virtual assistants work mutually. This means, their employers rely heavily on their outputs and the quality of their work. Relatively, virtual assistants know that they cannot risk having their working relationship terminated by their employer, in return, they make sure that their tasks satisfy their clients. As a result, every duty is done with utmost dedication. Quality is the name of the business.

Factors to consider when hiring a virtual assistant

When you hire for an online assistant, you might want to consider these things in order for your business to head into the right direction.

• Without rapport between two contractors, miscommunication will always arise. Good working personality is a plus. Clash between two opposite personalities are inevitable even when both are working virtually.

• Your Virtual assistant should be respectful and professional. Professionalism is evident when he/she is prompt in answering your emails and calls. He/she makes quick revisions on projects you have gone over.

• Competence. He/she should be able to handle various, multiple jobs well. He/she must be able to identify clerical errors and grammatical lapses in his/her secretarial and administrative duties.

• Deadline and quality should be the keywords.

• Abilities and technological know-how.