Mention you’re a Virtual Assistant and most people will immediately look at you blankly, unsure of what you mean. I know, because as a VA Coach and CEO of a VA organisation people are always asking me what one is!

So, I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you, what a Virtual Assistant or VA is, as well as what the job description actually entails – as there are many misconceptions out there.

A Virtual Assistant is a small business owner

Most Virtual Assistants (or VAs, as they’re most commonly known), are small business owners who work from home. They’re often highly skilled, independent professionals, who provide essential administrative, technical and/or creative services to one or more other business owners.

Virtual working

VAs may work alone from home, but they are usually an essential team member for many businesses. They work virtually, providing off-site support for the clients they work with. They may interact with their clients via email, telephone or live chat, whilst the work they carry out is done through online or cloud-based platforms.

VAs are not a cheap fix or Alexa!

Contrary to popular belief (and many online adverts), VAs aren’t a cheap fix. If you want a quality result, you need to hire a quality, well trained VA – and would be looking at paying at least £25 per hour. However, many VAs do have package or project-based pricing, as well as offering an hourly rate, so you can find an affordable solution for your needs. There are cheaper VAs advertising out there, but often, they have no real training and you’ll end up struggling with language and time zone difficulties, as well as an overall sub-standard service.

Virtual Assistants come from many backgrounds

Another misconception is that all VAs are ex PAs or EAs. However, in truth, VAs often come from a vast range of different backgrounds. They could be bloggers, digital or graphic designers, successful online business coaches or social media trainers. This unique combination of skills and experience, enables them to bring a wide range of skills and qualities into their VA business.

VAs aren’t just admin or diary managers

Although diary management and administrative tasks can make up part of their duties, VAs aren’t just admin or diary managers. With their varied backgrounds and unique skillsets, VAs can all specialise in something different, whether that’s providing specialised skills or serving specialised niches. Services can include website and social media management, copywriting, sales and marketing funnels, as well as product launches and project management, to name a few.

They’re credible, serious business owners that can help you grow your business

Hiring a VA not only gives you access to remote support, it also enables you to access additional skills and services you may not otherwise have. With a vast array of specialised VAs, you can find the ideal solution to your business needs – whether that’s traditional-based diary and/or event management, or something more specialised.

No matter what type of Virtual Assistant you select, the most important thing you will gain, is an essential and valuable team member. Your new VA will be a business owner who’s serious about her business – providing focused quality help, that enables your business to grow – but who will also be as invested in your business success as you are.

If you want to find out more about becoming a VA or working with a VA then please do get in touch and we would love to chat.