What is a Virtual Assistant and Why Should You Hire One


This is post 1 in the Intro to Virtual Assistants Series. Check out the other posts in this series to learn all you need to know about hiring a Virtual Assistan.
What is a Virtual Assistant and Why Should You Hire One

Is “virtual assistant” the new buzzword? Or is it a new trending topic? Are virtual assistants (VA’s) legit? Furthermore, what exactly is a virtual assistant and what can one do for you?

What is a Virtual Assistant

I bet when you hear the term “virtual assistant”, questions like those above come into your mind. My guess is unless you know a VA or are in an online community of VA’s, then you are clueless or completely wrong in your thoughts about virtual assistants.

As technology advances and new business practices emerge, VA’s are becoming more and more in demand. But, what is a VA and how can one help you in your business.

Who what when where how questions

This introductory series will introduce you to the VA industry, answer your questions about VA’s, and help you understand why you need to hire a VA now.

Let’s take look…

As technological advancements occur, more and more businesses are moving away from traditional business practices and brick-and-mortar locations into more of a virtual and digital realm.

More and more you are most likely hearing terms such as “Digital Nomad”, “Location Independent”, “Remote Worker”, “Work from Home”, and are left wondering what in the world is this and why are you hearing so much about it?

While each of these terms is different in its own way, they each describe someone who can operate a business from anywhere in the world at any time. These terms do not have the same exact meanings but are foundationally similar in that work is mostly done on a computer anytime and anywhere.

The Virtual Assistant industry is one business that is rapidly rising from the digital nomad, location independent-esque world. The future projections are favorable for those in the VA industry especially as more companies move away from traditions and get more innovative in their practices.

However, many people aren’t familiar with or have clear misconceptions about the VA industry. Virtual Assistants are assets to businesses, but without a clear understanding of the industry and the role of VA’s, you may be missing out on tapping into a prime industry.

Not quite sure about VA’s or the industry? That’s okay, I am here to answer your questions.

First, let’s clear up some common misconceptions about Virtual Assistants. Undoubtedly when people hear the term “Virtual Assistant”, “VA”, or “Virtual Service Provider”, value or respect is not immediately attached to the title. In fact, many think of VA’s as cheap labor, scammers, or subpar in their quality of work. But that is absolutely WRONG.

Wrong
Virtual Assistants are NOT:
  • employees
  • scam artists
  • staff members whose schedules are set by superiors
  • personal assistants who are exclusive and always available to one person/business
  • cheap labor
  • Low-cost or low-quality solutions to your business needs

“Assistant” does not equal administrative tasks, office duties, or running errands. VA’s are an industry of skilled professionals who are qualified and ready to help alleviate the demands of your business by taking on the time-consuming tasks that pull your attention away from your vision and business goals.  

Virtual Service Providers are business owners just like you who use their expertise, knowledge, and skills to provide services to other businesses. These business professionals are ready to help you take your business to the next level and achieve great success. With the right team, processes, and systems in place, a virtual assistant will prove to be a reliable and valuable asset to help you grow and go higher in business

Still not quite sure about VA’s? Keep reading.

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Virtual Assistants are:
  • independent contractors who provide a variety of services from a remote location
  • skilled professionals with varying educational, occupational, and professional backgrounds and experience
  • freelancers, entrepreneurs, and/or small business owners using their skills and expertise to assist others
  • multidimensional service providers, meaning VA’s provide a wide range of services including but not limited to email management and general administrative tasks to more specializedservices such as content creation, graphic design, consulting, and social media management

So while skilled and professional administrative and general VA’s still exist, there is an entire industry of experts with various skillsets ready, willing, and capable of helping you meet all of your deadlines, deliverables, and grow in your business.

The VA industry is growing every day and the demand for virtual service providers is ever-increasing. Business owners are now able to outsource time-consuming and demanding tasks to expert-level personnel without taking on the overhead costs of health insurance, wages, taxes, benefits, training, and more. As a business owner, you will save a lot of time and money when you outsource to a qualified virtual service provider.

Do you understand now?

Many in the VA industry are solo-preneurs or manage small virtual agencies of professionals. These businesses, whether solo or team, are meeting and booking clients consistently each day.

You don’t want to miss out on getting high quality help by waiting to book then finding your service provider is booked to capacity. If you have any tasks that you have been thinking about outsourcing, now is the time to act.

thinking light bulb

So tell me, did you know about virtual service providers before reading this post?

Can you think of tasks or processes you would like to outsource?

How do you think a VA can best help you in your business?

Let me know in the comments!

I challenge you to make a list of all your essential business tasks that you dread or feel like a waste of your time. I guarantee there are VA professionals that love doing those tasks and are ready to take them on for you.

Make a list and keep it with you. This list will help you as we talk more in the coming weeks about virtual assistants and services. Get out a pen and piece of paper or open your notes app and get to brain dumping all of those dreadful tasks.

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This is the first post in the VIrtual Assistant 101 series, designed to introduce you to the virtual assistant industry. In the coming weeks, I will bring you more beneficial information on VA’s and virtual services. Upcoming topics include the benefits of a VA, different types of VA’s, and why you need to contract with a VA sooner rather than later.

For all the VA’s, I also have VA Biz 101 coming to you soon. You have the skills, knowledge, and expertise to start your own business, but you just don’t know where to start. Stay tuned for all you need to know to start your virtual assistant business.

This is just the beginning. I am excited about what’s coming.

I don’t want you to miss out on any of the great content, services, and offers to come. Join my email list today to stay connected. I promise not to spam you, after all, nobody likes spam.

Until next time,

LaWann

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