"A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative and/or technical services. Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in his/her area of expertise from his/her own office on a contractual basis."
VA's can perform the same services as an office based employee without the associated costs, such as payroll, workers compensation, sick leave, training, and other non productive time. There are no equipment costs as a VA utilises their own equipment, and no requirement to keep systems up to the most current standard. No wear and tear, office space requirements, office equipment or telephone costs.
Virtual professionals, as entrepreneurs, are only as successful as their clients so they give 200% to every project and some are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. One of the more unique benefits is the ability to pay-as-you-go. No contracts. No padded fees. If assistance is needed for only 5 hours a week, you only pay for 5 hours of service. Need to skip a week or month? No problem there either. Businesses have complete control over how often they utilize the service.
In addition the VA is available out side of normal hours, on weekends and public holidays. No "water cooler" chatting and long lunches and no office politics.
You only pay for the time on task with no time lost on these typical office behaviours
Partnering with a VA provides a consistant "face" to your business. Unlike a temp agency where every time you hire you get a new "face" that requires getting to know your business. More lost time.
With a VA you get consistancy of support that allows the VA to build an understanding of your business.
A VA has a vested interest in helping their clients to succeed in their own business goals. A temp does not.
