What is a Virtual Assistant and how can they benefit my business?

A Virtual Assistant (usually abbreviated to VA), typically works on a freelance or self-employed basis. Their role is to provide professional administrative, secretarial and creative assistance and support to busy entrepreneurs in companies of all sizes. They can do this work either at their client’s office, remotely from their own office or even somewhere else, such as a local library, office hub or coffee shop.

The advantage of working with a VA is that you do not have to be in the same room, area or even country!

Virtual Assistants work with their clients to help them find solutions to their challenges and achieve their aims. Running and managing your own business is time-consuming and sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day. This is when you may need someone to assist with the day-to-day administration, thus giving you the time to focus on your strengths.

Besides keeping on top of diary management, meetings, calls, emails and correspondence, you need time to look after your business and plan your strategy going forward in order to grow.

Because VAs are self-employed, you don’t have to worry about the overheads that come with employees, such as holiday pay, sick pay, tax and National Insurance, office equipment and staff training. Instead you get a cost-effective, efficient, flexible service which simply provides you with support when you need it.

VAs typically work for entrepreneurs, small businesses, busy mums and other freelancers. Some have very niche areas of work and others are more general. It is a growing community and one which is very well connected, so even if the VA you contact cannot help you with your particular task, they can usually recommend or find someone who can.

So, the next time you find yourself struggling with an administrative task or thinking that your time could be better spent doing something you have expertise in, why not try using a VA? It could just be the best strategic decision you make this year!