Our previous generation would never remember saying they wanted to grow up to become Virtual Assistant. This is a great example of one of the first jobs that was created with the advent of technology and the flexibility that the fourth Industrial revolution has afforded us. Therefore, while, in the past you might have coveted a Personal Assistant for your business, these days, the Virtual Assistant is the upgraded and more cost-effective version, especially for your small business!
So what is the purpose of a virtual assistant? Is it the same as a personal assistant, just not based at your premises? In a nutshell, that is what it is however a virtual assistant is geared up more to business needs and a Personal Assistant is more about assisting in a personal capacity. The two overlap and interchange. In addition, just as you would chose a specific person with a specific skill set to assist you and your business, so too would you look for certain skills in your VA.
You might be wondering what activities a VA actually performs … the answer is that all depends on you. If you are frequent business flyer, it might be important to you to have someone who is great with planning, scheduling and adaptable when plans (or planes) go wrong. If it is important to your business to have an active online presence, then you will look for someone who understands SEO and who can provide excellent content for your business to keep your business in the public eye. If you are in the service industry, you might need someone to see what your competitors are doing, looking for leads for your business, someone who can make the first point of contact. Perhaps you need someone who is good at researching and stats; perhaps you need someone who is good with numbers to help you with invoicing, creditors and debtors.
The list of supporting roles goes on; however there are 3 types of VA assistants you might be looking for:
Frontline, Client facing – Nothing portrays a professional business like the right receptionist. From the minute your client’s call is answered, they are developing an opinion about your business. A client facing VA will assist with all first contact and follow up communications, bookings, dealing with contractor, suppliers and clients alike.
Behind the scenes – if your business is such that your time is best-utilised client facing, you may prefer someone who is great with details and follow up, picking up where you left off, doing the admin work while you go out and market the business. Every extrovert needs an introvert behind them, following through on their behalf.
Hand-in-Hand – You may be the face of your business, but you still need time for online meetings or project planning and quiet time to focus on reports and the like. While you are busy focusing on that, business can continue as normal, with the right person whom you trust to get on with the practical details while your time is otherwise utilised.
A VA can be just about anything you need them to be… 1 shoe does not fit all. Your Online PA provides the skills that will best compliment you and your business needs. Speak to us today about how we can help you and your business!