Using Virtual Assistants...

By Barbara Weltman September 10, 2004
Barbara Weltman If you need more administrative, creative or technical support to grow your business, don’t take on new employees before exploring the possibility of using virtual assistants (Vas). These are independent contractors who provide a range of services to you via e-mail or other means that does not require their physical presence in your location.

What you save:

  • Space – you don’t have to provide a desk or other work space to get the work done.

  • Money – since these individuals are hired by contract and work independently, they aren’t your employees, which saves you on employment taxes. You are not required to provide any benefits for these workers, such as medical coverage or retirement savings, even if you do so for your employees.

    Functions of virtual assistants

    Use virtual assistants to:

  • Engage on a part-time basis. You may only have a limited need for outside assistance (say, 10 hours a week) and it may make more sense to use a VA than to provide space in your location for a part-timer.

  • Handle special projects that may run for a limited time. You can engage a VA who can lend expertise on a particular project.

  • Clean up office backlog. This may be a one-shot engagement; once the backlog has been removed, you may no longer need assistance.

  • Get to projects that are low priority. Instead of keeping such projects on the back burner, use a VA to get them started, which can generate income for you.

    Finding and working with virtual assistants

    Anyone can call him or herself a virtual assistant. In the last two years, certification for VAs has been developed – something you may want to look for when hiring. Two designations are offered through www.vacertification.com, depending on formal education, general business experience and experience as a VA. The designations include:

  • Professional VA – indicating more than a basic level of expertise as a VA.

  • Master VA – indicating someone with a broad level of VA-related education and experience.

    You can hire a military spouse (there is no cost to you for the connection) through Military Spouse Virtual Assistants (MSVAs) by posting your request proposal at www.msvas.com/ms_find.asp.

    You can hire someone at any location if you need communications only by phone, fax or email.

    For more information, go to the International Virtual Assistants Association at www.ivaa.org.

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    • Category: Human Resources, Healthcare, Benefits
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