About Virtual Assistants

With all of the technological advancements available in today's environment, many things are going virtual or operating in an online environment. Most people have accessed virtual communities, schools, and shopping while many are telecommuting or working "virtually" at least some of the time. The latest trend to emerge in the online world is remote business support, otherwise known as a Virtual Assistance.

What is a Virtual Assistant (VA)?

There is a common myth that a VA is simply a secretary or personal assistant. While some VAs may provide these services, this is definitely not an accurate definition.

A VA works independently at an arm's length, utilizing the latest technologies, to provide immediate professional support, services, and skills to busy entrepreneurs and business managers. Services offered are generally in the area of expertise developed throughout an inidividual's career. VAs handle individual projects but tend towards long term collaborative relationships with their clients. This often leads to providing support outside of their area of expertise since the VA develops an intimate knowledge of the client's business.

A VA communicates by phone, fax, e-mail, courier and instant messaging - distance is never an issue. Many VAs, including mCommunications, also offer on-site services such as consultation and event management. Many VAs offer the convenience of flexible hours for clients who continue working through the night or on weekends. Often a VA will partner with a client in a different time zone - the client sends an assignment at the end of the working day and the VA works during the client's night to have the project on their desk in the morning. A VAs role goes beyond that of temporary employee or contract worker because as entrepreneurs themselves, they have a genuine interest in helping their clients succeed.

Simply put, a VA works on the detail allowing clients to focus on their core business.

Who uses Virtual Assistants?

Almost any business, non-profit organization or entrepreneur can benefit from working with a VA. A VA can provide executive office assistance to those that can't accommodate employees or they can act as an extra pair of hands for time-starved managers and directors. A client well suited to using a VA is:

• One who cannot justify a full-time employee or only has a few hours of work/seasonal projects
• Comfortable using technology as a primary means of communication
• Able to trust and delegate to someone who works independently and without a great deal of supervision
• One who wants to shift their focus back to the primary business or personal freedom they set out to achieve

Examples include:

• Salespeople, consultants
• Executives, managers
• Start up or small business owners
• Independent professionals
• International clients looking for local project coordination
• Authors, writers
• Entertainment professionals
• Teachers, speakers, trainers
• Conference and event planners
• Large companies with occasional projects
• Non-profit organizations

Why use a Virtual Assistant?

Perhaps you feel that your business is running you instead of you running your business. You might have projects that could be done but you never seem to have enough time in the day or anyone that you trust to handle them for you. Maybe you have a lot of great ideas but need someone to help you brainstorm and develop a plan of action. The bottom line is that you need to add someone to your team who is intelligent, creative and talented on an as-needed basis.

When you partner with a VA:

• You are able to focus on growing your business
• You can serve your clients more effectively
• You have peace of mind knowing that details are being handled professionally and on time
• You can access services without providing another physical workspace or technology equipment
• You only pay for the project, not additional payroll, taxes or benefits
• You only pay for the time "time on task", not for coffee breaks or socializing
• You are able to make better decisions by being able to bounce ideas off of your Virtual Assistant
• You are working with a partner who has a vested interest in your success

Please contact mCommunications to find out how to put your plan into action!