Entrepreneurial
Women's Digest 
 Start Your Dream Business

Inspiration, Ideas & Resources

 

Virtual Assistance:
A Fast Growing Home Based Business

by Marcia Niles __________________________________

When busy entrepreneurs and small business owners are finding it hard to stay afloat of a myriad of tasks, they don’t have to look far for some assistance. In walks the VA, not literally but virtually. So what is a Virtual Assistant? According to the IVAA, (The International Virtual Assistants Association) a 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."

Virtual assistants are typically highly skilled professionals who enter into long term contracts with their business clients. Their functions may include:

• Administrative & Office Management
• Billing & Accounting
• Customer Service
• Marketing Assistance
• Legal Assistance
• Real Estate Support Services
• Travel Planning
• Web and Database Maintenance
• Internet Marketing
• Research

With an internet connection, phone and fax, virtual assistants operate remotely; they actually don’t meet with their clients in person. With advances in technology, virtual assistants who are their own business owners are harnessing the power of the internet to establish successful businesses. For their services, they set their own fees, generally $30 per hour and up depending on the complexity of the tasks. Some VAs offer their clients monthly retainer packages.

VAs are an asset to business. Since VAs are not employees, and work out of their homes, small business owners benefit in a number of ways:

• No overhead costs
• No health insurance
• No vacation & sick Pay
• No payroll taxes
• No training Costs

The Virtual Assistance business is a fast growing home business and might be just what you’ve been looking for.

Ó 2007 Entrepreneurial Women’s Digest. This article may not be reprinted without the expressed permission of the publisher. 

Virtual Assistant Industry Information

AssistU: Offers professional training for Virtual Assistants

Virtual Assistant Trade Associations:

International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA)

International Association of Virtual Office Assistants