Virtual Assistants and How They Can Help Your Business

Erika Magpili May 14, 2021

If you consistently interact with other business owners, you might have already encountered the term virtual assistant. Many business owners today hire virtual assistants – people whose job is to stay on top of the day-to-day tasks, while the owners focus on the more important things that they can do to grow their business. 

But what exactly is a virtual assistant and how can they help your business? To answer that question, let us first define what a virtual assistant is. 

What is a Virtual Assistant? 

A virtual assistant is a self-employed contractor who specializes in providing administrative services to business owners. Virtual assistant services can include basic tasks like responding to emails, answering queries on social media, making phone calls, etc. Seasoned virtual assistants can also handle more complex tasks, such as copywriting, minor accounting, bookkeeping, and many others. 

Virtual assistants are usually experienced administrative assistants or office managers. However, since the pandemic started, we have seen a rise in the number of people who offer virtual assistant services. This is why there is a possibility for you to outsource a virtual assistant who can take care of other things aside from the usual clerical tasks. 

What qualities of a virtual assistant should I look for? 

Virtual assistants come from all walks of life, especially right now since so many people are trying out this career path. Basic computer literacy, oral and written communications skills, and the ability to learn new software are just some of the skills you should look for when hiring a virtual assistant. Also, since virtual assistants tend to work remotely, a solid internet connection and a computer is vital to fulfilling the role.  

In fact, we have compiled a few of the essential qualities a virtual assistant must have here, so, we suggest that you go through that article first before outsourcing virtual assistant services. 

How can a virtual assistant help me and my business? 

The best thing a virtual assistant can give you is probably TIME. As mentioned before, virtual assistants can do the administrative work for you, while you work on the more important things that would provide more revenue for your business. This is especially critical when your business is starting to ramp up.  

Of course, getting virtual assistant services will net you some costs. But what is great about virtual assistant services is that, since virtual assistants are independent contractors, you have the flexibility to customize your terms. For example, you may want to pay your virtual assistant per task instead of per hour. You are free to choose the terms that are most convenient to you and your business. 

Virtual assistants are just some of the things that you might want to consider especially when your business is starting to gain steam. Now that you know what a virtual assistant is, you are now equipped with the knowledge that is necessary for you to make sound decisions when outsourcing virtual assistant services. 

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