So, What Exactly is a Virtual Assistant?

I have been networking and talking to a lot of people lately, and almost always the first thing they say to me when we first meet and start talking is, “So, what do you do?”  When I tell them I am a Virtual Executive Assistant, they are intrigued, but really have no idea what a Virtual Executive Assistant really means.  And so, I find myself explaining the concept to them in more detail.  While I am quite happy to explain it to them, because I am very passionate about what I do, I thought I would start sharing the concept here in a series of blog posts to share what Virtual Assistance is all about.

So what exactly is a Virtual Assistant?  There are many definitions, and “types” of Virtual Assistants, but in the broad sense, here’s how the International Virtual Assistants Association, also known as IVAA, (www.ivaa.org) explains it:

“A Virtual Assistant (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.”

Here’s a quick interpretation. . .

A Virtual Assistant is a skilled professional with years of experience and training, turned entrepreneur, who works remotely (off-site) from her own office location.

A Virtual Assistant is driven and passionate about what they do and gets the job done efficiently and effectively, with a greater level of quality and commitment than your average employee.

A Virtual Assistant is someone who will partner with you to assess and fulfill your business needs and walk with you on your journey toward achieving business success — in essence, your success is her success.

A Virtual Assistant provides her own office, computer, and equipment, and pays her own taxes, business and office expenses, and funds her own benefits.

A Virtual Assistant is an independent contractor so you don’t have to worry about benefits, insurance, payroll taxes, sick or vacation pay.

A Virtual Assistant provides flexible, convenient, reliable, and cost-effective support whenever you need it, no matter where you are located, anywhere in the world. 

A Virtual Assistant can reduce your labor costs because you only pay for the productive time she spends doing your work, which adds value to your investment.

Stay tuned for more posts about the wonderful world of Virtual Assistance!  I would welcome your comments or questions.

If you want to learn more, or receive a complimentary needs assessment and administrative tasks action plan for your business, please feel free to contact me.

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Author bio: Lisa Salem is a Professional Virtual Executive Assistant, Nurture Marketing Consultant, and an experienced Transcriptionist. As the Founder and Managing Member of Monarch Virtual Assistance LLC,  she brings over 20 years of administrative and business management experience into her business.  Lisa is passionate about promoting the Virtual Assistance industry and strives to help make it stand out as a true profession of excellence. Her style is easy going, yet focused, with emphasis placed on going the extra mile to exceed clients expectations by providing quality service, excellent value, and total satisfaction to ensure long-term dedication, loyalty, and results.

©2010.  Would you like to republish this article? You are free to do so as long as you include a link back to the full post, attributing the author, Lisa Salem of Monarch Virtual Assistance LLC.