Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Virtual Assistant?

A Virtual Assistant, or VA, is an independent contractor that provides premium administrative support, remotely (via the Internet) to small business owners. Virtual Assistants can be an entrepreneur's only support or used on an as-needed basis for specific projects.

Over the past 10 years, the expansion of the Internet and modern technology has attributed to the growth of the VA industry. It is also driven by corporate downsizing, and a greater number of people starting their own home business. Those who could benefit from using a VA include: any small or home-based businesses, entrepreneurs, writers, real estate agents, accountants, medical or dental offices, consultants, professional speakers, and many more.

A Virtual Assistant is not an employee, but an independent contractor who works in a partnership with their clients. This partnership is a combination of strengths and talents for the mutual benefit of each. Many Virtual Assistants develop long-term partnerships and become a vital component of their clients' business growth. A VA is committed to their clients' success, because as the client succeeds and grows, they will succeed as well. With a VA to take on many of the necessary administrative tasks, you can focus on taking your business to the next level.

As a VA, I am an entrepreneur myself. I understand the importance of your clients and your business. I will do my best to ensure you are satisfied with my work and if you are not, all efforts will be made to make it right.

2. Why do I need a Virtual Assistant?

Your business is growing to the point where you need some administrative support, but you don't need, or cannot equip, a full-time on-site employee.

3. How will a Virtual Assistant benefit me and my company?

When you hire me, you will have more time to develop your business, spend with your family, or to just relax. I can help you reclaim the time you lose each day on administrative tasks. You will free up your valuable time to focus on more important things – like taking care of your clients and growing your business.

With my help, you will also save money. You pay only for what you need done and only when you need it done. You do not pay for benefits, holiday time, overtime or sick days. I supply my own office, equipment, software and expertise.

You can take care of your business while I take care of your administrative tasks.

4. Who uses Virtual Assistants?

A Virtual Assistant fills the need of small business owners by handling their immediate, and frequently their ongoing, office needs. Corporate offices can also use Virtual Assistants for extra work at busy times of the year (such as inventory or year-end) or as temporary staff replacement. Any size or type of business can use the services of a Virtual Assistant.

5. How do I know my projects will be completed to my liking?

When you hire me as your virtual assistant, my job is to make your day better. Your satisfaction is vital to my own success, so you can expect solid and reliable performance on a continuing basis. You can trust me to take care of your company needs as if they were my own, because my business is helping YOUR business succeed. My policy is satisfaction guaranteed – if you are not happy with the results, I will do everything I can to make sure you are. If I have made an error, it will be corrected with no charge.

6. How will you communicate with me?

Communication is vital to developing and maintaining an effective relationship. I communicate via telephone, fax, or email - whatever you prefer. All of your communication with me will be answered within one business day. If everything is going well, communicating once a week is usually adequate.

7. Can I afford a virtual assistant?

The real question is: can you afford not to have a virtual assistant? Your time is valuable, and limited. When you hire a VA to handle time-consuming tasks, you’re literally buying back your own time. Think of what you could accomplish if you had just a few more hours in your day!

8. How do I pay?

I accept PayPal, money orders, certified cheques or e-mail money transfers.

9. How much do I have to commit to?

You are committed only to the project or time period for which you contract my services.

I believe the best scenario for both of us to benefit is an ongoing business relationship. However, I also understand that your organization’s needs will change and develop over time. You may need me one month and not another, or you may require my help for one project and never need my services again.

I am flexible and can easily accommodate your changing needs.