What is a Virtual Assistant?
A Virtual Assistant (or simply VA), is an independent contractor providing administrative, technical, or sometimes creative assistance to clients--usually to other independent entrepreneurs and solo and small business practices, such as that of a lawyer or realtor. Virtual assistants work from their own office (hence "virtual"), thus making it a fairly popular (and growing) profession. It is estimated that there are about 40,000-50,000 virtual assistants worldwide. Common modes of communication and data delivery include the Internet, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), and fax machine. Although the occupation gives a degree of independence, work is on a contractual basis, and a long-lasting cooperation is standard. Typically 5 years of administrative experience in an office is expected at such positions as executive assistant, secretary, legal assistant, paralegal, legal secretary, real estate assistant, office manager, etc.
Worker classifications
•The traditional employee is managed and directed by the employer they work for. They are paid a salary with employment taxes deducted by the employer. Work is directed, managed and supervised by the employer.
•A temp worker is an employee of a staffing agency who goes on-site to employer (customer) premises. They are paid by the staffing agency they work for, while their on-site work and activities are managed, directed and supervised by the employer, who is a customer of the staffing agency
•A virtual assistant is an independent contractor, not an employee. They set their own rates, operating standards and policies, pay their own self-employment taxes, and manage the work and how it is carried out.
As a virtual assistant we provide much more than just secretarial or office support services. We develop an intense and personal relationship with our clients, which enable us to represent them and their business from any distance. By taking advantage of today's technology, specifically the Internet, allows for communication and information exchange at our fingertips with no continental boundaries or time restrictions. We practice image management and exceptional customer service for our clients, as well as theirs. The more virtually the client works, the greater the success that can be achieved from this partnership that is based on trust and mutual respect.
The growth of computer technology combined with corporate downsizing and an increased awareness in values kick started the Virtual Assistant profession back around 1995. The current trend towards "contracted employees" supports the continued growth of the profession.
What does a Virtual Assistant do?
From creating, implementing and maintaining business administration processes, to brainstorming, to marketing, to research, to business strategizing, to team building and social media. They are your partner in the growth and development of your business.
Most entrepreneurs wear too many hats. The Virtual Assistant's role is to remove the hats from the client and either wear them themselves or find the correct resource that will allow the client the required space to work "on" instead of "in" their business. The roles and duties of the VA expand and change as the business does, however are not limited to the business and may include support of the client on a personal level.
LILY CO
MY NICHE VA SERVICES
Direct: 403-978-9638
Fax: 403-592-7567
Email: [email protected]
www.MYNICHE.ca
Worker classifications
•The traditional employee is managed and directed by the employer they work for. They are paid a salary with employment taxes deducted by the employer. Work is directed, managed and supervised by the employer.
•A temp worker is an employee of a staffing agency who goes on-site to employer (customer) premises. They are paid by the staffing agency they work for, while their on-site work and activities are managed, directed and supervised by the employer, who is a customer of the staffing agency
•A virtual assistant is an independent contractor, not an employee. They set their own rates, operating standards and policies, pay their own self-employment taxes, and manage the work and how it is carried out.
As a virtual assistant we provide much more than just secretarial or office support services. We develop an intense and personal relationship with our clients, which enable us to represent them and their business from any distance. By taking advantage of today's technology, specifically the Internet, allows for communication and information exchange at our fingertips with no continental boundaries or time restrictions. We practice image management and exceptional customer service for our clients, as well as theirs. The more virtually the client works, the greater the success that can be achieved from this partnership that is based on trust and mutual respect.
The growth of computer technology combined with corporate downsizing and an increased awareness in values kick started the Virtual Assistant profession back around 1995. The current trend towards "contracted employees" supports the continued growth of the profession.
What does a Virtual Assistant do?
From creating, implementing and maintaining business administration processes, to brainstorming, to marketing, to research, to business strategizing, to team building and social media. They are your partner in the growth and development of your business.
Most entrepreneurs wear too many hats. The Virtual Assistant's role is to remove the hats from the client and either wear them themselves or find the correct resource that will allow the client the required space to work "on" instead of "in" their business. The roles and duties of the VA expand and change as the business does, however are not limited to the business and may include support of the client on a personal level.
LILY CO
MY NICHE VA SERVICES
Direct: 403-978-9638
Fax: 403-592-7567
Email: [email protected]
www.MYNICHE.ca