Today, however, we know that the individual who handles your administrative, clerical and creative work doesn’t necessarily have to ‘come into the office’. Thanks to technology, she can more often than not work from her own home office and still provide the same level of support that the person sitting behind a desk in your office can. Besides physical location there is another huge difference between these 2 images – COST!  Working with a “work from home” assistant or Virtual Assistant is a lot cheaper than the in-office admin we’ve all become accustomed to.  Especially if your business is small, you’re an entrepreneur or independent professional or you just don’t have an office at all. This is where the VA makes the most sense.

There’s are many advantages to working with a VA.

• We’ve already mentioned COST - Small business owners and entrepreneurs often don’t have the budget, space or large enough workload for a conventional full-time, on-site administrative assistant.
• EXPERIENCE – Most VA’s are experienced, tech-savvy professionals with resources already in place so you don’t have to worry about office space, furniture and computers.
• SAVINGS – VA’s are independent contractors so you never have to deal with payroll, benefits, taxes, vacation or sick pay.
• MORE SAVINGS – Save money by paying only for the time you need. If you only need 20 hours a week that’s all you pay for.  5 hours this week?  15 hours next week? VA’s offer you the flexibility you need.
• RELATIONSHIPS – Develop a one-on-one relationship with your VA who quickly becomes your right hand; someone who will get to know you and your business and will represent your business in a professional manner.
• PRODUCTIVITY - Gain more time and energy for the work you should be doing and stop spending your valuable time doing administrative work.

Perhaps you should take a good look at your mental picture of administrative help. It may be time for an update.

Becky Gregory is an Executive Virtual Assistant and the owner of Virtual Administrative Services (VAS) www.virtualadminservices.com

We all know that technology has completely changed the way business is conducted. You could also say that technology has pushed business out the door and into the global marketplace. Today’s business owner, entrepreneur and independent are very mobile and rely heavily on technology to stay ahead of the game. Virtual Assistants have rapidly become one of the most practical and beneficial technology tools available to business today.

VA’s are a great fit for those who don’t have the space, budget or large enough workload for a conventional employee, but still need someone who can proactively contribute to getting things done beyond performing routine tasks. True VA’s operate on this level.

For many businesses and individuals, VA’s have become an essential component in maintaining a solid, seamless connection to  business associates and sometimes the office itself. A Virtual Assistants administrative skills are portable and a good VA can plug those skills into a clients business making it even easier for that client to be successful.

VA clients feel free to leave the office and not worry about missing a beat. Their VA’s, working from her (or his) home office,  support them as efficiently and as effectively as an on-site employee but without the expense associated with a traditional employee.

So – business has left the building and professional Virtual Assistants are right there with you.

Becky Gregory is an Executive Virtual Assistant and the owner of Virtual Administrative Services (VAS) www.virtualadminservices.com

As a professional Virtual Assistant I often make and receive calls for my business and for my clients businesses’ as well, which means I’m often placed in the role of front line representation; and we all know about first impressions.  I’m a firm believer in establishing good will right from the start.  It makes the whole encounter much more pleasant and usually gets positive results. And it’s such a little thing.  When the C.S. Rep tells you their name,  jot it down and use it! Say that person’s name during the course of the conversation. For example – “I understand your company’s policy, Mary, but I’m still under warranty.” I know – I know, it’s a little thing but it really can make a big difference.

I have found that calling an individual by his or her name is not only courteous, but it personalizes the discussion and often, the level of service and effort goes up several notches. Mary or John might dig a little deeper or go a step further to find the answer or result you need. So say the name. Be friendly. Ask them what city they are in and how the weather is there. And don’t forget; when the conversation is wrapping up thank the person.  Use their name and let them know that they have been helpful.

C.S. Rep: “Is there anything else I can help you with today?”
Caller: “No Mary, you’ve answered all my questions and I really appreciate you assisting me with this issue.”
C.S. Rep: “Thank you, Mr. Smith.  It’s been my pleasure.  And thank you for calling the XYZ Company.”

Becky Gregory is an Executive Virtual Assistant and the owner of Virtual Administrative Services (VAS) www.virtualadminservices.com

Because your operation is small, you believe that (a) you don’t need (b) you can’t afford a professional assistant.  So now, instead of having a good dinner and spending time with loved ones or maybe even just hitting the sack early – you have to start doing the behind the scenes administrative work that keeps things running smoothly.

Drafting correspondence, responding to emails, creating presentations, updating databases, creating spreadsheets, event planning, e-mail marketing and  eNewsletters, writing articles and blogs and website updates – and let’s not forget social media networking. The list is endless.  There are always a million things to do to keep things going.

You’re up until all hours. Only you really know how late.  Now, on top of everything else, you’re not getting enough rest. All because you think you can’t afford the administrative support you need. Someone to take care of all those things you’re trying to do in the evenings.  But as business grows so does the amount of administrative work that has to be done.  You need a reliable service that responds quickly and flows with you and understands your business and your goals. You need a Virtual Assistant.

Virtual Administrative Services (VAS) specializes in providing administrative support services to busy people like you who are trying to do it all themselves. VAS can help you with affordable services that allow you to do what you do best. Let VAS handle the administrative work for you. 

It’s time to quit the night shift and get some rest.

Becky Gregory is a professional Virtual Assistant and the owner of Virtual Administrative Services (VAS)  www.virtualadminservices.com