When you think about it – most of us are already working virtually to some degree or another; phones, email, Skype, cloud based file sharing, conference calls – it’s how things get done. Working with a Virtual Assistant is no different. I’ve heard people say… “I don’t think a Virtual Assistant would work for me. I need my assistant to be close by”. When I hear this I can’t help but think about all the ways a Virtual Assistant can provide support without being anywhere near them. Here are just a few examples:
- Social Media Marketing: Creating and sharing information about your business is vital – but not the best use of your time. This is definitely something your VA can do for you consistently resulting in driving traffic to your website and increasing your search engine rankings.
- Email: Your Virtual Assistant can reduce your daily email load by checking and screening for you. She can probably respond to a lot of it herself and flag the rest for your personal attention. She’ll also organize your email into manageable folders. Great time saver!
- Email Marketing & Newsletters: Your VA can help you build loyalty, trust and brand awareness. This is a time and money saving way to stay in touch with your clients and potential clients. Be the expert in your field and keep everyone informed about what’s going on in your business and industry.
- Word Processing & Spreadsheets: Make sure your business has a professional look with precise, attractive documents. Let your VA create, format and edit simple to complex documents and spreadsheets that make you look great.
- PowerPoint Presentations: Interesting and relevant presentations are wonderful visual tools for speakers, coaches, trainers and others. Your VA can create fabulous presentations that help you deliver your message without being distractive.
- Calendar Management & Scheduling: Be on time. Know what’s next. Let your VA manage your calendar and schedule your meetings and appointments. Then you’ll always stay ahead of and be prepared for the next thing instead of running ‘a few minutes late’.
- Travel & Lodging Arrangements: Room reservations, airline and train tickets and ground transportation; having it all in sync makes your travel experience less stressful. Tell your VA where you’re going and when and let her set it all up for you, over time developing your personal travel profile.
- Database/Contact Management: Having your contacts organized and up to date has tremendous value. Not just for mailings and marketing but just being able to find a phone number in a hurry. Let your VA get all those loose business cards organized into an online CRM that you can access from anywhere.
- Webinars: Your Virtual Assistant can set up and facilitate webinars and other online events. Presentations, lectures, workshops, trainings and seminars can be ready when you are. She’ll send out the invitations and the login info and track the RSVPs. She’ll even make sure you’re prepared with everything you need for a successful event.
- Internet Research: Research is no longer a bad word? Now your VA can research any topic for you and organize it into a format that you can use.
Your admin doesn’t have to be under the same roof to provide the support you need. VA’s can reduce your workload, save you time, money and energy. Enlist the services of a real Virtual Assistant today and experience the benefits for yourself!
Becky Gregory is an Executive Virtual Assistant and owner of Virtual Administrative Services (VAS), a full service VA firm. Contact Becky today for a free 20 minute Discovery Session.