Most businesses today, whether big or small are accepting the idea of having virtual assistance, this lessens the workload on the company and is cheaper than having to create a whole department to take on the same tasks. Virtual assistance is fast becoming a popular option for many. Get all the info you need here.
The following are some reason a business owner may want to consider the advantages virtual assistance brings:
The Basics
Basically a virtual assistant will be able to carry the work load given simply because of the focused nature of the particular assignments given. In most cases such virtual assistance capabilities are much more refined and thus able to handle the delegated task with ease.
Hiring the services of virtual assistance would effectively mean hiring someone who is an expert in his or her own field. The need to teach the individual would not be a factor in the equation nor would there be a need to constantly monitor the situation to ensure the desired results are forthcoming.
With the use of virtual assistance the assignments can be done within the time lines, as the reputation of the virtual assistance depends broadly on the ability to produce the work effectively and accurately with the time frame agreed upon.
Virtual assistance platforms can also be trusted to keep the confidentiality of the task at hand because here again the reputation built by the services rendered would be the deciding point of most choices made to hire the particular individual’s services.
Effective communication and clear responsibilities outlines for the virtual assistance is enough to get the job done as compared to having the same tasks tackled within the company where there a many other distractions and demands to contend with. In terms of the cost factor, it is sometimes cheaper to hire the services of virtual assistance and this is one on the reasons that contributes to its popularity.
What skills are needed?
Although not everyone can be a virtual assistant, for those interested in doing this as revenue earning possibility there are some pointers one should be aware of. Having some computer and communication skills that will help to create a complete package for the virtual assistant is important.
What is needed?
The following are some basic skills that most virtual assistants are expected to have:
- Word processing skills – because a lot of the work involves word processing, such as data entry, typing and other online documentations the word processing knowledge will come in handy. The level of accuracy is also something that should not be compromised in any way.
- Computer skills – the very nature of the job requires the extensive use of the computer thus the need to be computer conversant. Being able to handle the more popular software and applications is also a pre requisite when it comes to available skills.
- Strong communication skills – this is also another necessity when it comes to the capabilities listed for virtual assistance. Being able to communicate effectively and accurately both verbally as well as in writing is very important as a lot of the communication needs to be explicit and understood on all levels.
- Strong writing skills – the bulk of the work is done through emails and faxes, therefore there is a need to be well versed in writing skills in order to execute the requirements of the job well. Proof reading material is also something that is expected as part of the job requirements.
- Strong management skills – this will come in handy when there is a need to coordinate several different elements at any given time. These areas may include the advertising aspect, the marketing side and perhaps even the public relations platform of the business.
The general idea is to help the client grow the business entity.
Arranging a work area
Taking the virtual assistant business seriously would include having a designated area to work in and this should ideally be without distractions and disturbances. Trying to simulate and office environment would be ideal but not totally necessary. If the work area is to be within the actual living premise than there is a need to cordon off an area with the explicit intrusions regarding unwelcomed intrusions.
Your Space
It should be made very clear that intrusions on the work area will not be tolerated, as this could affect any live communications that happen to be conducted. The important element to ensure is that when the act of business is being conducted it should be done in a professional manner which gives the client the confidence in entrusting the job to the virtual assistant.
The work area would also have to include the very basics equipment to ensure the individual is able to get the job done effectively, quickly and accurately. These would ideally include a computer with internet access that is strong, a telephone line, and a work station that is fairly decent in size and uncluttered.
The work area should also be designed to be conducive to work in as the quality of the work produced can be affected by the surrounding s and the inability to focus due to the distractions. If there is any video connection between client and the virtual assistant the working area of the virtual assistant would speak volumes as to the quality of the work the client can expect.
Therefore keeping the area professional looking will give the client the confidence needed to entrust the job to the individual. If the option is available to rent a small office space for the reason of conducting the virtual assistant business, then the location chosen should be as centralized as possible. This would help the individual get things done more easily as everything is within accessible distance.
Excerpted from the book Virtual Assistants.
This excerpt has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Download this book on Boostlane:
https://boostlane.com/p/boostlane/862/virtual-assistants/
