What is a Virtual Assistant and What Do They DO?
As companies grow, it becomes increasingly challenging to stay on top of the daily tasks necessary to keep the business running. When the boss or employees wear many hats, it can be tricky to keep things running smoothly. But hiring full-time on-site support staff isn’t always an option. This is where virtual assistants can step in.
What is a virtual assistant?
A virtual assistant is a remote employee who offers administrative support for you and your business, usually part-time. They can do tasks that an executive assistant would typically handle, such as scheduling appointments, making phone calls, organizing emails, social media, etc. The duties of a virtual assistant can vary from administrative to technical depending on the person’s skill set.
Virtual assistants work as independent contractors or with staffing agencies. Some assistants work with one company while others contract with different employers simultaneously.
Virtual assistants have been around for as long as technology has made it possible. Remote jobs have increased rapidly in the last couple of years (probably due to covid-19) Assistants can work from anywhere and can often perform a variety of tasks on a flexible contract. With low overhead and limited commitment, virtual assistants are a cost-effective staffing solution for companies of all sizes.
What does a virtual assistant do?
A Virtual Assistant can perform any number of different tasks varying by employer and individual skill set. Here is a list of some of the most common job tasks given to virtual assistants.
- Administrative work
- Bookkeeping
- Personal assistant
- Customer service
- Data Entry
- Social Media Production
- Content management
- Research
- Add people to contacts
- Update contact info
- Research leads
- Find email addresses
- Design presentations
- Convert files
- Conduct research
- Schedule social media
- Proofread and edit letters, blogs, and presentations
- Create social media profiles
- Develop marketing material using graphic design skills
- Graphic design
- Edit photo
- Edit video
- Edit Audio
- Create Websites
- + Much More
Virtual assistants can let you focus on what matters most – your business
Time is an important resource when running a business and sometimes those humdrum everyday tasks can become a barrier to focusing on new opportunities and areas of growth. Having a virtual assistant handle your administrative work will ease your workload significantly, providing more time for you and your team to focus on high-impact projects.
Things a Virtual Assistant Does Not Do
There are a few things your virtual assistant won’t do. You don’t need to worry about a virtual assistant’s attitude if you ask them something. A Virtual Assistant does not:
- Roll his/her eyes at you. At least you won’t see it happen if it happens! And you won’t “hear it in any communication.
- Require a bigger office or another desk. These people won’t be sharing your office space, so there’s no need to make extra room.
- Interject drama. With virtual assistants, you won’t have big egos to coddle. You won’t need to walk on eggshells or worry about gossip overriding professionalism. The nature of the relationship being long distance means office drama is nonexistent.
Good Skills to Have
- Computer skills
- Communication
- Organization
- Multitasking
- Time management
- Interpersonal skills
Requirements and Qualifications
Preferred but not always necessary, just the right skills that match the right jobs.
- High school diploma or equivalent; Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
- Experience with Google Docs, cloud services, and other technology tools
- Knowledgeable in technology to communicate via computer, smartphone, or text
- Highly organized and able to multitask and work well with fast-paced directions and instructions
- Able to manage time effectively and efficiently
- Able to organize and manage large amounts of files, tasks, schedules, and information
- Self-directed and able to work without supervision
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong customer service and presentation skills
- Able to work nights, weekends, extended hours, and holidays as needed
- Two years previous experience handling assistant or administrative responsibilities, or experience in customer service or related field preferred
Virtual Assistant Work Environment
Virtual assistants can work in several different industries depending on their skills, including:
- Law Firms
- Healthcare
- Real Estate
- Engineering Firms
- Marketing Agencies
Special considerations
The client may have a smoother working relationship with you if you created detailed instructions about tasks they need to have performed. A written manual reduces the risk of misunderstandings that can occur in a remote working relationship.
Projects Made Simple LLC.
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