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Blog Hopping VA Travels to the Land of Oz to Visit the Office Organiser
By Lorraine | April 19, 2007
I’m back in the Land of Oz visiting Lorraine Pirihi today, the Office Organiser and Australia’s #1 Productivity Coach. By the way for those that didn’t know, Ms. Pirihi was a featured speaker at the 2006 Online International Virtual Assistants Convention (OIVAC). I am happy to connect with her again, this time in Australia. Lorraine, thanks for hosting today’s Podcast & Blog Hopping Tour stop. Now, let’s get down to basics.
1. Why use a VA?
Business owners hire VAs for varying reasons. I have presented 10 such reasons below, as presented at the Alliance for Virtual Businesses web site.
- They are capable but don’t have the time.
- They lack the expertise to complete the assignment themselves.
- They could do the work themselves but not in a time-efficient manner.
- They don’t have employees and prefer not to hire any.
- They occasionally have large projects that fall outside the scope of their employees’ abilities.
- They don’t want to invest in software programs and the learning curve associated with them.
- They don’t have the required equipment and prefer not to purchase or lease it.
- They are not organized.
- They understand that by outsourcing they can save time and money, and will they receive a professionally completed project.
2. What services do VAs provide?
Where to begin? Virtual Assistants are versatile and provide the widest range of services imaginable, depending on the needs of the individual client. A short list includes administrative support, marketing assistance, transcription, internet-based research, website maintenance, teleseminar support, and so much more, as indicated in this downloadable version of 101 Ways to Use a VA and as posted, at the Industries Using VAs section, by specific client category, at the Alliance website.
3. Where do you find VAs?
This would have been a much harder question to answer a few years ago, as there were only a few thousand VAs in existence. Now, there are 10s of thousands of VAs, providing many categories of services, with more entering the industry weekly. As a result, VA organizations have formed around the globe and this post would be extremely long if I listed all of them. I have, however, identified a few below, and there is a much more complete list available at the VA Village/VA Organizations category on the Alliance for Virtual Businesses web site.
A Clayton’s Secretary
Alliance of UK Virtual Assistants
Canadian Virtual Assistant Connection
International Association of Virtual Assistants
International Association of Virtual Office Assistants
International Virtual Assistants Association
International Real Estate Virtual Assistants Network
Scottish Virtual Assistants
Virtual Assistants Networking Association
4. What would you expect to pay for a VA?
Rates vary, based upon the VA’s experience, services provided, skills, expertise, and geoeconomic considerations. VAs using budget and profit projections when determining rates minimally charge $35 to $100 per hour. However, some VAs that work part-time, possess marginal skills or haven’t considered the economic consequences of charging low rates, often charge $15 to $25 an hour. It is my opinion that all business owner, VA industry or otherwise, should consider the possibility of income spikes and slowdowns when structuring their rates, and plan accordingly.
In a nutshell, the answer is often contingent upon how the VA values herself, her services, and what the market will bear. As in most industries, there are often huge rate differences between a newbie and the experienced, renowned, specialist. Therefore, I’d hate to be the person pigeonholing rates – instead I’ll say always search for the best VA who can provide the services required, evaluate her skills, abilities and ask for testimonials or references from individuals she work with, and compensate her accordingly. Note: Please do not request a “resume” from the candidate, as she is a business owner; and should not be vetted like an “employee”.
5. How do you know a good one?
There is a mammoth list of characteristics to identify a “good VA”, but ultimately, you should work with someone you are compatible with – is enthusiastic about your mission and committed to helping your grow your business. Below are some of the traits a good VA should possess:
a) a self-starter
b) able to multitask
c) organized
d) able to make effective decisions
e) an independent worker
f) not afraid to ask questions and take responsibility
g) can effectively communicate
h) possess excellent customer service skills
i) abides by a code of ethics, with the highest level of integrity
j) proficient in their specialty or service offerings
Wow, these questions went directly to the heart of virtual assisting and are a good benchmark for individuals unfamiliar with the industry or are now ready to consider the possibilities. I highly recommend everyone download the above-referenced documents as well as A Virtual Solution for Business Growth, Stability and Profitability, Stability and Profitability, the white paper that profiles how business owners increase profitability and save time and money by partnering with a Virtual Assistant.
In the meanwhile, it’s time to leave the Land of Oz and drop in on Pamela Sargant of Delaney Press. Yesterday, after I left an OIVAC scrambled puzzle clue with Becki Noles of Virtual Accuracy, I started thinking — “this clue is just too easy!”, so today, I’m leaving one that is a little bit more difficult. Clue #19: eltiacsr. I don’t want readers to think this is a piece of cake!
About Sharon Williams
Sharon is the Chairperson of the Alliance for Virtual Businesses and OIVAC, and president of The 24 Hour Secretary an administrative, secretarial and internet-based marketing support services company. She is the 2006 recipient of the Thomas Leonard International Virtual Assistant of Distinction Award and co-founder of Virtual Business University an e-learning environment for entrepreneurs willing to step towards their greatness.
Topics: Getting Organized, Success Strategies |