WHY USE A VA INSTEAD OF A TEMP?
There are many differences between a VA and temp placed by a recruitment agency. The most important one is a VA's loyalties are first and foremost to YOU, their Client, whereas a temp is selected, reports back to and is paid by the agency.
As with a VA, a temp is also paid an hourly rate as agreed by the agency and you. However, the temp is paid that rate whether they are busy, doing menial tasks, or twiddling their thumbs. VAs are only paid by the hour for the work actually done with the rate according to that service.
Most VAs have extensive experience and skills, however temping (as the name suggests) is considered more as a means of filling a support gap temporarily or even a stepping stone. As such, a temp is not particularly reliable should you wish to develop a long term relationship with one person. You may find that the temp you've had before may not be available the next time you require assistance, so you will have to spend time getting to know and/or train another person.
Also, should you require additional assistance or a particular skill, your VA has access to many other VAs via their network, so you can be sure you will get the service you require.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM USING A VA?
Business of all sizes can benefit from using a VA. A large company may find using a VA for overflow work to be useful on special projects. Today many large companies are downsizing, so hiring a VA is a very cost-effective solution compared to a p/time or job-share employee.
Perhaps you have enough administrative work for 2 full time secretaries but they are highly stressed? What if your PA takes maternity leave, and you don't really require all day assistance but would prefer someone to just help you stay on track and organised? A VA could provide much relief to everyone!
A smaller business may choose to hire a VA for a specific task ie invoicing, online research, presentations etc. Business owners are very busy people, often multi-tasking and working very long hours, so this would free up much needed time allowing you to focus on the important bigger picture.
If you find you just don't have enough time or resources to do your job and market your business properly, hiring a VA to look after this area would be very beneficial.
DO I NEED TO USE A LOCAL VA?
Not necessarily. Due to the progress of technology and the internet, location doesn't impact our ability to do your work. It can be distributed via email, IM (skype), fax, telephone, post or you can elect to give your VA access to your network.
For international Clients the time difference is a huge benefit, as your task can be completed and sent back to you before you wake!
HOW DO I COMMUNICATE ASSIGNMENTS TO A VA?
Whatever you are most comfortable with, as tasks can be given via email, skype chat, fax, or phonecalls. The key to a successful VA-Client relationship is communication, and you will be given tips before you start working together.
HOW DO I KNOW I CAN TRUST A VA AS I'VE NEVER MET THEM IN PERSON? HOW DO I KNOW THEY WILL KEEP MY BUSINESS INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL?
If you are considering using a VA, take the time to get to know them a little beforehand to see if your personalities will complement eachother. It is much the same as hiring any office support (except in the case of hiring a temp where that is left up to the recruitement agency). It is very worthwhile learning about a VA's character in addition to their skills and experience.
Also, in order to find out how a VA can best assist you, it is advised you take 15mins to plan out tasks you need to and are happy to delegate.
A VA's success depends solely on their Client's success and satisfaction. Without your business we wouldn't have our business, so it is within our best interests to continually provide top service to you. That also means we take our commitment to you and your business information very seriously. A contract is issued to you before any work is started, to ensure you are happy with all the terms and conditions. Also, signing a Client's contract is not an issue.
HOW ARE FILES SENT AND RECEIVED?
- Fax
- Post
- Courier
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
- Instant messenger (IM)
HOW DOES A VA TRACK THEIR BILLABLE TIME AND HANDLE EXPENSES?
Most VAs use a digital punch clock to keep track of time on each task. This is a highly accurate and effective method to ensure accurate billing and tracking. You can have as much or as little detail in your invoice.
Expenses specific to a Client’s project will be billed in addition to the hourly charge eg postage, photocopying (colour & b&w), faxing, scanning etc.
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