As a business owner, especially a solopreneur, you probably need help running your business. The first step in getting help, is acknowledging you cannot run your business alone. Depending on where you are in your business may depend on how many people you need to help you out. As you grow, this number typically grows.
One of those people you may need on your team is a virtual assistant (your new right hand). A virtual assistant is someone who assists you with various types of business tasks – administrative, business development, social media, marketing, or other tasks. By removing everyday tasks from your to-do list frees up your time to focus on tasks others cannot perform.
Virtual assistants are especially in demand by entrepreneurs and online businesses who don’t want to spend money on an office space for staff. As well as business owners who only need part time help, but do not want to offer benefits. Virtual Assistants are contractors and do not fall into the payroll category.
Location:
Typically, a virtual assistant works remotely, often from a home office, maybe in another state or country. If you choose one who is out of the country, it may be cheaper, but you may have a difficult time with the language barrier.
Hours:
A Virtual Assistant can be part of full time. You need to find one that will meet your hour requirements. There are virtual assistants out there that can full-fill your time requirements.
Rates:
Depending on the virtual assistant, some may be paid on an hourly rate, a fixed fee per task or month. If you are paying your virtual assistant hourly, you only pay for the time he/she works on your projects. You do not pay while your virtual assistant is on vacation, on the phone with a friend/spouse/child, etc. You do not have to pay for their supplies or benefits.
Tasks:
As with rates and locations, the tasks a virtual assistant offers may differ also. There are some that only offer social media assistance, others may only offer financial assistance. Here are some of the tasks a virtual assistant may offer:
- Administrative Tasks
- Responding to emails
- Client Billing
- Follow up on Leads
- Send reminders about important dates
- Graphic Design
Before you hire a virtual assistant, it is in both party’s best interest for you to do some homework. This includes:
- Figure out what tasks you need help with
- Figure out your budget
- Ask your network for virtual assistant recommendations
- Set up phone interviews
If you are ready to hire a virtual assistant, contact TimeHelperz and set up your complimentary consultation.