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Virtual Services

Monday, February 2, 2015

Virtual Services

What IS a “Virtual Assistant” (also called a VA, virtual office assistant, online administrative assistant)?  Usually self-employed, these assistants normally provide services from their home office and sometimes commute when necessary for tasks needed inside the office or to pick up numerous jobs that can’t be transmitted efficiently.  MANY companies have begun using them extensively to save money for a variety of services depending on their needs.  By using an independent or freelance VA, companies are not responsible for employee-related taxes, insurance, or benefits.  VA fees vary depending on the tasks, amount of hours required to be “on call” and expenses incurred for these tasks.  Clients also do not have to provide extra office space (that could be used in many other ways), equipment, or supplies unless those details are negotiated in contract or case-by-case basis.  Clients also do not have to worry about sick or vacation pay and ONLY pay for 100% production, particularly if the VA keeps detailed tasks and time worked records.  Clients and their VAs may communicate by internet, fax, e-mail, instant messaging, video conferencing, and when necessary, by phone.  This can save much time since many “in office” administrators use the same means even when they are just down the hall.  For more information and references on the above, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_assistant.
 

I have been an "Administrative Assistant", "Office Assistant", "Church Administrator", "Program Director", and a few other "titles" but none would let me work at home or give me the freedom (without guilt) to take a day off to take my child to a homeschool activity or actually have a LIFE!  I seek flexibility and understanding with clients who ALSO have families.  Although these factors were mentioned in my last two job interviews (that I held for many years), they were NOT flexible, nor were they understanding when I needed to rearrange a schedule, even if willing to make up work during my non-regular hours of work.  I wasn't allowed to take work home.  Yet...when these "people" (meaning bosses) had children of their own or a family emergency, it was a completely different story.  The double standard is a part of your daily life if you work outside the home.  

Well, I've come to the point in my life where I may be able to handle a part-time job outside the home, but I am also truly dedicated to spending more time with my family and friends and getting my virtual assistance (among other jobs) going SUCCESSFULLY!

I will post more later on the many tasks I can do from home! 

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