What Is A Virtual Assistant? — Working Powerfully

Virtual Assistants are professionals who provide support services remotely. It is quickly becoming the craft of the century. All business needs support to keep running, selling and operating at it’s highest competency. Virtual Assistants, and the various talents they bring to the table, are a breath of fresh air to the corporate and small business world.

This outsourcing of professional services has created a diverse pool of talents, specialties and niche service providers across many industries. These people work on a freelance basis, offering their services as a contracting professional. All of this is made possible by technology and committed administrative professionals. A Virtual Assistant can now carry out tasks with only their computer, phone or tablet – virtually, from anywhere. Many Virtual Assistants work from their home offices, their neighborhood coffee shop, or quiet, peaceful office spaces they create. Advancements in technology such as high-speed internet, software management tools/applications and document sharing make virtual assistance possible.

Anyone who has an overwhelmed schedule and could use administrative support can benefit from having a Virtual Assistant. From small business to entrepreneurs and large corporate settings, finding a Virtual Assistant is easier than you think. The web has made some of the best talent out there just as accessible as if they were sitting there in the next office. It is easy to maintain a budget with your Virtual Assistant because they will only work and bill you for what you agree upon. Popular Industries and businesses utilizing virtual assistants include the following:

IT
Marketing
Real Estate
Accounting and Finance
Law

The tasks, jobs and projects Virtual Assistants can tackle are many. Many Virtual Assistants take only short-term tasks and projects, while others are dedicated to a single, long-term client. Virtual Assistants usually operate under their own business name as a contractor. Here are just some of the many things a Virtual Assistant can do for you.

Take phone calls
Set up/confirm appointments
Perform new client screening and intake
Send out appointment reminders
Transcribe audio
Calendar management
Email/inbox management
Accounting
Website setup and maintenance
Social media management
Legal research
Writing
Proofreading
Correspondence
Prepare end of the month reports
Balance sheets
Provide payroll services
Manage your account payables and receivables
Prepare your bank reconciliations and analysis, or perform data entry.
Provide sales and marketing services
Appointment setting
Travel Booking
Content creation (blog posts, templates, email sequences, etc.)
Email newsletters
Maintaining an editorial calendar
Video editing
Transcription and/or data entry
Sales funnels and/or Facebook ads, PR / press releases customer service
Graphic design, web design
Custom sales page creation
Social media management
Community management,
SEO services
Webinar setup and assistance
Internet research
Responding to blog comments
Ghostwriting
Social media graphics
Affiliate management
Branding services, billing and/or processes.

In short, Virtual Assistants do almost everything an in-house Administrative Assistant does. Outsourcing overflow is becoming more and more common and has created an incredible opportunity for contracting professionals as well as companies looking to lower overhead. Outsourcing to a capable Virtual Assistant can be a lifesaver for swamped entrepreneurs and business owners.