A virtual assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur offering administrative, creative, and technical services remotely on a contractual basis. Utilizing modern technology, VAs help various clients, including small businesses and executives, while providing benefits such as cost savings on payroll and office space. To find a suitable VA, one should consider expertise, certifications, and availability and can explore directories or submit requests for proposals.

2. Overview What is a VA? What does a VA do? What are the benefits of working with a Virtual Assistant? What do I look for in a VA? How do I find a VA?

3. What is a Virtual Assistant? A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative and/or technical services. Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in his/her area of expertise from his/her own office on a contractual basis.

4. Services provided by Virtual Assistants Include: Administrative Support Association Management Marketing Bookkeeping Web Site Design & maintenance Scheduling Data entry Multimedia Presentations Desktop publishing Speaker/Author/Coach Support Real Estate support Database design Graphic design Research Transcription Legal support Insurance Broker/Agent support Business Coaching Personal Assistance

5. Major Benefits of using a VA: No payroll expenses or benefits costs Only paying for “time on task” No need of office space or equipment Specialist in their chosen niche area No geographical limitations Access to new technology Saves you time and money A partner in the success of your business

6. Who Benefits from VA Services? Small businesses Self-employed workers Executives of any kind Busy people Clubs and associations Sales executives Chief executives Presidents Speakers Authors Coaches Real Estate Agents Entrepreneurs Consultants Market Agents Home-based business New start-up business Internet business International business Lawyers Doctors ANYONE!

7. What to outsource Projects or ongoing support Tasks that you don’t like to do Tasks that you don’t have time to do Tasks that you don’t know how to do Anything that’s more cost & time effective to outsource to someone else

8. How Do I Find a VA: Go to www.ivaa.org Search our member directory by keyword or location Browse our directory by speciality area or certification Submit an RFP that outlines your needs and preferences

9. What to Look for in a VA What Certifications, if any, does the VA have? What professional organizations do they belong to? Can the VA provide client testimonials? What are the billing rates & forms of payment? Does the VA specialize in relevant areas? Is the VA available for the hours you require? Is the VA equipped with the proper hardware/software?

10. How Do I Select a VA? Spend time on the VA's website. Check for typos and bad grammar accomplishments participation in the VA industry published articles. Ask for client references and check them. Schedule a time to conduct a phone interview. Review the tasks or project Discuss billing and payment methods Agree on a preferred communication style and schedule

11. Conclusion When you hire a VA, you open the door to a global resource of administrative, technical and creative support. Virtual Assistants help YOU so that YOU can focus on your business. The Virtual Assistant - A partner in your success!