Virtual Assistance Q&A

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Hatty Bell

Hatty Bell, Executive Assistant at Country Road Group

Top 10%

I agree with @Jane Jones @Kathie Thomas , there are some amazing offshore VA's but it's disappointing to see business owners choose VA's based purely on price. I often find that longer-term clients will pay more for the right fit.

Cliona Elliott added an answer to this question
Top voted answer
Cliona Elliott

Cliona Elliott, SEO Copywriter at Intrepid Travel

Virtual assistants are becoming increasingly popular for small businesses due to increased flexibility and working arrangements for both parties. For many businesses, a VA is just like all other permanent employees - the only difference being they are based remotely. 

In terms of short term ...  expand
Anonymous added an answer to this question
Hatty Bell

Hatty Bell, Executive Assistant at Country Road Group

Top 10%

I agree with @Jane Jones @Kathie Thomas , there are some amazing offshore VA's but it's disappointing to see business owners choose VA's based purely on price. I often find that longer-term clients will pay more for the right fit.

Jane Jones added an answer to this question
Jane Jones

Jane Jones, Marketing Consultant at Global Compliance Institute

Top 30%

If you include your VA and treat them as a part of the team - they are more likely to be invested in your company, your vision and what it is you're trying to achieve. You have to build trust and prove that you're reliable. I agree with @Iain Dooley that having a clearly defined role helps.  @Lisa Ormenyessy definitely sharing the company goals and vision with the VA will help them feel a part of the team.

Stephanie Gobraiel added an answer to this question
Stephanie Gobraiel

Stephanie Gobraiel at Virtual Associate Services

I agree with what was said by the other ladies logistically speaking but I also think it's important that both parties values  aligned and that it's someone that you think you'd work well with. 
This can be achieved by having an interview process with more than one Virtual Assistant ...  expand
Hatty Bell

, Executive Assistant at Country Road Group

Great perspective @Stephanie Gobraiel ! Communication is so key

Cliona Elliott added an answer to this question
Cliona Elliott

Cliona Elliott, SEO Copywriter at Intrepid Travel

I've used UpWork and Fiverr several times to find web developers and designers. I found these sites to be excellent in terms of finding people for the job. Like Ingrid, I also took my time when reviewing proposals and made sure that my instructions were as clear and objective as possible. I do find that these sites offer great value for money as long as you choose someone well-matched for the job description.

Kathie Thomas added an answer to this question
Kathie Thomas

Kathie Thomas, Owner at VA Directory

I think I've shared about the offshore vs Australian based above but if you want me to take it further - perhaps a new question specific to that I can answer? Or do you want to keep it in this thread? I have done presentations on this in the past.

Re marketing - there are VAs with marketing experience. It really depends on the client and what they want. So probably needs to be more specific what you're asking perhaps?

Hatty Bell

, Executive Assistant at Country Road Group

Good idea! Just seems to something that I've read a number of times recently.

It sounds like it's very specific to the person and the requirements of the client. Thanks for answering @Kathie Thomas !

Abbie Allen added an answer to this question
Abbie Allen

Abbie Allen, Personal Concierge at Lifestyle Elements

Thanks for your question Nick - I run Lifestyle Elements in Adelaide, Australia (and also work with Adrian who is mentioned below!). A personal concierge is like a personal assistant for your life - we tick off your 'to do' list. Most of us have a huge list of things to do that we just never get ...  expand
Sandra Wright added an answer to this question
Sandra Wright

Sandra Wright, Director & Virtual Admin Assistant at AdminWorthy

Appreciate your comments Tim. However there are a lot of VA's in Australia that represent busiensses very well, virtually, really no different to an employee, except you don't have the overheads that come with employing a part timer - i.e. superannuation, tax, leave entitlements and also you have to ...  expand
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