What is a
Virtual Assistant?
A Virtual Assistant (or VA) is a professional service provider who
specializes in providing remote administrative office support services as an
independent contractor who works with clients in an ongoing, collaborative
professional relationship.
Virtual Assistants work from their own offices and utilize today's
technology to deliver their services and communicate with clients.
A Virtual Assistant's support is foundationally administrative, secretarial
and clerical in nature. However, many Virtual Assistants offer additional
specialties that fall under creative and technical services.
Virtual Assistants come from a variety of business backgrounds, but the
single-most important qualification to become a Virtual Assistant is at
least five (5) years administrative experience earned in the real
(non-virtual) business world working in upper level capacities such as
administrative assistant, executive assistant, secretary, legal assistant,
paralegal, legal secretary, real estate assistant, office manager, etc.
From this level of experience, a VA is expected to possess the skill sets,
training and business knowledge which are the hallmark of a truly qualified
Virtual Assistant.
How would we do business together if we're in two different locations?
The world of technology offers numerous ways for us to communicate and
share documents, regardless of location. With telephones, faxes, email,
etc., we are able to stay in touch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year without
being limited to normal business hours.
If I ask you to work on a project and you don’t have the required software
or skills, what will you do?
As a member of different organizations, I have access to Virtual
Assistants with skills in all areas of business. If I am unable to meet your
needs, I will locate someone who has the necessary skills and put them in
touch with you so that you can work directly together.
Do you work evenings and weekends?
Office-Pass works whenever clients need support. As with any business,
it’s not always possible to be available at the last minute, so planning
ahead is always best. But if you’re in a jam and need last minute help, I
will always try to come through for you. An additional fee of 20% will be
added to the invoice for rush jobs.
What particular skills/expertise/equipment do you have to work successfully
with other businesses?
In order to serve my clients, I make every effort to stay current with
my technological capabilities. I'm always open to suggestions if a client
feels that they would be better served by a change, addition or update to my
technology. Here is a list of my Hardware and Software.
OK, I can see that Office-Pass could really help, but...what are your rates?
Office-Pass charges an affordable hourly rate, it may be slightly more
than an in-house hourly employee, but remember...your not paying for taxes,
insurance, office space or equipment, furniture, etc., your only paying for
billable time and expenses for your projects.
