Virtual Assistant - Most Frequently Asked Questions

What follows are some of the most commonly asked questions about Virtual Assistants.

A Virtual Assistant is a highly skilled independent contractor who provides executive and administrative services to clients by using the Internet and other modern technology. The use of this technology enables a Virtual Assistant to seamlessly support clients in their own backyard as well as around the world.

Professional Virtual Assistants strive to stay current in modern technology. On-going education in all aspects serving and managing businesses becomes the backbone of a successful Virtual Assistant practice. A professional Virtual Assistant is always seeking new tools and techniques to not only make their own business successful but their client's business as well.

Partnering with a Virtual Assistant provides today's busy entrepreneurs as little or as much support based on their needs and budget. Entrepreneur receive the benefits of a dedicated staff without the corresponding expense.

The client of a Virtual Assistant eliminatea numerous overhead costs. Among the areas where a client will see immediate savings are: >b?employee benefits, payroll taxes, training, office space, furniture, equipment and software.

Clients that partner a Virtual Assistant come from all walks of life; from those starting out as a solo entrepreneur to seasoned corporate executives. Some that utilize Virtual Assistant services include:

* Authors
* Business & Life Coaches
* Commercial and Rental Property Management
* Construction
* E-Commerce
* Independent Consultants
* Investors
* Professional Speakers
* Real Estate Professionals
* Retired Executives

True, as an entrepreneur you can do everything, or try to do everything. The downside is that there are only so many hours in a day. Have you calculated what that decision actually costs you and your business?

Let's look at a "real world" example. Jon is a professional marketing consultant and charges his clients $120/hour. As a solo-entrepreneur - he does it all. Recently, Jon has become overwhelmed with the administrative tasks of his consulting business. He has realize the bottleneck that has been created and has decided to hand off five administrative tasks to a Virtual Assistant.

By simply delegating just five administrative tasks, Jon freed up 8 hours to work on his business instead of in it. He was able to take on another client that he otherwise would not have had time to support. Those additional hours translated into a $500 profit for Jon's consulting business.

Jon is now building a partnership with his Virtual Assistant, so that his business can move to the next level.

Actually no, it's not. At first glance when just comparing rates it appears so, but as we all know some appearances can be deceiving. By retaining a Virtual Assistant, entrepreneurs realize savings in several areas, including:

Employee Benefits - We are business owners and not employees. Your business is not responsible for payroll taxes, social security, Medicare, insurance, sick pay, vacation, profit sharing, plus other benefits.

Office Overhead - We have a fully equipped office. We purchase our own software and equipment and provide our own office space.

Downtime - We only invoice our clients for exact time spent on tasks for your business. We do not bill for time-wasters such as coffee breaks, water cooler chats, internet surfing, or work day lulls.

Oversight Management - We produce results and stay on task. No idle time is being spent waiting for instruction and your time is not spent managing our work day.

Training - We can hit the ground running. We are always learning new skills to enhance our business and yours.

Utilize the Virtual Assistant Comparison Rate Calculator for an actual dollar for dollar comparison and see the benefits of contracting with a Virtual Assistant.

Virtual Assistant Calculator @ Cardinal Point Business Associates

For certain tasks - catching up on filing or covering for a receptionist's vacation - hiring from a temp agency will get you over a hump. What about tasks that need professional assistance and reflect directly on you and your business? When projects hit a time crunch and you need assistance quickly, do you have time to train a temp?

The downside of utilizing a temp agency is that:

* you never get the same person twice
* you do not know the degree of professionalism and integrity the temp will have
* you spend your valuable time training and overseeing their work.

On the upside, retaining a Virtual Assistant, you:

* Always get the same person
* Know that our level of professionalism
* NEVER have to train or oversee our work
* Know we're ready to step-in and assist

Adding a Virtual Assistant to your team is not an either or proposition. In other words, a Virtual Assistant doesn't need replace your in-house assistant or other team members. A Virtual Assistant can work in tandem with your office staff; enhancing your team.

A Virtual Assistant will design services to fit your needs and budget. They will learn how you and your business works best and then structure a plan to meet your criteria.

Most Virtual Assistants have a variety of options to of choose from, including: retainer plans; project basis; pay-as-you-go; time blocks; or a combination.

Modern technology has afforded Virtual Assistants several modes to work with clients. Most Virtual Assistants use a variety of communication tools and project delivery resources, including: phone, e-mail, instant messenger, fax, remote access, and a project management portal site.

Cardinal Point Business Associates located in the scenic hills of West Virginia, was founded on a strong philosophy of Business Partnering. As Founder, my primary focus is to provide off-site professional executive and administrative Virtual Services to small businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, and retired executives. As business owners, I know the investment one makes in building a successful business. I walk in your shoes every day.

Cardinal Point stands with their clients as partners, viewing their needs as our own and striving to find successful solutions so that our client's goals are achieved and success is realized. Having a vested interest in assisting clients reach their goals is top priority. Working in a collaborative effort as entrepreneurs to build resources, achieve goals and realize growth and profit.

Cardinal Point Business Associates