I am a Virtual Assistant based in Milton Keynes, working remotely (from my home office) supporting small businesses with administration, social media and marketing. How can having a PA away from the office work? I am sure you have done your research by now; no HR costs, holiday allowance, pension policies, creating and issuing payslips, buying a new desk, laptop, insurance costs and so on for an extra member of staff are just some of the financial benefits of hiring a VA. Here are some FAQs that might help to explain how you can work with me.
How do we communicate?
Email, over the phone, Zoom or other video conferencing equipment (Blue Jeans, Skype, Google Hangouts). I have never met some of my clients face to face. If I am involved in an ongoing project, I am happy to arrange a weekly catch up time, same time every week.
How do payments work?
Payment is due at the end of the task or project. If the support is ongoing, we can agree either weekly or end of month payments. I send a detailed invoice and can provide a contact sheet (status update) as well if you like. Payments are net 7 days. I don’t have a Credit Controller, so I ask that invoices are paid within 7 days.
What are the rates?
I work on a pay as you go basis to an agreed hourly rate. We can agree a point at which I am reaching a certain number of hours on your task, for example almost 5 hours, then again at 10. I invoice for every 15 minutes.
How can we share files if I am not in your office?
Drop box, G Suite, One Drive all have free, secure options. For sending large or bulk files, We Transfer does the trick, and has a basic free option. All of these are very straightforward.
What about accessing password protected material?
Social media accounts, Mailchimp, Adobe images, your database system and more all have password protection. A password saver like LastPass will allow you to give me access to your systems without me knowing what your password is. It will remember as many passwords as you like through your working day, but be careful if you’re like me, I can’t remember any of them anymore, I let LastPass do the hard work for me.
How quickly can I get the work done?
It depends on what the task involves, if I need any existing assets to be shared and so on, this can be agreed from the outset.
What if anything goes wrong?
I have professional indemnity insurance, that covers any mishaps should they take place.
You work with other third parties, possibly other VAs?
Not a problem, I am happy to work with them too. I respect that there are existing relationships in place and am happy to fit in and help where I can.
Time zones and availability?
My preference is to work with UK based clients, mainly due to working with tone of voice, language, sense of humour and so on within copywriting and social media, I just don’t know if the Americans would receive my writing as well as they have embraced James Corden! That said, it depends on the requirements of the task, if a document needs proofing as it has been translated into English, then that is the perfect task for me.
Please get in touch if you have any other questions. I understand some might be unsure about remote workers, but just as you have your business, this is mine. Not working, not meeting deadlines and not providing a reliable and consistent service would be limiting and eventually damaging to my business. I am here to help small businesses with my Virtual Assistant skillset, I am no bookkeeper, but I know my way around social media, crafting copy and providing efficient admin services. I solve problems, find things and people and come up with ideas. If you think I can help you and your small business, please get in touch.
About Virtual Executive Services MK
Virtual Executive Services MK is a Virtual Assistant service based in Milton Keynes, supporting clients across the UK. Specialising in admin, marketing and social media support for small businesses, start ups and entrepreneurs. Find out more.