This is the question which often follows when people have asked me what I do for living.
A Virtual Assistant (VA), is not dissimilar to a PA who isn’t based in your office. A VA works remotely, supported by the wonderful techy world that we live in where we can share passwords, share screens on a video call, use What’s App, G-suite and more to share information.
In broad terms, a VA will help a small business owner, solopreneur, start-ups, corporate teams and agencies with ad-hoc project work and on-going tasks.
No VA is the same, we each have a set of specialist skills. You might be looking for a VA with excellent book keeping skills and experience, a VA who works specifically in travel booking or a VA with superb social media skills. Many of us VAs offer admin support, but again this will vary from one to the next whether this includes diary management, inbox management, call handling, transcriptions, dialling into a meeting to take minutes and so on.
Depending on the needs of your business and your commitments, what you feel you can hand over, what is taking up far too much of your time, or where you might not actually be the best person for that job.
A Virtual Assistant usually has more than one client, much like contractors, managing multiple clients and invoicing for payment. The VA has all of their own equipment, office space and software. There is no cost to the client in terms of equipment, software, pension, HR, development, stationery, furniture and office tea and coffee supplies!
If you are getting very busy, missing deadlines, just can’t work through the to-do list, think about what you can outsource. VA’s work on a pay as you go basis, or an agreed retainer of hours for the month, so you are only paying for the work that gets done.
As I mentioned, VAs have their own specialisms and strengths, from techy VAs, website building VAs, ghost writer VAs to customer service VAs and credit control VAs.
What type of VA am I and what tasks do I offer support with?
Well, my VA journey has been really varied which is what has made it so enjoyable! My background is in Marketing (copywriting, PR, blogging, social media, project management, supplier relationships, managing budgets, campaigns, events, promo gifts, print management, strategy, email and website CMS, the list goes on…). All of this obviously takes administration, negotiation skills, research skills, perseverance, determination and imagination.
Over recent months I have been supporting the launch of a new independent restaurant, from marketing and set up of social media accounts, crafting social media content, inbox management, marketing asset management, to sourcing a logo (with a graphic designer) web supplier, project managing the website, writing the content, sourcing equipment, software, hardware, recruitment and selection, telephone interviews, signage suppliers, contractor and more. All in London, I am in Milton Keynes.
I support a client in the accommodation sector, working to find cleaning staff at locations across the UK by posting job ads in relevant spaces, shortlisting applicants, conducting telephone interviews. This also includes support with promoting the portfolio, from website content, imagery, social media and planning the launch of a new product stream, preparing branded materials, helping to get the nuts and bolts together before the go-live.
I also have a coaching client, we are growing this business, offering new product streams, working on overhauling the website content, imagery, creating and posting social media posts into the public domain and closed groups. Updating and creating worksheets, coaching course content, transcriptions, blog editing and posting, proof reading and working with new systems.
I work in association with a local creative agency, this gives me exposure to their knowledge, I work with them to create and deliver workshops to small businesses. I also support with their web copy, social media and work on their behalf for their client base.
I have a client in the trades, I take care of his invoicing, credit control, social media, marketing, web content, blogging, PR opportunities, product research, quotations and email and messenger inbox.
My favourite parts of all of this are the admin work, learning to use new software, challenging myself with new industries and making new connections, plus having the opportunity to keep in touch with familiar contacts through a great network I have built over the years.
If you need to improve efficiency, make better use of your time and get things moving, consider a VA. Unlike employees, when it comes to a VA, our business is as important to us as yours is to you.
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.