FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions…

Q: What is a virtual assistant (VA)?
A: A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur who provides various business support services virtually via phone, fax, and/or internet based technology to support and meet the growing needs of individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses.

A VA uses the newest, most efficient, and time saving tools to get work done. A VA can be your right hand person helping you to succeed by freeing you up to do more of what you love and do best by using their vast knowledge and skills to support you.

Read a related blog post here.

Q: Does my VA become my employee?
A:  No. A VA is a business owner and independent contractor working from their own office/location. You don’t provide space, supplies, a guarantee of hours, or benefits to your VA. You also don’t have to pay employment taxes.

Q: How can a VA help me in my career?
A: A VA can help you write your resume and cover letter, can provide interviewing guidance/coaching, and provide many resources to get you on your way to success. A VA can also provide training to help you keep up with technology as well as create the right mindset for success.

Q: How can a VA help me in my business?
A: You can delegate tasks that are not urgent and not imperative in the moment. Let a VA relieve you of some of the more mundane yet time-consuming tasks such as preparing spreadsheets, maintaining databases, performing internet research, formatting a Word document, preparing a PowerPoint presentation, or updating your website.

This will allow you to focus more time on the business aspects in which you are highly skilled and enjoy. This enables you to focus on your overall business goals and set priorities accordingly.

Read a related blog post here.

Q: What are the benefits of using a VA?
A: Partnering with a VA reduces stress, protects cash flow, eliminates administrative hassles, and enables you to find the success you originally set out to achieve. You will be able to spend more time in front of your clients and developing relationships instead of being stuck in front of your computer or in your office. “Hiring an effective VA should easily double your sales volume,” according to Gary Keller in The Millionaire Real Estate Agent.

Read a related blog post here.

Q: Isn’t it easier to just do it all myself?
A: It will take time and effort by both parties before a truly effect delegation pattern is achieved. When a successful virtual/client relationship is achieved, the VA is able to deliver quality results while going above and beyond.

Clients who recognize the abilities and industry expertise of the VA stand to gain the most from the partnership. Implementing strategies that allow for timely communication of information will allow the VA to successfully carry out each project.  A successful VA partnership includes rapport, trust, and delegation.

Building the foundation for a successful partnership will take time and dedication by both parties. But in the end, you will find yourself much more productive.

Q: How long can I expect my VA to stay with me?
A: That depends on many factors. Changes in your VA’s business and life, changes in your business and life, your relationship with your VA, among many other things. 

About 25% of virtual assistants have been with the same clients for well over a year and many more approaching the one year mark. The longer a VA works with you, the better they can support you because they learn to know you.

Q: Why does my VA charge more than what I can hire a support employee?
A:  VAs are usually very advanced in their knowledge and skill level. Because they are very advanced in their skills, they are much more effective and efficient.

You are paying only for work that is done for you and not paying for down time that is not used such as breaks and socializing. A VA will ultimately save you a tremendous amount of time and money.

Remember also that you’re not paying for benefits or employment taxes and don’t have the extra hassles of an employee. When you think about the value of your time and having more of it in the long run, isn’t it worth it?!

Q: Do you have a resume?

A: Yes, but I don’t usually send it to clients. You can view my LinkedIn profile here or view my portfolio here to learn more about my work history.

What other questions do you have? Email me at jeana@xtreme-assistant.com and I’ll get back to you.

Lower your overall operational costs and enhance
productivity by partnering with me today!

Read my personal story about why I chose to become a VA here.