Here is a business that is actually thriving on recession. Many businesses big and small no longer has a full time receptionist or administrator. Outsourcing has become a trend in an effort to reduce office overhead expenses. As a result, the virtual assistant is an option for many businesses.
A Virtual Assistant (typically abbreviated to VA, also called a virtual office assistant) is an entrepreneur who provides professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance to clients from a home office. With a full range of options to choose from, you can customize your remote receptionist service to meet your exact needs. Your calls can be screened, announced and seamlessly connected to you or your employees anywhere . They usually work for other small businesses, brokers and consultancy groups. It is estimated that there are as few as 5,000-8,000 or as many as 35,000 Virtual Assistants worldwide; the profession is growing in centralized economies with “fly-in, fly-out” staffing practices.
Common modes of communication and data delivery include the Internet, e-mail and phonecall conferences, online work spaces, and fax machine. Professionals in this business work on a contractual basis and a long-lasting cooperation is standard. Typically 5 years of administrative experience in an office is expected at such positions as executive assistant, office manager/supervisor, secretary, legal assistant, paralegal, legal secretary, real estate assistant, information technology, et cetera.
A virtual assistant business can be a stand-alone business or be a service offering along with shared office suites.
Related Articles:
Freelance from Home with a Virtual Assistant Business
Secrets to Starting your own Bookkeeping Business