What in the world is this website talking about?  What the heck is a “VA?”  And why in the world should I take notice?

According to the Virtual Assistant Networking Association:

"A Virtual Assistant (VA) is a highly trained independent entrepreneur who provides a myriad of business support services virtually by phone, fax and internet based technology to support and meet the growing needs of businesses worldwide.

Partnering with a VA reduces stress, protects cash flow, eliminates administrative hassles, and enables business people to find the success they originally set out to achieve."

In plain English, a virtual assistant takes over the menial tasks that you don’t have time to do, don’t know how to do, or simply don’t want to do.  And they do it all without the hassle of coming into your office.  They also work on a contractual basis, so you never have to worry about the incidental costs of hiring an employee, which add up so fast your head will spin.

There are many different kinds of virtual assistants.  There are individuals, small firms, and large firms.  They have a variety of specialties, from secretaries to bookkeepers to writers and designers.  And they have all levels of expertise.  Some have 25 years of experience in their field, and some are just getting started.  Some are not even in the same hemisphere as you are.

Hiring the right virtual assistant comes down to determining your needs, because there is undoubtedly a VA out there that will match them.  Look at the possibilities above.  Which ones matter to you?