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With the recession causing many job redundancies, there has never been a better time to hire a Virtual Assistant, than right now.
Even though many small businesses and large corporations have been forced to reduce their on-site staff numbers, doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to be done. The trick is to make the most of remaining employees and to reduce costs by outsourcing wherever possible. That’s where a Virtual Assistant steps in.
Virtual Assistant’s can dramatically help almost any business grow, create marketplace competition and contribute to keeping companies afloat. Business savvy companies will be ready, waiting and already placed ahead of their competitors when the economy starts to pick up again. Enlisting the support of a Virtual Assistant now can increase a company’s resilience ensuring they come out the other side unscathed.
Marion Jackson, owner and operator of Auckland based company, ‘My Virtual Assistant’, says: “The online solution is a popular and fast growing trend, what with things like virtual supermarket shopping, travel reservations and banking already being an acceptable and practical part of our daily lives. So it makes sense that it should be a relevant part of our business world, too.”
Many Virtual Assistant’s (commonly known as VA’s) started out as corporate professionals, having spent a number of years working in the ‘real’ world and were looking for a flexible work-from-home solution. However, the Virtual Assistant industry in New Zealand is becoming a thriving, extremely valuable and very affordable resource for companies feeling the pinch in these uncertain times.
Not only can a company save significant costs when working with a Virtual Assistant, they will also find that VA’s are efficient, knowledgeable, experienced, very dedicated and highly motivated people. Because VA’s run their own businesses, they want to do a great job for their clients. Neither the location of a company or a VA is a barrier, because everything can be done online.
For more information, visit www.myvirtualassistant.co.nz
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Comments
You are absolutely right, my
You are absolutely right, my phone hasn't stopped ringing since the first of the year. This is the BEST time to consider working with a Virtual Assistant.
There are many options to consider. In fact, some of my clients in the US enjoy using Australian VAs because of the time difference - they get the VA a project by close of business and in many cases it's in their inbox the next morning.
We really have come of age - the industry is booming and there are experts out there that have the professional skills to keep you looking good.
For anyone interested in my 10-Step Guide to Finding the right VA, just send me an email (it's FREE) - jeannine@accbizsvcs.com or http://www.Accbizsvcs.com
Again, great information - thanks for sharing.
There is still tremendous
There is still tremendous potential in the market I believe. Advisers and consultants have thrived in the "real" offline world for a long time, and it makes perfect sense to also offer online services in the same way. Shopping for example, would be ideal for a virtual assistant as he or she knows how to find high quality products online from a reliable retailer.
The main issue would be to how to find a trusted virtual assistant. Are there market places for virtual assistants where one can check previous work and recommendations?
As yet, New Zealand doesn't
As yet, New Zealand doesn't have a Virtual Assistant association.
Most VA websites have a testimonial or customer feedback page where you will find comments from their clients. Most of these clients would be open to providing a verbal reference for that particular VA.
Marion Jackson
My Virtual Assistant
www.myvirtualassistant.co.nz
I agree, most VA's should
I agree, most VA's should have testimonials, or provide prospects with references. You can also look to trusted industry websites that offer a connection to member VAs - three that come to mind are:
www.IVAA.org (this is our International association members are worldwide)
www.Allianceforvirtualbiz.com
www.vanetworking.com
I agree with your
I agree with your viewpoints. However it is helpful to some businesses new at this to refer to some tricks on how to cut their risk with a VA. In a nutshell short periods of iterations and trials throughout the hiring process. Read more here: http://bit.ly/WeLQ1
I respectfully disagree with
I respectfully disagree with several of traffichoney's points. First, as with any outsourcing situation, building a relationship with your independent contractor is vital. You are giving them information about your company of a confidential nature. The traditional, 'know - like - and trust' must be developed, before or during the relationship in order for this to be a good partnership.
If you require 'English-speaking' (American or other)support, in some cases, those who are providers where English is a second language, might create additional challenges in proper grammar and language skills required to complete the task. While there are some who feel they benefit from the lower cost basis that can be given, the rework and re-formatting can become extremely costly. Remember, this is a reflection of the client's business. How do they want to be professionally perceived?
To suggest it would be better to work with a company that had a 'couple hundred employees' really defeats the purpose. Part of the advantage of using a VA is that you avoid the costs associated with on-site employees - taxes, benefits, insurance, etc., and pay only for time on task. Working with a company, rather than an individual requires that these 'employee' costs and benefits be passed along to the client - thereby raising the cost of doing business.
And while I agree that the VA you work with should have a clause in their contract allowing the flexibility to 'cut your losses fast' and transition away from them should the partnership not work out, it still takes some time to develop a relationship and find out if your business style and ethics are shared by the VA you've chosen.
Rather, I'd suggest giving several VAs a test project (in some cases, the same project would be helpful) to see who will yield the best results. It's pretty easy to 'cut your losses' with a VA, as you can simply stop giving them work - easy, right? By flitting around to numerous VAs YOU could be looked upon as an undesirable option.
VAs are entrepreneurs, too. They choose who they will and won't do business with. Treating them with the same respect as you would any other independent contractor is the best way to build a solid relationship that develops the right relationship to help increase your success.
Truth be told, providing the services are really just the cake, helping you grow your business and being more successful is the icing. Win - Win - Win!