What Can Virtual Assistant Do for My Business?

Virtual assistant is defined by work that she does. But what is it exactly that virtual assitants do? I keep coming across discussions attempting to define the profession. There are basically two definitions:

One is by AssistU – an online VA traning program for admin support professionals – that limits the scope of virtual assistant’s duties to purely administrative and personal ones. According to AssistU, virtual assistant provides ”administrative and personal support, across the board, in long-term and collaborative relationships… without being geographically present in the client’s location.” They further state that creative and technical services, such as consulting, web design, etc., should not be considered a part of VA description.

A second definition, by IVAA – International Virtual Assistants Association – is more inclusive. It defines a virtual assistant as “an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative and/or technical services. Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in his/her area of expertise from his/her own office on a contractual basis.”

The reality of it is many VAs offer a wide range of services that cross over from purely administrative into technical, creative, and even (hold your breath) consulting ones.

Is it possible to build a thriving VA business offering only administrative services? Probably. But you know, so many small businesses now are looking for a more holistic approach to their back-office needs. And where do you draw a line?

Luckily, the post on Buzzoddle talks about the difference between task-oriented and strategy-oriented VAs.  It hits the nail squarely on the head by noting that some VAs are task-oriented while others are strategists. And yes, there is enough for both types to be busy with.

Technorati Tags: virtual assistant,  IVAA,  internet marketing virtual assistant,  outsourcing

Related posts:

1. 9 Benefits of Working with Virtual Assistant
2. 9 More Ways Virtual Assistant Can Help Market Your Business
3. Virtual Assistant – Generalist or Specialist