What is a virtual assistant?

What is a virtual assistant? WiredWrite.com founder Leeann Murphy gives her perspective on a way of working that's growing in popularity in the corporate world.

Virtual assistant is a trendy term to describe someone who is self-employed and works from home with minimal to no onsite contact with the company they provide expert administrative services to.

All services are provided via the internet through the wonders of technology.

Virtual assistants are typically highly trained, experienced professionals who, for whatever reason, have decided to step away for the day to day grind of commuting to the office. Most often, it's new mums who find the virtual assistant lifestyle suited to raising children, or perhaps they're like me - wanting to pursue other passions beyond a 9am – 5pm career. Whatever the reason, virtual assistants enjoy the rewards of meeting the needs of their clients, whilst deciding the hours they work to get the job done - whilst managing other life matters.

Other terms used to describe virtual assistants are telecommuters or online administrators. They can provide a range of services depending on their qualifications including writing, editing, design work, data entry, event management - all via the internet.

The benefits of contracting a virtual assistant are many:

• Taxes, training and insurances are the responsibility of the virtual assistant.
  
• Office supplies, office space and equipment are also the responsibility of the virtual assistant.
• You pay for the time spent on the task at hand, no downtime or distractions by other staff.
  
• As a self-employed business operator they understand the dedication and quality of work needed to make your business thrive.
• Virtual assistants are known to work anytime to get a job done – extending your business’s hours to meet deadlines.
• Having worked with a range of clients, a good virtual assistant will have great ideas for improving the operations of your business.

I became a virtual writer, similar to a virtual assistant (but focusing on writing services), when I decided base myself overseas to travel more. I am thankful that my company recognised my skills and wanted to retain them. They asked if I could be contracted to provide writing services when needed. I have been providing virtual writing services for over two years to the agency.

Of course, I cannot fulfil every duty I once did, as I am not permanently onsite. However, I am very grateful that I am able to remain involved in a sector that continues to fascinate and challenge me whilst pursuing my passion for travel. I am now one of their longest serving writers on their team and extend their hours of operation to meet deadlines, critic work and also share my expertise to develop new projects and staff. It's a win, win scenario for both of us.

Contact Leeann via www.wiredwrite.com for more information.