Richins Business Support Solutions

A Virtual Assistant (VA) is a service provder who specializes in providing administrative support services and works with clients in an ongoing, collaborative professional relationship.

Virtual Assistants are business owners who work from their own offices and utilize today's technology to deliver their services and communicate with clients.

The Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce defines a VA as:

A Virtual Assistant (or VA) is a service provider who specializes in providing administrative support services and works with clients in an ongoing, collaborative professional relationship.

Virtual Assistants are business owners who work from their own offices and utilize today's technology to deliver their services and communicate with clients.

A Virtual Assistant's support is foundationally administrative, secretarial and clerical in nature. However, many Virtual Assistants offer additional specialties that fall under creative and technical services.

Virtual Assistants come from a variety of business backgrounds, but the single-most important qualification to become a Virtual Assistant is at least five (5) years administrative experience earned in the real (non-virtual) business world working in upper level capacities such as administrative assistant, executive assistant, secretary, legal assistant, paralegal, legal secretary, real estate assistant, office manager, etc.

From this level of experience, a VA is expected to possess the skill sets, training and business knowledge which are the hallmark of a truly qualified Virtual Assistant.

VAs, like many of their clients, are business owners themselves; they own and operate their virtual company. Often, a VA will become a behind-the-scenes partner with their clients, handling such tasks as administrative support, bookkeeping, scheduling etc.

What services are offered by Virtual Assistants (VAs)?
VAs offer a wide variety of services, such as word processing, correspondence, secretarial services, accounting services, financial statements, travel arrangements, research, invoicing and more.

Who Uses Virtual Assistants?

Small business and entrepreneurs
Professional speakers
Business or personal coaches
Authors
Businesses that can’t or don’t want to hire a “full-time employee”
Businesses that have occasional projects requiring a professional
People who desire more time to concentrate on business activities they enjoy
Progressive businesses that want to make smart choices

What are the benefits of using a Virtual Assistant?

You pay only for “time on task” – there are no payroll expenses, no paid vacation time, no benefits, no bonuses or other employee expenses.
Your VA will help you stay focused and on schedule – freeing up your time to concentrate on building your business.
There is no need to purchase additional office equipment, furniture or computers. Your VA has her own office.
You are not limited to the usual 9 to 5 office hours. Most virtual assistants keep very flexible schedules.
Your VA will work with no supervision. You can count on having your tasks completed on time every time.
Your VA is available to handle a wide variety of tasks from scheduling to event planning.
Why would I use a Virtual Assistant (VA) instead of a temp agency?

Unlike with a temp agency, your VA works for YOU.
Typically a VA has several years of experience in his or her field.
A VA's goal is to help your company grow.
Beyond that, VAs have a vested interest in your success. When you succeed, we succeed.
You can use the same VA for all of your needs. With a temp agency you may get a different temp each time you request the agency's help.
With a VA you are able to develop a long-term working relationship.

Does my Virtual Assistant need to be located in my area?
No. The beauty of your assistant being "virtual" is that location doesn't impact her ability to do her job. The work is distributed via email, fax, telephone or in some cases mail or delivery services. The location of your business or the location of your VA has no impact on the services that are available to you. If your company relocates, we simply relocate with you! There will be no need to recruit, hire and train a new employee. This can be a great cost-saving benefit to you or your company!

One of the wonderful benefits of working with a VA is that the relationship is tailored to fit your needs.