To start with, what is a “Virtual Secretary“?
A virtual secretary is anyone who will work for a client, but from a far off location. For example, you might own a small (or large) business located in Dallas, and your virtual secretary works for you from his or her residence in Tucson. Or maybe a place outside the US … say, in Romania or the Philippines.
A virtual secretary (or “Virtual Executive Assistant“) could connect with her employer by lots of different methods: by online instant messaging, by phone, or through email. In addition, services such as Skype render it possible to communicate in real time by typing, voice (by using a headset), and even visually using a webcam… and without cost (with the exception of the small cost to purchase a web cam and headset).
A virtual secretary (often known as a virtual assistant, virtual executive assistant, or virtual office assistant) may execute practically any project as someone helping you in the room next to you, for instance:
data entry, placing orders, reports and spreadsheets, research, marketing, arranging travel, follow-up on invoices that are past due, handling support by email, email processing, formatting and sending newsletters, manage freelancers, mailing, planning events, managing your email, letter preparation, procedure documentation, live instant message support, taking phone calls, administrative work, phone support , data processing, schedule management, word processing, bookkeeping, human resources, transcription, order processing, setting up meetings, concierge services, customer follow-up, personal assistant tasks, appointment setup
Wow… now that’s one extensive list!
But what about brewing coffee or fetching your laundry? Sorry… the answer is no. If you expect an assistant to brew coffee for you, you’re out of luck (LOL).
Needless to say, if making coffee and picking up your dry cleaning are vital assignments you desire somebody else to carry out, then you can always employ someone close by. But then, why would you NOT simply get somebody in your area to begin with? Just just what is the benefit of employing a Virtual assistant at any rate?
Well, the benefits are several.
To begin with, she will provide a computer, workspace, furniture, office items, utilities, and communications equipment. You won’t have to invest in those accessories for her, neither will you have to have added working space for a virtual secretary.
For another, your virtual secretary might be happy to settle for a a bit lower pay, when you consider that she won’t have the expense or the hassle of transportation to and from a common “job.” It saves her time, cash, and frustration! As a result all things considered, she comes out ahead, whether or not she’s making less.
Hey, what person would not be satisfied with this type of set up?
But possibly the most important gain to using the services of a virtual secretary is to be able to capitalize on something called “Arbitrage.” Arbitrage, simply put, is the practice of taking advantage of price differences between two markets. For illustration, suppose you are located somewhere like New York City, where the living costs is extremely high (in comparison to the rest of the country) and your VA resides in a small community in Colorado, where the living costs is a way less. Since 10 bucks where she lives may pay for 2 times the amount of products and services as ten dollars in New York (and the may even be a conservative estimate), your VA will, again, be able to accept lower compensation than what you could have to pay a local employee.
But let’s say your virtual secretary resides another country altogether… for example, in India, Romania, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, or a different place where English is commonly spoken?
Now this is when the advantages really happen! The United States dollar stretches much farther in many other places as compared to in the United States. As an example, in the Philippines $50 buys a whole month’s of food. How much will $50 purchase in your town? In my town, you drop by the grocery, buy a couple of bags of food, give the cashier a couple 20s and a ten, she hands back a a few coins!
“But… ” as they say in the TV ads “hold on… there’s more!”
Utilizing arbitrage is only your first step. You’ll also avoid the cost… not to even mention the aggravation… of retirement contributions, payroll taxes, numerous IRS forms, providing health insurance, worker’s comp, social security taxes, as well as the countless legal demands connected with labor compliance laws. And, you aren’t going to need to use an accountant to do it!
Are you starting to notice the advantages?
If you own a business, and are stuck in the “Catch 22″ of desperately requiring assistance, but you’re not able to afford it… a virtual secretary could quite possibly be just what you need!
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