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Valerie Garner
Sedro Woolley WA 98284

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Virtual Assistants in the Market Place

Virtual assistants provide administrative support services to businesses that need the skills of an administrative office assistant, without the expense of having to offer retirement plan benefits, office space, office equipment (this is provided by the virtual assistant) paid holiday and vacation time, bonuses, and health or dental insurance. It can lead one to wonder, does a virtual office exist? In fact, hiring a virtual office assistant can greatly reduce the overhead cost of a business. 

Many virtual assistants were formerly, or may even be current, administrative assistants, secretaries, executive assistants or office managers who have worked in the corporate environment. Many are proficient at Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Word. Some are responsible for scheduling meetings, travel arrangements, or events. Some have also done freelance writing to earn extra income, so they may bring a wide variety of skill sets to the position. 

Who hires virtual assistants? Many do, for example churches, families restaurant owners, individuals, executives, home based business owners, other virtual assistants who need to outsource some of their work, power e-bay sellers, authors who seek ghostwriters or article writers, even some celebrities reap the rewards of working with a virtual assistant. 

What kind of equipment is needed to do this as a career? A newer computer having the entire Microsoft suite installed, Adobe Acrobat, current, with anti virus software to start out. Other programs or applications may need needed as well, depending on the services that person will provide to clients. If graphic design happens to be your thing, you might have Adobe Photoshop, Lightworks, Dreamweaver or Fireworks plus a few other programs installed on your computer.

A laptop is recommended because it is portable, you can set up your system, having all your files and tools handy, to work on your client's manuscripts, sort through their emails or provide other tasks, that needs your attention while away from home. Technology systems have made it feasible for virtual assistants to work for clients worldwide. It is an amazing to learn that someone in California may begin their day by checking email for someone in China, or vice versa. 

Virtual assistants operate their businesses professionally out of their homes, while keeping confidentiality with their clients, promoting strong work relationships, and helping other virtual assistants. They allow small business owners to focus their time on their main business objectives, without getting entangled by the never ending administrative tasks that goes hand in hand with business. In short, its good time management, and overall good business practice.

ODesk is also a great resource for both getting virtual assistant work, or hiring one.  Check out that resource in your search as well.

By Valerie Garner