What’s a virtual assistant (also known as a VA) and how can they help your business?

Though the number of virtual assistants in the UK is gradually increasing, there are still plenty of businesses and individuals who have never heard of them, or who aren’t entirely sure what they do. But it’s exactly those small businesses and sole traders who can most benefit from using a VA.

What is a Virtual Assistant?

A virtual assistant is a person who supports businesses remotely in a number ways. They can help with day-to-day business tasks such as general admin and email management. Or they can be more specialised, supporting businesses with anything from finance to social media, or SEO to course management.

Virtual assistants can also help in your personal life with diary management, holiday planning, and even watering your plants while you’re away!

Whatever you use a VA for, the idea is that they can help you save time, get more done, and fill knowledge gaps in your business.

Read more about virtual assistants and what they do. Or, even better, drop me a line for a no-obligation chat about how I can help your business specifically.

How to Start Outsourcing Work

Outsourcing your work for the first time can be a scary thing to do. Sometimes you’re worried that someone else won’t be able to do it right, or do it as well as you. Other times you might know that you want to get some support, but aren’t sure how to ask for it, or where to start.

Any virtual assistant, including myself, should be able to talk through your requirements, business (or personal) needs, and gaps in your work. Just bouncing around ideas with someone who understands can be incredibly helpful for getting started.

Some questions to ask yourself before you begin are:

1. What work do I do that someone else could easily do?
2. What work needs done that I can never get round to?
3. What skill do I lack that could really help my business?

Continue reading with one of the blogs below to find out more about virtual assistants, how they can help your business, and how to get started working with a VA.