Have you ever overheard a particulary successful business person say something like this?
"I don't know what I'd do without Suzie, she's the glue that holds it all together."
A truly successful business person usually has a stellar assistant working behind the scene's to make everything run smoothly. They're more than just a secretary, they're skilled professionals who work hand-in-hand with their employer to achieve success for the business.
In today's technological world, more and more people are working from home. Professionals in every sector of business are striking out on their own. Small businesses are becoming the strongest revenue makers in many states. But small business often means home offices with no room for an additional employee.
Or perhaps your small business isn't a one man show, you have a few employees, and for the most part those employees are sufficient to handle the work load. But occassionally they become overwhelmed and although hiring an additional employee isn't feasible, you need the extra help.
Maybe you have a project or research that no one in your office has the time to do. Or no one knows how.
The solution to these problems is simple. A Virtual Assistant.
From small one time projects to ongoing support, a virtual assistant can fill the need in your business.
You may be wondering...
What's the difference between a Virtual Assistant and a Temp Service?
Unlike a temp service, virtual assistants have the knowledge and skills that come from experience in the business world. They are proven professionals. When you hire a temp, you never know who you're getting or what type of experience they may have.
And say you need the extra help on more than a one time basis? At a temp service you're not likely to get the same person twice. Temp services tend to be a temporary stopping point for people looking for full time work. With a virtual assistant, you have the security of knowing that you're working with the same person each time, that they know you and your business and strive to make it a success.
The fact is, you build a working relationship with your VA, just the same way you would with an regular employee. You won't get that with a temp service.
Do you think the cost of hiring a Virtual Assistant is too high?
Think again. When comparing the costs of a full time in-house professional employee being paid $20 an hour with the $35 an hour Virtual Assistant you need to remember several things. That in-house employee also requires that you pay FICA, Unemployment Insurance, Benefits, vacation pay and overtime. There is also the costs of maintaining an office, computer and other office equipment. It's estimated that if you add all of those things into the equation you're actually paying that employee $37 an hour. But that's not all. Now figure the number of hours you're paying this employee, somewhere around 2,080 hrs., not all of those spent working when you figure in breaks, socializing and trips to the restroom. That's a ballpark figure of $76,960.00 a year. Compare that to the Virtual Assistant, no need for fringe benefits and employee taxes and insurance since they are self employed. You pay only for the actual time spent working on your business, no vacations, no breaks, no water coolers. A Virtual Assistant has their own phone, computer, fax machine and printer. And let's say you contract with your VA for an average of 10 hours a week, that's 520 hours a year for a total cost of $18,200.00.
You're saving your business approximately $58, 760.00 a year. A Virtual Assistant is actually saving you money!
* (Statistics Source: Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA) Cost Comparison)
Statistics above are based on industry averages. Want to find out how much your business can save? Click here to use the Telecommuter Calculator. Use your BACK button to return to Clerical Advantage.**Note that calculator bases figures on a 40 hour work week for the telecommuter which is not always the scenario with a virtual assisant. Virtual Assistance savings will generally be higher. Convinced that a Virtual Assistant is just what you need?