What is a Virtual Assistant?
Virtual Assistants are business owners who offer a variety of remote services to small and medium sized businesses, consultants and entrepreneurs.
The services they offer can vary considerably depending on the VA in question, but generally they include administrative, technical and creative tasks.
Fun fact: No two Virtual Assistants are the same!
Although we all fall under the same umbrella of freelance business support providers, many of us have different titles and we all offer a different selection of services.
The reason for the huge number of different job titles used within the VA industry is because the term ‘Virtual Assistant’ is technically an industry, not simply a title.
It makes sense for those VAs just starting out to use it as a job title initially, but we find that once they have chosen a niche/speciality service or industry they want to work in, their job title is tweaked accordingly.
So whether we call ourselves a VA, Online Business Manger, Bookkeeper, Website Designer, Automation Queen, Podcast Manager, Digital Marketer, Kajabi Boss, Social Media Content Creator, Tradesperson Assistant … we are all part of the same amazing VA Community.
And if that doesn’t make things tricky enough, we can’t forget to mention that although traditionally Virtual Assistants have been known to only work remotely, nowadays it’s not uncommon to find a few that are more than happy to pop into your office occasionally to provide that in-person assistance some of you crave.
Tasks you can outsource to a VA
It really does depend on each unique Virtual Assistant. Some VAs offer a wide range of services, whereas others have niched down to only offering one or two.
Examples are:
Administration, Typing, Transcription, Data Entry, Minute taking, Diary Management, Travel and accommodation bookings, Inbox management, Newsletters, Call minding, Personal assistance, Content creation, Blog writing, Reporting writing, Bookkeeping, GST, Payroll, Taxes, Website design, Website management, SEO, Graphic design, Branding, Systems & processes, Social media, Digital marketing, Project management, Event management, Sales …. can I stop now?
Bottom line - if you have a task that has anything to do with setting up or running your business then chances are you’ll be able to find a Virtual Assistant that can help you do it.
Just call us office superheroes …
Superheroes that help you banish procrastination and who tackle giant To Do lists in a single leap (possibly thanks to a few cups of coffee).
And they make it super easy for you!
Simply send out a signal for help and a Virtual Assistant will fling on a cape before coming to your rescue.
And when they’re done … she (or he!) will disappear mysteriously back to the cave with your completed To Do list being the only evidence of their existence (oh, that and your invoice of course - we’re superheroes that charge).
Looking for flexible? Just wait till you see how flexible VAs are!
One of the best parts of outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant is that you can use them as often - or as little - as you need.
You don't have to have 3 hours of of work per day on a weekly basis to give them.
You don't have to be locked into a regular monthly contract with no flexibility.
VAs are here to add value to your business - not make things harder. Which means most VAs have casual hourly rates. So, if you only have 1 hour of work per week now and then to hand over ... that's cool!
If your selection of jobs you'd like assistance with has no rhyme or reason - it's a just little bit of everything whenever you happen to think of it ... that's cool too!
The uncomfortable money conversation …
If you’re here to find out more about what hiring a VA actually entails, you’re probably wanting to know what to expect to be charged.
Most VAs have a casual hourly rate as well as packages of hours that can be purchased each month (which brings the casual hourly rate down). There are also some who specialise in certain jobs (e.g. website design or social media management) who will have their own range of service packages available.
If you’ve done your research you will have found that here in NZ there are VAs available to hire at ALL price points (anywhere from $30 - $80 per hour). But when you start digging deeper you’ll probably find their rates are directly linked to their level of skill and experience.
Do your research, see what skill set and experience you'll be paying for. Asking for examples of work will help with this.
And pleeeeeease remember … you’re not just paying for an hour of your VA’s time, you’re paying for all the knowledge and experience and skills they bring with them to that hour.
Why you should hire a VA
The biggest benefit of hiring a virtual assistant is the amount of cold hard cash you save.
But how does paying a VA actually SAVE me money?!
Because there is no need for you to provide them with office space or equipment.
Because you only hire them when you need them, thus you are not paying a full time employee.
Because you don’t pay for sick or holiday pay.
Because they often bring additional skills and knowledge into to your business.
If you are sick of trying to do it alone, if you’re tired of drowning in detail, if you’re desperate to find the time and energy to focus on scaling and growing your business … then hire a VA. Simple.
How to find these mythical “VA” creatures?
The Virtual Assistant Network NZ has made it really easy for New Zealand based business owners to find a great-fit, local freelancer to outsource to.
Simply head over to our online directory and search for a VA via their location and/or services they provide.
Or if you’re a busy business owner who just doesn’t have the time (or inclination) to search yourself, then take advantage of our VA ‘Matchmaking’ service :)
You’re welcome New Zealand!
A bit about the Author
When not looking after her young family, Sam from My Girl Friday can be found hard at work running her freelance Virtual Assistant business as well as coordinating the 400+ members of the Virtual Assistant Network NZ that she is the very proud founder of.
Passionate about the success and well-being of VAs across New Zealand, Sam loves nothing more than spreading the message of ‘Community over competition’.
And her favourite service she provides to her clients? Easy. Designing Squarespace websites and getting their branding looking professional, eye-catching and most importantly - authentic.