Highlight This!

Welcome Sharon & fellow blog hoppers. I am having a great time reading everyone’s blogs. Please make yourselves at home and take some time to look around. Here’s Sharon…

Thanks for inviting me to visit today, Meredith. I’m really enjoying my daily hops from blog to blog, and responding to questions about the virtual assistant industry. I must say, I love your company name. After we’ve concluded our conversation about the VA industry, please share how you chose it. I’m sure it’s an interesting story. But first, let’s talk a bit about virtual assisting.

1. How can someone save money by hiring a VA when the hourly rates VAs charge are higher then the hourly rate I would pay an employee?

Actually, when you add it all up, you are not paying a VA more than you pay an employee. When you consider the hidden costs associated with retaining the services of a full-time employee, it makes business sense, financially, to retain the services of a professional Virtual Assistant. Here’s a simple salary comparison breakdown provided by the US Chamber of Commerce to illustrate this point.

As you can see, retaining the services of a virtual assistant can result in tremendous financial savings. Remember, you are only paying for time on task, retaining the services of an admin expert requiring little or no training, and due to the tremendous cost savings, can increase your financial reserves for marketing, client services or to take a much needed vacation.

2. How Does One Celebrate International Virtual Assistant Day? Do I need to buy my VA a gift?  Where can I find greeting cards for the occasion?

Interesting question, and yes, gifts are nice! Virtual Assistants celebrate by attending the official online ceremony (May 18, 2007 5:30 pm-7:30 pm, DST, New York) where winners of the Thomas J. Leonard Virtual Assistant of Distinction Award and Janet Jordan Achievement Award are announced and prizes distributed. Throughout the day, business owners submit VA testimonials describing why they appreciate their VA. On an individual basis, entrepreneurs may show their appreciation by offering a bonus, making additional referrals, sending gifts, etc. in acknowledgment of the day.

I’m not sure the greeting card industry is aware of IVAD. Next year, who knows! However, I am sure traditional congratulatory messages on greeting cards would be appreciated. And, you may inscribe a personal message when sending web-based cards. Personalized cards may also be found at Send Out Cards, an online card design and ordering company. (Personally, I am *addicted* to Send Out Cards — if you want to try it out (and enter to win a $10 Starbucks gift certificate - go to my Card Mama site.

3. What kinds of people decide to become VAs?

It’s very difficult to classify virtual assistants, as many are introverts as well as extroverts. Some enjoy working behind the scenes, supporting and contributing to a select number of clients’ business growth. Others, while supporting entrepreneurs, desire a larger client base and retain services of other VAs to assist in providing administrative support services. In either scenario, the VA is always passionate about providing professional administrative support to clients, regardless of geographic location.

4. What are some of the more unusual services provided by VAs?

Unusual? That depends on client needs, imagination and industry. However, one of the most unusual I’ve heard of relate to event management. The client chose an unusual conference theme, and wanted the formal dinner, and all information, promos, gifts, etc. associated with the theme. The VA had to literally research hundreds of specialty/novelty providers and then negotiate reduced pricing to stock the event. Now, traditionally conducting research isn’t difficult or unusual – but looking for items related to car racing grannies – that’s different!

5. How can I work with a VA to make my business more successful?

The key to a successful business relationship is communication.

· Present your needs clearly and ensure the VA understands.

· Plan and attend regularly scheduled meetings to review assignment progress and implementation.

· Keep your VA aware of shifting priorities, so that she may plan accordingly.

· Be willing to accept input, suggestions and feedback from your VA, as she is your administrative expert. She may recommend solutions to streamline operations and eventually save money.

I know, this was a brief visit today. I’ve OIVAC planning meetings to attend. But, I can’t depart without leaving clue number 10: (#10) glhlecnsae. Gillian of Fit for Business blog asked very interesting questions yesterday. Your questions were unusual, too. I wonder what Lori of Davis VAs has in store for tomorrow. See you then.

About Sharon Williams
Sharon is the Chairperson of the Alliance for Virtual Businesses and OIVAC, and president of The 24 Hour Secretary an administrative, secretarial and internet-based marketing support services company. She is the 2006 recipient of the Thomas Leonard International Virtual Assistant of Distinction Award and co-founder of Virtual Business University an e-learning environment for entrepreneurs willing to step towards their greatness.

Sharon — I chose yellow highlighter simply because I love office supplies! Actually, the name struck me while I was highlighting a document for someone. At any rate, it will be easy to come up with great promo items