Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant is a worker who performs tasks normally handled by an on-site secretary bookkeeper or administrative assistant
They provide professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance to clients from a home office
Virtual Assistants are first and foremost administrative experts. Virtual Assistants sometimes offer additional, separate specialties that fall under creative and/or technical services
They usually use online communication channels, such as phone, e-mail, fax, to deliver their services to clients thus operating as Online Virtual Assistants.
The practice of working and communicating with others from a home office or other remote location is called telecommuting
A worker who telecommutes shares information with clients or coworkers using internet or intranet
They usually use online communication channels, such as phone, e-mail, fax, to deliver their services to clients thus operating as Online Virtual Assistants
These workers may work in virtual offices, mobile offices, or home offices
The term virtual office describes something that has a conceptual form but no physical form that you can see or touch
Virtual assistants do not require on-site office space and are usually paid only for the hours they work
mobile offices are very much like traditional offices, but they are temporary
Another type of mobile office is the nonterritorial workspace
Nonterritorial workspaces are available on an assignment basis. They are not assigned to a specific person or task
The use of nonterritorial workspace is sometimes referred to as hoteling
Hoteling is assigning temporary office workspace to workers as needed
Home Office:
A space within a person’s home that is used to perform office tasks is referred to as a home office
Many people who work in home offices are self-employed. Such persons are often called freelancers
Freelancers are independent contractors who work for others, usually on a project-by-project basis
Who can use Virtual Assistants?
Almost any type of business industry can benefit from working with a VA. 
Some industries have embraced the concept and are widely using VAs while others are bound by "tradition"
Industries or businesses that truly work well with VAs are: 
Real Estate Agents/Realtors
Insurance Agents
Physicians
Speakers, Coaches
Independent Professionals
Contractors
Entertainment Industry
Marketing Consultants
Web Based Businesses
Startup or Small Businesses
Telecommuters
Attorneys
Consultant
Virtual Assistant vs. Employee
No employee-related taxes, paperwork, insurance, or benefits.
No extra office space or equipment costs.
You only pay for "Time on Task" or by project.
The ability to stay on schedule.
Extra staff during seasonal or peak activity time.
Support on as needed basis, with fast turnaround time.
Weekend and evening assistance available
Duties and Responsibilities
1.Making travel arrangements, accounting, researching insurance options, buying furniture, or supplies.
2.Providing administrative, bookkeeping and personal support and specialised business services.
3.Providing services, such as graphic and website design, offline and online marketing and promotion, website maintenance.
4.Rendering services like data entry, accounting, desktop publishing, bookkeeping, PowerPoint or Prezi presentations.
5.Delivering writing, researching, and editing services as well as secretarial services.
6.Providing consulting, coaching, technical, estate agency, or customer service support.
7.Operating basic equipment’s, such as computer, modem, printer, fax machine, scanner, and copier.
8.Pursuing personal development of knowledge and skills required for the efficient performance of the job role.
9.Communicating and liaising in writing and verbally between suppliers, customers, visitors, enquirers, or relevant staff.
Skills and Specifications
Impressive telephone etiquette.
Great communication skills as well as ability to work with others in close manner.
Exceptional computer skills, good organising and planning skills.
Ability to understand, and execute complex written and verbal instructions.
Able to maintain customer confidentiality.
Able to react effectively and calmly in emergencies.
Able to deliver excellent customer service, externally and internally.
Should work under rigorous pressure and meet close deadlines
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