What actually is a V.A?
- Sarah x
- Sep 10, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 15, 2024
So you keep hearing this term, VA.
But just what exactly is a VA?!?
If you're asking yourself the question - What the heck even is a VA? I totally get it!! A Virtual Assistant may be a totally new concept to you ... read on and I'll break it down for you and you never know ... it could be just what you need in your business!
So What is A VA?
A VA is short for Virtual Assistant, and no I'm not talking about the little round black box in your kitchen you ask "what is the weathers going to be like today?", set a timer or to remind you of your days appointments .. sure we could do that but we also offer so much more!
A VA or Virtual Assistant, is a (usually) remote freelance support, some who is there to step in when you need support, when you feel overwhelmed by a task, have a mountain of admin to get through or just need an extra pair of hands.
Taking those time heavy tasks off your plate, freeing up your and your teams time to focus on what you do best!
Neat right?
So What Does a VA do?
This is a pretty varied question and I could give you a wide variety of possibilities based on what industry and skill set each VA has ...
There are so many different types of VA’s that offer a wide variety of skills from …
Business support
Database creation and organisation
Email
File organisation
Recruitment
Creative assistance
Social Media
Blog Creation
Branding
Website Design
Administrative support
Email management
Letter writing
Minute taking
Research
Personal Assistance
Gift shopping
Travel Arrangements
Christmas card writing
Party organisation
…and soooo much more!
Ok, but you're here reading my blog so I'm guessing you are in the hospitality, event or wedding world! So, are you thinking...
"thats great Sarah but what tasks would someone
from a wedding venue outsource to a VA?"
Or,
"What tasks would I give a VA as a hotel manager?"
... I hear you!
Some of my most popular tasks are:
Social Media Support
Updating directory listings, brochures and reviews
Sending out and updating booking forms, invoices, menu tastings etc
Enquiries and Sales Journey Support
Reviewing insights and website traffic
You can find more of how I can help you specifically here;
☆ Wedding
☆ Hotels
Is Hiring a VA a Cost Effective Option?
Short answer - YES!
Because VA's work on as 'as needed' basis, a VA can save you money.
They are self employed and work remotely, therefore you do not have ANY of the office and employee overheads, no pension plans, no holiday payments and the bonus is you only need to use a VA for a few hours here and there to suit your requirements, rather than a minimum contract of an employee.
You can find out more about the costs of VA’s on another blog ...here.
That all sounds great but ....
Can I trust Someone Remotely to Work?
A VA is a business owner.
We love our businesses and the career paths we have selected- every VA has chosen to do what they love and selected their offering to mirror their skills and passion.
Someone once told me VA’s are basically
“organised workaholics”
which made me chuckle and totally sounds like me!!
They are efficient and understand time is valuable, therefore they want to provide you with the best service and maximum value. If something you ask isn’t in their wheelhouse, they will totally tell you and probably advise you of someone else they know that would be a perfect fit!
Just as you would trust your accountant with your finances, your VA is looking after your admin.
So; task specific and knowledgeable, none of the employee overhead or training and passionate about what they do …
Sounds like a Win – Win right?!
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