What exactly is a virtual assistant?
A virtual assistant is someone who provides a variety of support services to businesses. Theoretically they are just like a regular employee and can complete all the same tasks that your staff would do.
The only difference is that they work from a location remote to the business.
Should my business use one?
As we get further and further into the internet age, more businesses are adopting online tools, cloud based working, and sharing platforms that allow them to save time and improve on old systems. These tools make hiring a virtual assistant easier than ever, as you can easily connect with them online, share files, and work together without actually needing to be in the same place. In addition, because virtual assistants normally operate from home, businesses do not need to create a physical workspace for them at the office, therefore saving on operational costs.
Virtual assistants are also very flexible, which opens up even more opportunities. For example, a business can hire a virtual assistant for only the time period they need, with a particular set of services and / or tasks agreed upon before they engage their services.
Is virtual their only way of working?
As the name suggests, virtual assistants do not normally work at the business. However, because of their flexible style of working, many virtual assistants are not limited to only working remotely.
If required, an agreement can be made between the business and virtual assistant to perform tasks onsite. This is useful for businesses who need an extra set of hands in the office during a particularly busy period, or for specific projects. As long as the organisation can provide space for the virtual assistance, they can easily come into the office to conduct their duties just like an employee.
If you think a virtual assistant would be of use to your business, consider DS Virtual Solutions. The virtual HR support and administrative service that provides everything you did not even realise you needed.
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