Virtual Assistant FAQs
HIRING A VA
What is a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant is an independent contractor who provides administrative services to you while operating outside of your office. He/she typically operates from their home office but can access the necessary planning documents, such as shared calendars, remotely.
What types of services can my VA offer?
Typical tasks a virtual assistant might perform include scheduling appointments, making phone calls, making travel arrangements and managing email accounts. Some virtual assistants specialize in offering graphic design, blog writing, bookkeeping, social media and marketing services.
How long is my contract?
We ask that you commit to at least 90 days to give the idea and partnership a chance to really take hold.
Can I cancel at any time?
As long as you give us some notice.
How much does it cost?
Packages are affordable and priced at every level. We offer packages as low as 20 hours/month up to 160 hours/month. We customize to fit your needs.
How do I know I can trust my VA with confidential or personal information?
All of our virtual assistants are fully vetted, tested and have completed background checks to ensure they are qualified and safe to trust working in your business. Furthermore, our VAs sign a confidentiality agreement for us and can sign one for you as well.
How do I know that my VA can do what I need them to do?
Our thorough vetting process of both our clients and our independent contractors ensures that you are paired with the best possible match based on skills, needs and personality.
What are the benefits of using a VA?
Hiring a virtual assistant gives you the flexibility to contract for just the services you need. Because a virtual assistant is an independent contractor, you do not have to provide the same benefits or pay the same taxes that it would for a full-time employee. Also, since the virtual assistant works offsite, there is no need for a desk or other workspace at your office. A virtual assistant is expected to pay for and provide their own computer equipment, commonly used software programs and high-speed Internet service. Hiring a virtual assistant can help you free up valuable hours to focus on growing your business and generate revenue. It can be easier and more cost-effective to outsource tasks that are tedious and time-consuming to someone who is skilled at them.
How do we communicate and work together?
We encourage Zoom or Skype calls regularly to keep the working relationship strong and feel personal. We also encourage you to text, call or email as often as possible. If your company uses a VPN to connect to your network, we suggest you to allow your virtual assistant access so they can communicate confidentially and securely.
What if I'm not happy with my current VA?
We do our best to make sure things like this don't happen but sometimes as much as we'd like, things just don't work out. We have put systems in place to check in regularly with both you and your virtual assistant. If we anticipate an issue, we address it before it becomes a concern. If we aren't able to resolve it, we start the matching process over. But don't worry, we have contingency plans in place to make sure you're not left in the cold while you await a new match! The best part is that there is no fee for you to start the matching process over.
Becoming a VA
Where is the job located?
This job can be done from the comfort of your own home office anywhere in the United States. (Unfortunately, we are not accepting applicants in California, Montana, New Jersey, New York or and Pennsylvania.)
What happens after I submit my application?
We will review your application and if we think you are a fit, we will send you a link to begin the testing process. If you pass the first level of testing, we will set up a video interview and go from there.
How many hours will I be working?
The hours you work are based on your availability and the client’s needs. We do our best to make a match that works well for both parties.
What hours do I need to be available?
That depends on your client's needs. However, we do ask that you are available during standard business hours Monday – Friday as this is not an overnight role.
How do I keep track of my hours?
Through an online tracking system of your choice, such as Toggl, Clockify or TSheets.
Can I do this part-time?
Absolutely! We also have full-time opportunities available as well!
How much does the position pay?
We do not believe in a “one-size fits all” model anywhere in our business–that includes you! Your rate of pay is based on a variety of factors such as experience, and skill level. We know what you're worth and we make sure you are paid for it!
What does it mean to be an independent contractor? A (1099) employee.
When you join our team, you are contracted to provide services to us and your clients as a non-employee. As a result, you must pay your own Social Security and Medicare taxes, you are subject to self-employment tax and do not have things such as healthcare insurance, worker's comp or paid time off. The benefits include being independent, possibly paying lower income taxes and you may earn more money than an employee.
What skills do I need?
If you have ever worked in an office as a secretary or administrative assistant, you possess the basic skills to become a virtual assistant. If you are an expert in a field such as project management, social media management, graphic design or website design, you might be a fit for one of our clients as well. The opportunities are endless!
How do I find my clients?
You don't, we do! Our thorough vetting process of both our clients and our independent contractors ensures that you are paired with the best possible match based on skills and personality. And yes, you may have more than one client at a time!