Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Virtual Assistant?
- What services are offered by a Virtual Assistant?
- Why would I use a Virtual Assistant instead of a temp agency?
- What are the benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant as opposed to an employee?
- Who can benefit from using a Virtual Assistant?
- How much do Virtual Assistants charge?
- Do I need to use a local Virtual Assistant?
- How is the work sent and received?
- How do I keep in touch with my Virtual Assistant?
- What about confidentiality?
- Who are Virtual Assistants?
According to Wikipedia, a Virtual Assistant is "an independent contractor providing administrative, technical, or sometimes creative assistance to clients--usually to other independent entrepreneurs and solo and small business practices, such as that of a lawyer or realtor. Virtual assistants work from their own office (hence "virtual"), thus making it a fairly popular (and growing) profession. It is estimated that there are about 5,000-8,000 virtual assistants worldwide. Common modes of communication and data delivery include the Internet, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), and fax machine. Although the occupation gives a degree of independence, work is on a contractual basis, and a long-lasting cooperation is standard. [Back to Top]
What services are offered by a Virtual Assistant?Virtual Assistants offer a wide array of services including project management, contract administration, bookkeeping, desktop publishing, copywriting, Internet research, contact management, and transcription, to name a few. Please refer to Our Service Page to learn more about the services A Virtual Edge can offer. [Back to Top]
Why would I use a Virtual Assistant instead of a temp agency?The success of a Virtual Assistant is solely dependent on your success. We work with you, as opposed to for you. We have numerous years of experience in our field and possess well developed skill sets. [Back to Top]
What are the benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant as opposed to an employee?There are numerous benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant as opposed to an employee. There are none of the overhead costs typically associated with onsite employees, such as medical premiums, taxes, unemployment, and office space and equipment. You only pay for actual time worked, not for idle time, time spent on personal Internet and phone usage, vacation, holidays, or sick days. [Back to Top]
Who can benefit from using a Virtual Assistant?Nearly every industry can benefit from the support of a Virtual Assistant. Professionals we commonly service include consultants, small businesses, attorneys, executives, physicians, speakers, coaches, realtors/real estate agents, and web developers. [Back to Top]
How much do Virtual Assistants charge?Our prices vary depending on the complexity and the turnaround required. Our prices are well within industry standard and we offer various pricing structures custom tailored to your needs (i.e. hourly, per entry, per page, etc.). Monthly and weekly packages are available for clients with long term needs. Please contact us for more information or a custom quote. [Back to Top]
Do I need to use a local Virtual Assistant?Absolutely not. We are fully equipped with the latest technologies which enable us to service all your needs from our remote location. Work can be transmitted via email, fax, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), or overnight courier. [Back to Top]
How is the work sent and received?Work can be exchanged by means of email, fax, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), or overnight courier. All work is backed up should original electronic files ever become corrupt, accidentally deleted, or otherwise unobtainable. [Back to Top]
How do I keep in touch with my Virtual Assistant?Due to the virtual nature of our profession, we are able to utilize numerous methods of communication. Some ways in which you are able to communicate with our staff include telephone, email, Instant Messaging (IM), and online calendars. [Back to Top]
What about confidentiality?We assure you that the staff at A Virtual Edge operates by a strict code of business ethics. In addition, all sign confidentiality agreements prior to the commencement of work with each client. It is our promise to treat your business, clients, vendors, customers as we do our own. [Back to Top]
Who are Virtual Assistants?Most importantly, Virtual Assistants are entrepreneurs. We are not successful unless we help you, our client, to succeed. We come from various professional and personal backgrounds. We are mothers, fathers, retirees, and those simply sick of hours spent commuting (not to mention the damage to the environment). We are comprised of a group of highly motivated and skilled Legal Secretaries, Transcriptionists, Medical Coders & Billers, Executive Assistants, Bookkeepers, among many others. [Back to Top]