To quote my own website, a virtual assistant (VA) is a remote professional who provides administrative, creative, or technical assistance to businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals. They work remotely and use technology to communicate and collaborate with their clients.
So basically, it is what it sounds like.
I use the skill set I've spent years building in corporate to support businesspeople who don't have their own assistants, and I do it from home. My clients get the support they need without having to hire an employee and they only pay for my time when I'm doing work for them.
Here are just a few examples of what I do.
Proofreading. It's my absolute favorite task, so I always list it first. Microsoft Word has a great feature called Track Changes, and I use it to show my client my suggested edits. The edits can be accepted or declined, individually or all at once, so it's quite helpful to both of us.
Writing. Business emails and other correspondence, marketing materials and social media posts, website copy - I've done it all.
Research. I recently helped a client choose a new CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool for her business, researching several options and presenting them in the order in which they matched her requirements. I did all the legwork and saved her time and money.
Note taking and minutes. When you're in a virtual meeting, it can be hard to focus on the conversation or presentation (especially if it's yours) and take notes at the same time. I stay in the background, on mute, and capture the comments, questions and action points you don't want to miss.
I love what I do! I'm using skills I already have to help people grow their businesses, and I'm learning new skills and tools along the way. It's all great fun and very fulfilling. I'll be posting regularly on Facebook and LinkedIn and I'll also be sending a new email newsletter every month, so make sure you like, follow and subscribe!