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What is a Virtual Assistant? Got One? Need One?

What is a Virtual Assistant?  Provides administrative and creative services to businesses and individuals…  A highly skilled, professional, independent contractor who…  Assignments are typically communicated by , regular mail, voice mail, fax, and phone.  On an as-needed basis, from an off-site location, using the high- technology tools of today.

Virtual Assistant occasional Using the services of a Virtual Assistant (“VA”) is an ideal, alternative staffing option for anyone who needs occasional administrative support.

The Ideal Staffing Solution  Emerging small businesses  Working professionals  Home-based entrepreneurs  Companies that are downsizing when needed…only when needed… The way business is conducted today has changed greatly with the advances in technology. Now expert support is available when needed… and only when needed… without the need for additional office space and equipment or the issues associated with hiring employees, such as employee benefits. Virtual Assistant A Virtual Assistant is an ideal, alternative staffing solution for:

Consider The Benefits

 You pay only for actual working time.  No employee benefits are provided.  No time is wasted for breaks or personal business.  A VA handles your seasonal or periodic projects.  A VA helps when your current staff gets overloaded.  A VA helps you stay on track and on schedule.  A VA is a sounding board, if you need one.  A VA develops an ongoing, collaborative, working relationship with you.  There’s no need to buy additional computer or office equipment.  No computer training is needed.  No extra office space is required or extra rent to pay. Virtual Assistant Benefits

Versus...

 You must pay employer payroll taxes.  You must comply with local, state, and federal requirements.  You may have to provide medical, dental, and/or vision care benefits.  You may have to provide vacation, sick time, and holiday pay.  You may have to offer benefits such as 401k and retirement plans.  You may have to administer or hire someone to administer the above. Employee / Employer Obligations  You must comply with laws regarding working hours, sexual harassment, vacation time, sick time, leaves of absence, holidays, benefits, performance reviews, grievances, terminations, substance abuse, and training.  Hiring and then laying off or firing employees can lead to the unpleasant experience of a possible lawsuit and an increase in your unemployment insurance.

Virtual Assistant/Client Relationships Virtual Assistants develop ongoing, collaborative working relationships with their clients and, in a sense, they become business partners with shared goals, objectives, and expectations. As small business owners themselves, VAs not only have a vested interest in making sure their clients ’ businesses are growing, they have a better understanding of the small business arena than either permanent staff or temporary employees.

The Ideal Client  Clearly defines goals as well as time and financial restraints.  Communicates expectations and requirements clearly and concisely.  Freely shares all information that is necessary to complete the project.  Ensures availability to answer questions.  Plans ahead to help meet deadlines.  Takes appropriate action to help the VA do an outstanding job.  Expresses concerns and voices criticisms constructively.  Respects the VA ’ s areas of expertise.  Provides feedback.

Virtual Assistant Rates  Statistics show that EMPLOYEES actually cost 2 to 2½ times their rate of pay when full costs are added: FICA, Medicare, workers comp, administrative costs, recruitment, base salary, vacation, benefits, office space, furnishings, equipment, etc.  VAs generally charge by the hour.  Studies show that home-based workers are significantly more productive than office-based personnel.  Rates range from $20-$50+ per hour depending on the expertise required and nature of project. VAs are SPECIALISTS.  VAs are business owners with related overhead and operating expenses.

Quality is Remembered... Long After Price is Forgotten.

Today the Question may be… Tomorrow the Question will be… What What is a Virtual Assistant? Who is Your Your Virtual Assistant?

Joanne Lain, Virtual Assistant? JoLain Virtual Assistant Services  Founder and owner of JoLain Virtual Assistant Services  Seasoned office professional with over 35 years of administrative support and administrative management experience  Detailed, analytical, and creative problem solver, with a deep respect for client privacy and confidentiality  Graduate of St. Francis University (Pennsylvania) with a B.S. Degree in Education  Former elementary school teacher  Former volunteer animal handler at Mote Marine ’ s Dolphin & Whale Rehabilitation Hospital (Sarasota)  Save Our Seabirds Volunteer (Sarasota)  Resident of Bradenton, Florida Who is…

Professional & Trade Associations Member International Virtual Assistants Association Member Southeastern Virtual Assistants Group

 Creative Document Production  Writing, Editing, Proofreading  Special Project Coordination  Database Management  Executive and Personal Assistant Services  Event Planning Specializing in:

Other Available Services  Data Entry  Research  Reports & Presentations  Brochure & Flyer Design  Mail Merge  Press Releases  Forms Development  Spreadsheets  Correspondence  Marketing Support

Representative Industry Experience  Investment Banking  Real Estate Developer  Chamber of Commerce  Management Consulting  Medical Communications  University Medical School  Community Hospital  Computer Consulting  Health Maintenance Organization  Business Consulting  Professional Associations and Clubs x  Police Department  Public School System  Physicians ’ Office  Animal Emergency Clinic  Telecommunications  Tax Assessor x

Sample Projects

Let Us Do the Rest ! Do What You You Do Best...

Joanne Lain, Virtual Assistant