Have you thought about hiring a virtual assistant but did not quite know the benefits of using a virtual vs in office assistant.
Here are some of the benefits of using a “virtual” assistant versus bringing an assistant into your home office.
- You don’t have to share your computer, or set up a second computer, for the assistant to use. A VA uses his own equipment and computers. In addition, you don’t have to set up an extra desk in your office for an assistant.
- Instead of having a fixed schedule of hours each week, with a VA you only pay for the hours you use.
- You can hire a VA to work a specific numbers of hours per month on a retainer which guarantees availability. Some VAs work on a per-project or per-hour basis as well.
- You can find VAs with specific skill sets, from eCommerce specialists to those with web design, graphic, internet, marketing, or technical skills.
- VAs own their own business, so they know what it’s like to be self-employed.
- A VA works as a consultant, not as an employee. Therefore, you won’t have to pay employment taxes or benefits for your VA. (It’s critical that you understand the government rules about employees versus sub-contractors; in the USA, check out the IRS website for the rules www.irs.gov).