I’ve seen a couple of posts that mention hiring a VA. Since I am one, I thought I would start this thread to answer your questions. I’m not trying to get you to hire me, I promise, but if you would like to post your questions I will do my best to point you in the right direction.

So, what do you want to know?

Well, a Virtual Assistant can do almost anything an in person assistant can. They can’t make your coffee but they can have it delivered.

The term Virtual Assistant has come to mean so many things that it is sort of a catch-all term for any work you want to outsource. You can hire a VA to fill specific job descriptions or you can hire someone to do freelance or one-off project work.

You can also hire a VA who is basically an employee that you tell exactly what you want done, when and how. Or you can hire someone who is more of a consultant. For example, you might hire a VA who will handle your blog management and maintenance. I do this for some of my clients. I installed and configured their WordPress blog and keep it maintained (upgrade as needed, delete spam comments, etc.) I research content, write or edit it, post it and promote it. 

You can hire a US based VA or someone oversees. US based VAs will charge more and depending upon what you need done may or may not be better. You can also use sites like Elance or vWorker or find someone through marketplace sites like VAClassroom and hire directly.

I hope that helps and please let me know if there are any questions or any other information I can provide. 

Also, if you know of someone who might be interested in becoming a VA, I have a free eBook available on my website here – The VA Biz 101

I’m an Administrative Consultant (AC) (a.k.a. Virtual Assistant), and I would like to answer Kristi’s question as well.

The benefits of outsourcing administrative work are many: The client becomes more efficient and productive, can return to working “on” instead of “in” the business, able to spend the new found time and energy focusing on revenue generating tasks instead, and is able to maintain more of a balance between his/her professional and personal lives to name a few.

I offer monthly retainer packages instead of hourly or per project because the true value is the ongoing, collaborative relationship that is developed between my clients and me. In my opinion, if a person has someone take care of projects here and there, that person will miss out on the invaluable total support that an AC can provide. S/he will still feel overwhelmed and overworked despite a few projects being taken care of.

As for specific tasks that an AC can help a blogger with, there are many but they tend to vary depending on the person and his/her specific needs. In regards to content creation, I think that should come from the blogger/business owner only to ensure consistent branding. The AC can help post the updates, etc., though.

For someone looking for his/her ideal AC, I recommend the Administrative Consultants Association’s directory. And of course I have to add my website link to the mix! http://www.virtuallyondemand.net

I welcome all questions and comments!

It will be more efficient for you if you look at a source that has been created for business owners like you with the same questions. I recommend looking at the Client Guide located at Administrative Consultants Association; it’s a great place to start and has lots of tips.

For U.S.-based VAs, the average hourly rate is $30-$75 and for specialties like web design the average hourly rate is $75-$125.

Hi Africa,

Yes, sites like Elance and vWorker can be very saturated and highly competitive. That being said, they can also be a good place to get started and start building a good reputation. Also, I started out before there were sites like VAClassroom and VANA.

I think if I were starting today I would really work LinkedIn – that would be my marketing channel of choice.

As a VA all of my clients have been word of mouth referrals. It just took letting people know that I enjoyed doing the things that they were too busy to get to. 

If you wish to be a VA – I would suggest local networking at first. See what you really love to do and partner with those who have skills you may be missing.  I set up simple sites/wordpress but refer out the more complex jobs.  Connect with other VAs – often we have an over flow of work and need a hand.  Be sure this is what you enjoy before getting into it full time. 

If you are looking for a VA – there are organizations as mentioned but ask others who they use. Realize that the most important part is the relationship  @karenataylor said.  I have some packages but usually charge by time. I work with solo-entrepreneurs with very little disposable income. 

It is important to feel very comfortable with your VA. You will likely be giving her/him your access to your accounts, profiles and professional/personal life.  

Thanks all – great advice here! Best, Julie