Archive for virtual assistant
Find Out the Difference Between an Online Business Manager and a Virtual Assistant
Posted by: | CommentsAn online business manager (OBM) is not a virtual assistant, although most people confuse one from another. While both form part of the virtual team of an online business, there is a difference between the role and functions of the two. Here is how they are different.
The Supervisor
The OBM supervises the daily operations of the business including the people who work for the business. As a manager, he makes sure that the team members are performing their duties and responsibilities and the business system is in place to deliver timely results, or complete the project on or before the deadline meeting specific requirements.
As an OBM, a person does not do things; he manages or delegates the same to the right people in the business. You take care of the necessary components- such as people, time, system, and other resources to make them work in synergy to deliver timely results in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
The Doer
While an OBM can certainly get stuff done and do things, it is not the main role of the OBM rather, the virtual assistant is the doer. Your responsibility is to complete your own specific tasks. For instance, if a business owner finds the need to strengthen his customer service, you may be enlisted to handle customer queries and concerns. You do the tasks yourself, like answering phone inquiries or sending emails to customers.
You see that in terms of responsibility, the OBM has more than what a virtual assistant has. The OBM is responsible for a team of people working together, while the virtual assistant is only responsible for the completion of his own tasks. If you want to get a partner to oversee your business day-to-day, you do not hire a virtual assistant but you enlist the services of an online business manager.
Do you want to work with a skilled OBM? To see if you are ready to work with an Online Business Manager. Schedule a free consultation or download a free report 100+ ways an Online Business Manager can help boost business.
How an Online Business Manager is different from a Virtual Assistant
Posted by: | CommentsJust like a traditional business, an online business also needs human resources. In a similar way to machines and money, people are essential for they contribute to the business’ performance and productivity; hence, growth and development are achieved. Use of technology can only be short-term if the other players in the same field adopt similar processes. That is why people with better skills and profound experience are important.
In online businesses, human assets can be classified into two: the online business manager and the virtual assistant. While both can help the business reach its objective, these two are different in many ways. First, the online business manager is the administrator or he is the person who is tasked to supervise all the day-to-day business operations, handle his team members and ensure on time project completion. On the other hand, the virtual assistant is the doer- he is hired to work on the instructions given by his superior. Second, the former is focused on the entire business’ success while the latter is only centered on his own accomplishments. Third, compared to the online business manager, the virtual assistant can effectively cater to more clients because of his lesser workload. Next, with his critical role and level of responsibility, the online business manager gets higher pay and even incentives, thus he can experience financial freedom; however, the virtual assistant can only obtain limited income for is usually compensated on a regular or hourly basis.
Regardless of their distinctions especially in roles, both the online business manager and virtual assistant are indispensable in any online venture especially in this competitive generation.
Are you ready to work with a certified online business manager, schedule a free consultation today!
What is the difference between an Online Business Manager (OBM) and a Virtual Assistant (VA) and why do I need one anyway? This is a question that has been asked countless times, by both business owners needing the valuable assistance of capable people and by individuals wishing to know which position they are most likely to do well in. There are indeed many similarities between OBMs and VAs, but there are several distinct differences.
- OBMs are responsible for the work of many. VAs are responsible for their own work.
- OBMs generally work with 1 to 3 clients at a time. VAs can work with up to 10 clients at a time.
- OBMs compensation is generally base + incentives. VA’s are usually compensated either hourly or on a project by project basis.
- OBMs normally work with businesses with more complex structures and larger incomes. A VA’s services are used not only by larger companies but also by companies in their very early stages of development.
Now that you know the key differences….you can make a better choice as to which you need for your business – or which career best suits you. Both of these positions have a lot of advantages, such as flexible scheduling and the option of working from home. However, in a VA position you are likely to have far more independence, while as an OBM you will likely to be held responsible for keeping regular hours and being physically at your desk or phone even if you work from home. Both have serious advantages, but picking the one that is best suited to your preferences will optimize your likelihood for success.
Hiring A Virtual Assistant Is Necessary. Here’s Why.
Posted by: | CommentsSo your business is expanding. And there are just way too many daily administrative tasks that may at first seem mundane but prove to be very important. You know you need an assistant – but you just cannot afford another employee, whether full or part timer. Here’s where a Virtual Assistant comes in.
A Virtual Assistant or VA is proving to be very important in this tough economy we’re having. With customers and clients becoming more and more picky with their choices, businessmen do have to find that right balance between business building and excellent customer service. Juggling both can prove very tasking and only a virtual assistant can save your life.
Here’s how.
Whereas full and part-time employees get paid on a daily basis regardless of how much work they churned out, a virtual assistant only gets paid for the amount of work rendered – no need to pay for idle time spent on work. Besides, these virtual assistants are very flexible with the services they offer – from administrative to clerical to creative tasks. Here’s a list of just a few things a virtual assistant can do for you:
• Call screening and making
• Email monitoring
• Appointment scheduling
• Client and partner coordination
• Document and report preparation
• Newsletter creation
• Blog and website creation
• Account and expenses update
• Client databases update
The Internet offers a whole lot of possibilities – you can now communicate and exchange information with people without having to be face to face with them. And that’s another reason to hire a virtual assistant for your business: because technology now allows it.
Virtual Office Assistance
Posted by: | CommentsAre you a small business owner? Are you overwhelmed by your never ending to-do list? Are you weighed down by time-consuming busywork? Then a Virtual Assistant may be just what the doctor ordered! Simply put, a Virtual Assistant is an off-site employee or independent contractor that provides administrative and other support services electronically. If you loathe the artificial socialization of a corporate workplace, or listening to the dull details of your co-worker’s life story, then a virtual assistant may be right for you.
Virtual Office Assistance is the profession of Virtual Assistants. Virtual Assistants are business owners that specialize in providing administrative support to other business owners on a regular basis. Virtual Assistants work remotely from their own offices and use the internet, phone and fax machines to communicate with their partners.
A Virtual Office Assistant’s support is generally administrative, and clerical in nature. However, well versed Virtual Office Assistants also offer additional specialized services. For instance they may specialize in creative writing, bookkeeping or other professional services.
Although Virtual Office Assistants may come from a wide range of business backgrounds, the most important qualification to becoming a Virtual Assistant is at least five years of administrative experience in the real or non virtual world working in upper level capacities such as administrative assistant, executive assistant, secretary, legal assistant, paralegal, legal secretary, real estate assistant, office manager, etc. It is from this experience that a VA gains the necessary skill set and training required to be a justly qualified Virtual Office Assistant.
Although a Virtual Office Assistant may be paid a higher hourly rate then a regular employee the cost is actually substantially less. VA’s are considered independent contractors therefore they pay their own employment taxes saving you money. In the end if you are overwhelmed by your to-do list and are looking for a simple solution to help your small business then a Virtual Business Assistant may be right for you.
Click here to find out more about Virtual Office Assistance and how virtual office assistance can save your small business time and money. Kim Beckers is the owner of KimBeckersServices.com she has over 12 years of experience in virtual bookkeeping and office administration.
How A Virtual Assistant Can Save you time and money?
Posted by: | CommentsThere are many ways that a virtual assistant can save you both time and money. There are several advantages of virtual assistance for your business. In this article I will show you eight basic ways hiring a virtual assistant can you save your business money.
Are you spending more then 2 hours a month doing administrative or bookkeeping work? Then you are losing money and you need a virtual assistant. You may think that performing these duties yourself is helping your bottom line but if act as your own assistant you are depriving your business and your clients of valuable expertise.
Virtual Services Save You Time and Money!
Posted by: | CommentsThough the concept of outsourcing is not a new one to many business owners the word Virtual Assistance may be. In this article I am going to explain what exactly virtual services are and how hiring a Virtual Assistant can actually save you time and money.
Virtual services are of course provided by a Virtual Assistant. First and foremost these are independent business owners that provide administrative, creative and/or technical services virtually. VA’s are highly skilled workers with at least five years of real world experience in administrative roles. Although the levels of education may vary generally speaking Virtual Assistants are well educated and have a vast knowledge of skills and experience in office management, computer systems and software.
Projects Kim Beckers Services – Virtual Assistant can complete In One Hour or Less*
Posted by: | CommentsInstead of telling you about the value of service you will receive from a virtual assistant we would like to show you the value of service you will receive. Everyday, businesses owners are faced with tasks they have to complete. These tedious tasks take you away from building and growing your business; working with a virtual assistant and take away that burden. What may take a virtual assistant an hour or so to complete, may take you hours because of all the distractions and necessary projects that have to be done. Our goal at Kim Beckers Services is for you to realize what just one hour can do for your business, and then imagine what five or ten hours can do!
Virtual Assistants – Frequently Asked Questions
Posted by: | CommentsWhat are some benefits of a virtual assistant?
Can a virtual assistant save me time?
Can a virtual assistant save me money?
How much does hiring a virtual assistant actually save me?
What is a virtual assistant?
Virtual Assistants are small businesses too. They are there to support your needs, and they have to produce in order to get paid. A virtual assistant is a highly skilled Administrative Professional with at least 5 years of administrative experience in the real world. A virtual assistant provides virtual services.
What are some benefits of a virtual assistant?
- Reduction in headcount.
- No hidden employee costs (ie: health insurance, 401K, vacation/sick pay).
- No additional office space or office equipment needed.
- You are only billed for the hours worked.
- Frees up your time so you can spend more with your clients.
- Time for prospecting new clients to grow your business.
- More time for family.
- Skilled professional dedicated to you and your business.
Can a Virtual Assistant Save Me Time?
Sure, a virtual assistant can save you time by doing the following:
- Bookkeeping Services
- PowerPoint Presentations
- Set up, maintenance of contact management system
- Direct Mailing and Emailing marketing using contact management
- Creation of Company Brochures, Flyers, Letters and other forms.
- Email setup and Maintenance
- Office Administration
- Travel, meetings, tele-seminars, web-conferencing set up and scheduling
- Data Entry
Can A Virtual Assistant Save Me Money?
Sure, a virtual assistant can you money in the following ways:
- Tax-deductible as a business expense
- Only pay per project – no annual/sick leave payments, insurance contributions, etc
- Much cheaper than hiring a temp through an employment agency.
- No payroll taxes, returns to file or workers compensation insurance.
- No extra office space or equipment needed
How much does hiring a virtual assistant actually save me?
Use the calculator below to find out.
