Virtual Assistants
By stacyv81
@stacyv81 (5903)
United States
May 25, 2007 7:11pm CST
HAve you heard of these? they are becoming more and more popular. People who offer their services as a virtual assistant online? Pretty cool, I think for people with time and who want to make some money, I suspect though it could be pretty time consuming and not sure about the pay, as I havent really looked into it. I dont know, what do you think?
4 people like this
6 responses
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
2 Oct 07
I never heard about them. I suppose another name would be an independent contractor and wouldn't they have to show that they have the qualifications? After all, anyone can say they will help you make a will, or prepare a legal statement.
If you decide to be one, what skills would you be able to offer and the pay, wouldn't someone think that because you do not work for somebody, they would not have to pay you that much?
@Vrtual_assistant (23)
• Australia
2 Oct 07
Hi most virtual assistants don't have qualifications because they are performing clerical and administrative tasks. A lot of VAs run secretarial services, transcription businesses, some do bookkeeping (not accounting), run resume writing businesses, database management, data entry, assist webmasters, just to name a few niche areas. VAs don't get involved in the type of work that professionals such as lawyers would deal with, as you mentioned, unless a lawyer contracts them to prepare the document at an administrative level. Also just because someone is an independent contractor it does not mean that one would pay them less. In fact they get paid more. Even with their higher rates, the business contracting them saves on full time staff and all the associated expenses with 'employing staff'. The contractor gets paid only for actual work performed, not like staff sitting around doing nothing a lot of the time, but still getting paid. So in the end it's cheaper for businesses, especially small businesses to use virtual assistants (independent contractors). Hope this info helps.
@faruqy (150)
• Indonesia
26 May 07
It could be really helpfull but becarefull about deception. We have to really look it closely so that we will never regret.
@keithstieneke (823)
• Lincoln, Nebraska
26 May 07
It could be time consuming but since it is work at home you could earn enough and save money on gasoline to make it worth it. I have never done it but I have looked into it as a possibility for extra income and to network with other people working from home.
@miamilady (4910)
• United States
18 Jun 07
I'm aware of Virtual Assistants. I thought about trying to do it myself, but I figured out that it is much like any other business. You have to create a clientelle before you can start making money. There are a few freelance websites that you could register for to try to find some clients, but it seems to be very competitive.
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
26 May 07
I haven't heard of it but it sounds like a great idea to me. I'm definitely going to have to check it out. I have more time on my hands than I need and definitely not enough money. If you find any information on it I hope you will share it with us. I'll also let you know if I find anything out on it. Thanks for the heads up on it!
@clouds0327 (1389)
• Philippines
12 Jul 10
I think it is as I am one of them. Yes I thought it was not possible before but now it is.. Thanks to my boss!!!
