Saturday, March 10, 2007

Virtual Assistants: Benefits to YOUR business!

There are many benefits to hiring a virtual assistant, some which include:

*No need to hire full time employees
*No need to acquire office space, equipment or supplies
*No overhead costs
*No overtime or downtime
*No training costs
*No hiring expenses such as advertising and interviewing
*No need to pay for vacation time or sick days
*No "office hours". I work 6 days a week so am almost always
available for my clients.
*No need to pay for employee benefits such as workers compensation, EI or health benefits. As an independent contractor I pay for my own taxes and business expenses.

(modified from the VANA Web site.)

Friday, March 9, 2007

What is a Virtual Assitant (VA)?

A Virtual Assistant (VA) is a highly-trained independent entrepreneur who provides a myriad of administrative support services and skills via the Internet to provide immediate professional support to busy entrepreneurs, business managers, professionals, and anyone who needs help with an administrative project worldwide.

Partnering with a VA reduces stress, protects cash flow, eliminates administrative hassles, and enables business people to find the success they originally set out to achieve.
(VANA)

Right-Hand-Man VA Payment Policy

PAYMENT POLICY:

All pricing is in Canadian Dollars (CAD).

A deposit of 10% is required prior to the start of a project.

Payment is due upon receipt of an invoice.

There will be a $25.00 service charge for any NSF cheques.

I accept payment by business cheque, PAYPAL, money order, cash,
or certified cheque.

Clients will be billed for incidental expenses incurred
on their behalf. These include, but are not limited to –
photocopying, postage, stationery supplies, shipping, etc.

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Why A VA Blog?

What are the advantages to having a Blog versus having a website for a home-based business?

First of all, the cost. This blog is FREE! For home-based businesses start-up finances can be minimal, so this is very important.

A Web presence is necessary for all businesses today. Blogs offer this presence quickly, easily and efectively. You can have a web presence in minutes using a Blog.

Blogs are dynamic. They can be updated daily and create a 'conversation' between your business and prospective and current clients. They are very easy to update and edit. You need no html knowledge to have a great looking web presence. Web sites are static and are not as easily modified.

When a home-based business decides to create a website (IF this is deemed necessary), a Blog should be maintained to update customers, clients and the public on any changes in your business. A Blog is also helpful to have to post your ideas, plans, and articles.

Another great use for a blog is posting examples of your work, outlines of work that you have done for clients, and links to your clients Web sites.

Both Web sites and Blogs have their place on the Web. Find which works best for your business and use it to it's full potential.

Right-Hand-Man's Virtual Assistant Code of Ethics

I WILL:


1. Be honest and trustworthy.

With honesty comes trust, and without trust our association cannot perform or provide effectively. I will not mislead or make false claims as to my abilities, background or experience. I will not take on projects that are beyond my capabilities. I will conduct business in a professional manner, operating within all local, provincial and federal laws, rules, and regulations.


2. Respect the privacy of others.

As a Virtual Assistant, relationships become common between my clients and myself and my associates and myself. With these relationships, personal information may be shared. I will respect my clients and associates and not make their personal information available and will respect their privacy.


3. Honour confidentiality.

Information that is shared and used between my clients and myself may be considered confidential. This private information will be held in the strictest of confidence and not shared with others unless deemed by my client. I will not use this information for personal gain or in any way that would be damaging to my clients or that would violate their privacy.


4. Conduct my business in a professional manner.

I will uphold the highest of standards and operate my business in such a way as I would want to do business with others. I will operate within all local, provincial and federal laws, rules, and regulations. I will undertake only that work for which we are qualified and capable of providing within the time frame and price agreed upon.


5. Accurately represent my business and the industry.

While promoting my business, I will ensure that all information included in my marketing, advertising and promotional material accurately portrays the industry as a whole and does not have any negative impact on other members of the industry.


6. Provide top quality.

I will demonstrate a commitment to providing my clients with the highest quality of service and accuracy. I will undertake only that work for which we are qualified and capable of providing within the time frame and price agreed upon.


7. Contribute to the enhancement of the industry.

I will share my knowledge with other members of the industry. I will build honest and respectful relationships with my fellow members. I will not demean others who lack knowledge or experience. I will offer support to all those in the industry, especially those who are just starting their practices and need a supportive word or helpful information.