Most Commonly Asked Questions About The Virtual Assistant Industry!

Every since the idea crossed my mind to start a Virtual Assistant business (Easy “Bre”zy Virtual Assistant, L.L.C. – “Every Body’s Virtual Assistant”  http://www.EasyBrezyVirtualAssistant.com) I have been asked the same question numerous of times, “what is a virtual assistant?”  

I hope that this article answers some of your questions about the Virtual Assistant industry.   

1.  What Is A Virtual Assistant (VA)?

A Virtual Assistant is an independent contractor whose sole purpose is to make your personal and/or professional life easier.  A great VA company will take pride in handling both minute and large tasks in a timely manner. 

2.      What is the difference between a VA and a Physical Assistant (PA)?

VA’s:

• Handles all of your assistant needs virtually via email, phone, text, and social media chats.
• Are less expensive because VA’s only charge you for the hours that they actually spend working and communicating with you. VA’s pay for their own benefits and taxes   

PA’s:

• Needs office space.  If office space is needed when office supplies are low (paper, ink for the printer, etc.) then the client/boss (YOU) have to spend money to replenish those items. 
• Usually are not time sensitive. On average a PA only work 3 to 4 hours a day but is paid for a full 8 hours of work. 

3.      What services do VA’s offer?

In the VA industry it really depends on what you are looking for.  The great thing about a VA is that their experiences and backgrounds vary tremendously making the VA industry as broad as the worldwide web. 

A VA can offer assistance with basic administrative services such as responding to emails as well as complex tasks like software programming. 

4.      Who could use a VA?

Everyone who is someone can use a VA.

Single – Parents:

• Who need someone to make or  keep up with their child’s dentist, doctor appointments.

Small Business Owners & Home Business Owners:

• Who needs help responding to overwhelming emails.

Senior Citizens:

• Who can use a cleaning or grocery service to deliver to their home.

College Students:

• Who need help with creating a resume.

Entertainers:

• Who can use an extra person to handle their busy schedule and keep them on track.

Multi-level Marketers:

• Who need a reliable person to maintain their calendar and make travel arrangements

   

5.      How are VA’s paid?

VA’s are paid by the amount of hours they work and the time used to communicate with their client.  VA’s are paid weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on the VA company. 

Most VA companies charge by the hour and give dedicated clients discounts on the companies hourly rate. In America VA’s charge between $18 to $80 per hour.    Majority of VA companies ask new clients to pay every week for a month until a positive financial relationship is built between the VA company and the new client.  

I hope that this article has successfully answered your questions about the Virtual Assistant industry.  

5 Reasons Why You Should Attend Your 10 Year High School Reunion!

Jane Addams Business Careers Center c/o 2001 10 Year Class Reunion!

5 Reasons Why You Should Attend Your 10 Year High School Reunion!

Every year a person debates with family and friends over if they should attend their 10 year high school reunion.  It took me several weeks to decide to attend my 10 year high school reunion that took place Saturday, August 13^th, 2011 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio.  But I am so glad that I decided to go. 

Below are 5 great reasons why you should attend your 10 year high school reunion, no matter if you were the “class clown, social outcast, most popular, least likely to succeed, or biggest flirt.”  Your 10 year high school reunion is a must attend!

Reason 1:  Connecting Face-to-Face

Yes, Facebook might have kept you up-to-date with your classmate’s life after high school but there is nothing like walking into a room and the first person you see is someone you have not seen in years. 

Someone who you not only graduated from high school with but you also shared a dorm room with your freshman year of college.  The moment of happiness, laughter, and enjoyment can never be explained. 

Genuine friendship when rekindled is “Priceless!”  Who would you like to see that you have not seen since high school?

Reason 2:  Reminiscing

People will always remember and remind you of where you come from and the things that you use to do.  It is great to be reminded of some of the things you forgot about.  It is funny to see how other people remembered you and it is great to be recognized for the road that you have travelled from high school up until now. 

Reminiscing with people who use to know you is fantastic because it shows you a mirrored reflection of who you use to be and how far you have come.  Change and time are the only two things that are inevitable. 

What have you forgotten since high school (fashion show, sports game, prom, etc.)?

Reason 3:  Pictures

Cameras, Lights, Action!  Most of your class reunion will be spent smiling and posing and it only makes sense because everyone will be dressed to impress.  So prepare yourself for that.

After 10 years majority of your classmates will look exactly the same but there is so much excitement in the air that everyone wants to take pictures and capture the moment for years to come. 

I know that it has been ten years but who would you like to take a picture with?

  

Reason 4:  Ambiance

We are busy, busy, busy.  Most of us rarely have time to order a cheese burger from a drive-thru restaurant let alone sit down to enjoy a 3 to 5 course meal, with the lights dimed low, great music, and joyful company. 

When was the last time you had a great 3 to 5 course meal with 60 or more people you have not seen in years?

Reason 5:  Souvenirs   

If you have an awesome 10 year high school reunion committee team, they will not only make sure you enjoy yourself while you are at your 10 year high school reunion but they will make sure that you have something to take home to remember both your high school days as well as your reunion. 

When was the last time you spent over $40 for a great dinner and the restaurant or event sent you home with a memorable souvenir?

I hope after reading this article you have decided to attend your one and only 10 Year High School Reunion!