Virtual Assistant FAQ

This is an interactive page where you can ask your virtual assistant FAQ and even answer some questions that visitors have asked, if you have the answers. Below I've listed some common FAQ, but if you don't see your question listed here, please use the form at the bottom of the page to ask your question. It can be anything to do with with VAs of course. For starters here are some virtual assistant FAQ I've put together:

What is virtual assistant employment?

A lot of people surf the net looking for virtual assistant employment. Well the word employment is confusing as you are gainfully employed working as a virtual assistant, but you are not an employee; virtual assistants are self employed business owners, independent contractors. They don't have jobs either, they are business owners. Being a virtual assistant is a profession, not a job. Hope I'm clear. This is still confusing to a lot of people I know.

Do virtual assistants earn salaries?

No, virtual assistants are self employed, they charge fees for their services.

How much money does a virtual assistant make?

This varies on your rates, your niche business (some services you can charge more for, others less, etc). It depends on how many hours you dedicate to your work, how many billable hours you are able to bill in a week, all these factors affect your earnings. I personally work say 3-4 hours a day and charge average rates and with great tax breaks being self employed and having business tax deductions, I actually make what is considered a great living. I even funded a skiing trip overseas for a family of four all on what I earned in 4 months worth of work. And I'm talking top of the range ski chalet too, travelling from Australia to Canada.

I also now don't have childcare fees either, travelling costs, lunches out, all contributing to more money in my pocket. Virtual assistants do make decent, real, money in what is one of the best legitimate work from home businesses out there.

What skills does a virtual assistant need?

Well there are specific skills depending on your niche service, ie: resume writing, secretarial, bookkeeping, website design, etc, etc. But generally you should have a minimum of five years 'bricks and mortar' office experience behind you, be computer savvy, able to work unsupervised and independently, a self motivator, have great grammar, spelling, language and communication skills.

Is the virtual assistant industry growing?

Is it ever!!!! My gosh it has taken off in some countries, but here in Australia for example there are so many people that don't even know what we are yet, so many businesses that could use our services, but don't know about us. And there are so many prospective virtual assistants out there. I was one of them; I wanted to work from home in an administrative capacity in 2003, and simply stumbled upon the industry.

As more businesses use our services, the word spreads, networking spreads the awareness, this industry is growing and growing and is going to explode soon and benefit so many people. And with the global financial crisis to makes so much more sense to use the services of a VA, so we are a great recession proof business.

Who uses the services of a virtual assistant?

All sorts of businesses and individuals. Micro, small, large businesses. Micro business owners who need to outsource their administrative tasks so that they can concentrate on growing their business, medium sized businesses who don't want to spend money on infrastructure for onsite staff, those who don't want admin hassles with employing staff, payroll, paperwork, etc. You name it.

Add Your Virtual Assistant FAQ

This page attempts to list some of my most frequently asked VA questions. Below you will find the easy to fill out form where you can post your question. I will attempt to answer all questions for you and other visitors can also add their expertise by adding answers using the comments section provided.

I hope you will be eager to contribute as this will be a most helpful page to VAs globally.

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

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