* How much does the average VA earn?
* Should I bill for time spent on the telephone with my client?
* Should I join a Virtual Assistant organization?
* What is a Virtual Assistant?
* What is the difference between a Virtual Assistant & Virtual Professional?
How much does the average VA earn?
Each Virtual Assistant must determine their own rates, based on their needs, cost of doing business, personal benefit expenses such as insurance, taxes, vacation, etc., and the amount of profit they wish to make. They should also factor into their rate the value of their skills, knowledge and expertise. Feel free to download an Expense and Time Worksheet to Help Determine Billing Rate, created by Nina Feldman & Marlene McCall, that may assist in determining your rate.
Should I bill for time spent on the telephone with my client?
The answer is based on your own personal preference and business arrangements with the client.
Usually, VAs do not charge for initial consultations.
Based on the length of time and nature of the telephone conversation (meeting), VAs may charge for time spent on the phone with clients. In other instances, VAs may conduct and charge off telephone meetings as part of the signed and agreed upon hours of service/availability.
In other instances, and if the client calls regularly to talk about projects outside of the agreed upon schedule, the VA may charge for this telephone time because it takes the VA away from other scheduled activities.
Another option is identify the amount of time spent on the phone on the invoice (time talking outside of the agreement or when discussing non-work-related topics) and not bill the time. This method allows the client to see you are committing additional hours outside of the agreement to their account; which may serve as a form of justification and documentation for an increase in number of hours contracted.
Should I join a Virtual Assistant organization?
Yes, we highly recommend anyone entering the virtual assistant industry should join a VA organization. By becoming an active member of an organization or VA forum, you will be eligible to network with and ask questions of other experienced and aspiring VAs, potentially create partnerships, access member RFP systems, and receive other benefits. Visit the VA Village – VA Organizations section to review listings and an overview of internationally-based VA groups.
What is a Virtual Assistant?
A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur experienced in providing professional administrative, creative, managerial, technical, business office and/or personal support services.
A VA uses the most advanced means of communication, and the newest and most efficient and time saving office products and work delivery regardless of geographic boundaries.
Virtual Assistants work from their own offices, on a contractual basis, and abide by an established Code of Ethics requiring integrity, honesty and due diligence.
What is the difference between a Virtual Assistant & Virtual Professional?
A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur experienced in providing professional administrative, creative, managerial, technical, business office and/or personal support services from a remote location. (See Definition of a VA located on the Alliance Mission Statement page for details).
A Virtual Professional is an entrepreneur who works remotely and does not necessarily specialize in providing administrative and other support services, yet is an expert in their specialty.
The term Virtual Assistant and Virtual Professional are often interchanged.