Why Virtual Assistants Are Different from Employees: The Benefits for Business Owners

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Time Optimisation

First off, let’s talk about time management. As virtual assistants, we’re all about optimising our time. We don’t clock in for a set number of hours; instead, we focus on getting things done efficiently. You only pay for the time we actually work on your tasks, not for those coffee breaks or office chats. We have mastered the art of prioritising and multitasking, so you can rest assured that your projects are in good hands.

Transparency is key!

One of the best things about working with a VA is the transparency we bring to the table. You’ll get detailed reports on what we’ve been up to and how long we’ve spent on each task. Many of us use time-tracking tools that let you see exactly what’s been accomplished. Plus, our invoices are clear and itemised—no hidden costs here! You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for, which makes budgeting a breeze.

Flexibility galore

Flexibility is another huge perk of hiring a VA. Need extra help during your busy season? We’re here for it! Slowing down? No worries; we can scale back too. We can adapt to whatever you need, whether it’s handling admin tasks, managing social media, or even diving into something more specialised like graphic design or bookkeeping.

2 hands cupped together with a red heart in the middle. Written in the middle of the heart is the word support. All om a turquoise background

Cost effective solutions

Let’s be honest – hiring a VA is often much more cost-effective than bringing on full-time staff. You won’t have to worry about expenses like office space, equipment, or employee benefits. You only pay for the hours worked or tasks completed, which keeps your costs manageable and predictable.

Access to diverse skills

When you hire a VA, you’re not just getting one person—you’re tapping into a whole network of professionals! Many VA’s have varied skill sets and can even connect you with others who can help if something falls outside our expertise. It’s like having a whole team at your disposal without the hassle of managing multiple employees.

Less management hassle

VA’s are self-starters who don’t need constant supervision. We thrive on independence and initiative, which means less management overhead for you. You can focus on what really matters – growing your business – while we take care of the nitty-gritty.

Couple of downsides (but not many!)

Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a couple of potential downsides:

  1. No Physical Presence: We might not be there for in-person meetings or to handle physical tasks in your office. But with video calls and collaboration tools, we can stay connected easily!
  2. Time Zone Differences: Depending on where your VA is based, there might be some time zone differences. But many VA’s are flexible with our hours to accommodate your needs – sometimes this even means getting things done while you sleep!
  3. Security Concerns: Sharing sensitive information can be a worry when working remotely. Rest assured that professional VAs take data security seriously and often sign confidentiality agreements to protect your information.

How you benefit

So, what’s in it for you as a business owner? By hiring a VA, you can:

  • Focus on what really matters – growing your business!
  • Cut down on operational costs.
  • Boost productivity and efficiency.
  • Enjoy flexibility in scaling support.
  • Access a range of skills without multiple hires.
  • Improve your work-life balance by delegating those time-consuming tasks.

In summary, virtual assistants offer a friendly and flexible solution that’s perfect for busy business owners like yourself. We’re not just remote workers; we’re your partners in success, dedicated to helping you achieve your goals without the usual hassle. So why not give us a try? Let’s work together to make your business thrive!

Three Years as a Virtual Assistant: A Journey of Growth, Challenges, and Triumphs

Clair, a white female with short grey hair is looking at the camera but blurred out in the background holding up 3 fingers in front of her celebrating 3 years in business

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Blimey, has it really been three years already?

 As September rolls around, I find myself in a reflective mood, looking back on my journey as a virtual assistant. It’s been a real rollercoaster, I tell you, with more twists and turns than I ever expected when I first dipped my toes into these waters. 

When I started out, I was full of beans and ready to take on the world. Little did I know just how much I’d learn, grow, and change along the way. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, mind you, but the challenges have made the victories all the sweeter.

 

Clair, a white female with short grey hair is looking at the camera but blurred out in the background holding up 3 fingers in front of her celebrating 3 years in business

Let's talk about those struggles for a moment, shall we?

Because, good grief, there have been a few bumps. First off, there’s the constant juggling act of managing multiple clients and projects. One minute you’re knee-deep in social media scheduling, the next you’re frantically trying to meet a deadline for a report you’d somehow forgotten about. It’s like spinning plates while riding a unicycle – exhilarating when you get it right, but one wobble and the whole lot comes crashing down.

Then there’s the isolation. Working from home sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? No commute, no office politics, just you and your laptop. But let me tell you, there are days when you’d give your right arm for a bit of coffee kitchen gossip or even a moan about the weather with a colleague. It can get lonely, and staying motivated when it’s just you and the four walls can be a real challenge.

And let’s not forget the dreaded imposter syndrome. Even after three years, there are still moments when I wonder if I’m really cut out for this. Am I good enough? Do I know enough? What if my clients realise I’m just winging it half the time? (Spoiler alert: we’re all winging it to some degree, and that’s okay!)

But for all the struggles, the rewards have been absolutely cracking.

The flexibility is top of the list – being able to work around my life rather than living around my work has been a game-changer. Want to pop out for a cheeky coffee at 11am on a Tuesday? Go for it. Fancy a long weekend away? No problem.

Then there’s the variety. One day I’m developing a handful of newsletters and e-shots, the next I’m organising a in person conference. It keeps things interesting, and I’m constantly learning new skills. Who knew I’d become a whizz at video editing or learning how to create a website?

But the most rewarding part? The relationships I’ve built. With clients, yes – there’s nothing quite like the feeling of helping a business grow and thrive. But also with other VAs. Which brings me to one of the most exciting developments of the past year – taking on associates and building a team.

I never set out to be a "boss"...

…but as my client list grew, I realised I needed help. And what a brilliant decision that turned out to be! I’ve had the privilege of working with some absolutely wonderful women, each bringing their own unique skills and knowledge to the table. We’ve created a little community of support and encouragement, nurturing each other’s growth and celebrating our successes together.

It’s not just about dividing the workload (although that’s certainly a bonus). It’s about having a sounding board when you’re stuck on a problem, a cheerleader when you’re doubting yourself, and a friend who understands exactly what you’re going through. We lift each other up, share our expertise, and push each other to be better. It’s like having the best of both worlds – the freedom of being your own boss, with the camaraderie of a team.

Looking back over these three years, I’m struck by how much I’ve grown, not just as a VA, but as a person. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, to value my skills, and to ask for help when I need it. I’ve discovered strengths I didn’t know I had and overcome challenges I never thought I could face.

And through it all, perseverance has been my secret weapon.

 There have been days when I’ve wanted to pack it all in and go back to a “normal” job. But I’ve stuck with it, pushed through the tough times, and come out stronger on the other side. And let me tell you, that feeling of overcoming an obstacle, of achieving something you weren’t sure you could do – it’s simply brilliant.

So, here’s to three years of ups and downs, of learning and growing, of building a business and a community. Here’s to the clients who’ve trusted me with their businesses, the associates who’ve become friends, and the challenges that have made me stronger. And here’s to the next three years – I can’t wait to see what they bring!

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Virtual Assistants

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In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and business, us Virtual Assistants (VAs) have become indispensable for many entrepreneurs, small businesses, and even large corporations. But despite our growing popularity, numerous misconceptions persist about what virtual assistants do and how we operate.

Let’s dive into some of these common myths and set the record straight.

Misconception 1: Virtual Assistants Are Only for Administrative Tasks

When people hear “virtual assistant,” they often envision someone who handles someone’s diary, emails, and data entry. While these are common tasks, our ‘bread and butter’ if you will, VAs can do much more. Today’s virtual assistants possess a wide range of skills. Many specialise in areas like social media management, content creation, customer service, graphic design, technology, travel, property, medicolegal, bookkeeping, and even digital marketing. Businesses can leverage VAs for highly specialised and technical tasks, making us versatile assets beyond just administrative duties.

Misconception 2: Virtual Assistants Are Not as Effective as In-House Employees

There’s a prevalent belief that because VAs work remotely, we can’t be as effective as someone working in the office. However, remote work has proven to be highly effective across various industries. Virtual assistants often bring a high level of expertise and efficiency because we typically have experience working with multiple clients and managing diverse projects. Plus, the flexibility of remote work can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

Misconception 3: Communication with Virtual Assistants is Challenging

Some fear that coordinating with a VA will be difficult due to the lack of face-to-face interaction. Whereas in reality, all we need are modern communication tools and an internet connection and it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with remote workers. Video conferencing, instant messaging, project management software, and shared online workspaces allow for seamless communication and collaboration. Setting clear expectations and maintaining regular check-ins can ensure that communication with a VA is as smooth as with any in-house employee.

Misconception 4: Virtual Assistants Are Expensive

Another common myth is that hiring a virtual assistant is a costly affair. On the contrary, VAs can be a cost-effective solution, especially for small businesses or startups. Hiring a full-time employee comes with additional expenses like benefits, office space, and equipment. Virtual assistants typically work on a contract or freelance basis, allowing businesses to pay for the hours or tasks they need. This flexibility can result in significant cost savings while still accessing professional services.

Misconception 5: Only Large Businesses Can Afford Virtual Assistants

There’s a notion that only large corporations can afford to hire virtual assistants. In truth, VAs are accessible to businesses of all sizes. VAs offer various pricing packages to suit different budgets. Solopreneurs can especially benefit from hiring a virtual assistant to handle repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on growing their business and increasing revenue.

Misconception 6: Virtual Assistants Require Constant Supervision

Some worry that VAs need constant oversight to ensure they are working efficiently. However, many virtual assistants are self-motivated people who are used to working independently. Clear instructions and defined goals are essential, but micromanagement is usually unnecessary…and frankly just annoying! Trusting your VA and focusing on results rather than monitoring every move can lead to a more productive and positive working relationship.

Misconception 7: Virtual Assistants Are Not Reliable

The myth of unreliability often stems from horror stories about VAs who disappear mid-project or deliver subpar work. While these instances can occur, they are not the norm. Reputable VAs are recommended and often advise you to do your own research into whom you work with. Additionally, starting with smaller tasks can help build trust and ensure reliability.

In conclusion, virtual assistants are a versatile, cost-effective, and reliable resource for businesses of all sizes. By understanding and overcoming these misconceptions, companies can fully leverage the potential of VAs, freeing up valuable time and resources to focus on their core operations and growth.

5 Key Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant

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5 Key Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant

As a successful business owner, every minute of our day counts. You may have already found yourself overwhelmed with administrative tasks that, while necessary, didn’t contribute directly to growing your business. 

So, let’s look at 5 key benefits why bringing a VA on board can be a transformative decision for any business leader.

5 benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant

# 1. Increased Productivity

When first hiring a VA the impact on productivity can be immediate. VAs take over routine tasks such as scheduling meetings, managing emails, and data entry, freeing you up to focus on strategic activities. This not only maximises your productive hours but also ensures that all aspects of your business receive the attention they need. For instance, it could mean you can dedicate more time to client relationships and business development, which are the engines of growth.

# 2. Cost Efficiency

Financial prudence is crucial in business. Hiring a virtual assistant is cost-effective because you pay only for the hours worked or tasks completed, and there are no overhead costs like office space, equipment, or full-time employee benefits. This efficiency is the icing on the cake for lots of business owners, especially during the scaling phase of business where every pound saved contributed to bottom-line growth.

# 3. Flexibility

One of the greatest benefits of working with a VA is the flexibility we offer. VAs can be hired on a project-by-project basis or for ongoing support, depending on your business needs. This adaptability is invaluable in managing fluctuating workloads without overcommitting resources.

# 4. Scalability

As your business grows, so do your administrative needs. VAs can help manage this scaling process smoothly. Initially, you might hire a VA for basic administrative support, but as the demands of the business increase, you might need to increase the current workload to the VA or onboard additional VAs with specialised skills, such as social media management and customer support. This scalability allows you to maintain a lean business model while expanding service offerings.

# 5. Enhanced Work-Life Balance

Last but certainly not least, hiring a virtual assistant can significantly improve work-life balance. Delegating tasks means you’re not constantly buried in paperwork or stuck doing mundane tasks late into the night. A VA handling day-to-day operations, means you can find time for personal commitments, hobbies, and relaxation, which can not only reduce burnout but also make you a more effective leader.

Conclusion

Hiring a virtual assistant can bring about profound benefits, transforming not just your business operations but also enhancing your personal life. The key is to clearly define the tasks you need help with and find a skilled professional who aligns with your business culture and goals. For entrepreneurs looking to maximise their productivity and efficiency while keeping costs in check, a virtual assistant is an invaluable resource.

My experience as a Virtual Assistant has shown that this strategic partnership can be the cornerstone of sustainable business growth and personal well-being. With a background of over 2 decades of administrative and secretarial expertise and and a growing skill base, why not take a look at my services page to see where I could help you best.   

About Me

About Me Clair Abrey

My name is Clair Abrey and welcome to my first ever blog!

Well…! This is truly something I thought I would NEVER be doing!! Writing a blog?? That’s for the young and trendy right? How wrong could I be! So, at 44 years young, with an almost 16 year old daughter and an almost 11 year old son (who I am sure I will be turning to for some tips!) and a husband who has even less of a clue than I do…here I am saying Hi and telling the world a bit about myself. So here goes… 

I launched my business as a Virtual Assistant 10 months ago. It’s very scary, but very exciting. Ever since I can remember I love having things organised. I love stationary and making my notebooks look all neat and tidy. I love lists for lists and boxes for boxes. And helping people. Sooo cliché, but I do love to help!! I originally wanted to go into the Navy as an officer (that seems crazy now!) but a very dodgy left hip put an end to that. So, at 18, I went to America instead to be an Au-Pair while I tried to work out what I wanted to do with my life. While I was there, I found out my mum of only 44 years of age who had been in remission for breast cancer for the last 2 years, was diagnosed as terminal. I jumped on the first plane home to be with her. She passed away 2 weeks later. Long story short at this point – I had no idea what life had in store anymore but losing my mum had a profound effect on the person I am today. 

So, with mum nudging my ribs, I pulled my big girl pants up and I started applying for jobs. Writing to companies (not sure email was so big back in 1998) and Ford Bussey’s gave me my chance; I started to sell cars. Motability cars to be precise. I quickly found out I didn’t like selling…but I did love those who I came into contact with. Being the person who loved to help, it was so rewarding and became the theme for future jobs. The next couple of decades were mainly spent working as the admin assistant for the Physical Disability and Occupational Therapy Dept of Social Services, and for 11 years, I worked at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital as a PA to the Medical Director and Finance Director, Lead Administrator for Agenda for Change and Directorate PA for the Head and Neck Directorate. All of which gave me a love for PA work. However, circumstances changed, and I had to roll with the punches. I now had 2 children, a husband who worked away and no family to help with childcare. I needed to find something else that worked for my family. I very much wanted to be the mum who was there for all their events.

So, I became self-employed as a Childminder. It suited all our needs, but it was THE hardest job I have ever done! Learning how to run my own business, learning how to work with little people all while juggling my own 2 children, look after a house and still have some sanity left at the end of the day! (I know you hear me!!)  I understand outsourcing…I outsourced my 2 year old son to a childminding friend. He was as good as gold for her!! ???? The job involved creating my own policies and procedures, record keeping, progress reports and to comply with all the Ofsted and EYFS requirements. That is no mean feat! For 8 years I made my business a great success. Word of mouth and a bit of help from Facebook posts meant I was always full and had a well-respected name locally. What more could you ask for?

Again, changes in circumstances mean sometimes you must make difficult decisions. That dodgy hip had been rearing its ugly head again over the years and brought with it an even dodger back. Being a childminder is the worst possible job under those circumstances.  I’d been thinking for a while I needed a change, but lockdown #1 brought that to a head. Along with half the population, I was forced to stop work and that was a big wake-up call to how my body could feel. I took the breathing space to think about the future. I wanted to stay self-employed and thought about how much I had missed that love for admin and PA work. So being a VA seemed like the most natural step ever.

A chat with Gwen Backhouse, an old school friend who was running her very successful VA business in Cumbria sealed the deal. I took it upon myself to put all my savings towards the VACT VA Mastery course run by Amanda Johnson. It wasn’t easy but over the course of 9 months I worked my job and studied at the same time. I then said goodbye to my childminding families to start on my new career path.

So here we are! Sterling Virtual Assistant Services was born and has evolved massively in the last 9 months. I am learning constantly and love what I am doing. I am being me and people like that. I am attracting the clients who have the same values as me and that means working together is such a pleasure.

Weirdly, my new business has one key theme to my old business – I am still looking after peoples’ babies! Your business is your baby, right?! Your passion! I absolutely love the fact that once again, I can take all my past experiences and combine it with new technology to help make your baby the very best it can be.  I am helping.

Time is precious. Sometimes you have to make those changes that allow you to stop, breathe and enjoy life again. 

If you feel I could help you with your beautiful business, why not check out my website www.sterling-virtualassistant.co.uk for more info or email me to arrange a no obligation chat. 

Until next time, Clair x

What is a Virtual Assistant?

What is a Virtual Assistant

When I first started on my journey to becoming a Virtual Assistant (VA), lots of people said to me ‘What’s a VA?’

Google describes a VA as ‘an independent contractor who provides administrative services to clients while operating outside of the client’s office. A VA typically operates from a home office but can access the necessary planning documents, such as shared calendar, remotely’.

This DOES describe a VA… but it sounds so clinical, doesn’t it? I see a VA being so much more.

First and foremost, can you resonate with any of the following?

  • Are there parts of your business you hate doing? (That’s ok you know! Just because it’s YOUR business, it doesn’t mean you have to love every single part of it)
  • Do you feel like you are drowning with the volume of what you have to do EVERY day, week after week?
  • Do you struggle to rest, relax or even sleep?  
  • Are you missing out on family time or time with friends because you have work stuff to catch up on?
  • Do you wish you could just have some TIME?

So, which one are you?

Let’s break the VA world down…

Running a small business takes A LOT of hard work, determination, and time. Running a small business is REWARDING and AMAZING but it comes with a heavy workload. It’s repetitive. You are the CEO, the financial director, the social media manager, the content planner, the decider, the do-er, the maker. All the above can be overwhelming and there are only so many hours in the day.

A VA will take those parts of your business that you just can’t stand doing…and do them for you. Basically, they will get sh*t done!! What a relief hey? To know that those things that have been sitting on your to-do list since FOREVER will now get done, but you won’t have to do them. Win win!!

A VA will have passion. A passion for your business. They will be your biggest cheerleader and supporter.  They will champion you, encourage you, show you different ways of doing things – enabling you to see the wood through the trees again. A VA will have the inside knowledge about exciting systems and up to date apps and software to streamline your hefty old excel spreadsheet or know how to schedule your social media posts more efficiently.

A VA will ultimately save you time AND money! How? Because you only pay for what you use. Plus, there are no overheads. As Google rightly pointed out, a VA will ‘operate outside a client’s office’. I work in my own little cushy office so you don’t need to provide one, or buy my stapler or the all-important highlighter.  There’s no payroll or HR expenses, no NI or pension contributions. You don’t pay for my holiday or sick pay and if I go to the loo, it’s on my own time, not yours! All work completed is recorded via a time tracking app. Clever huh!

A life without enjoying an ice-cold G&T at the pub with a mate on a balmy evening, or getting together with family to celebrate a birthday, or seeing your kid rock at their hobby…that’s not a life, not one I’d like to lead anyway. I know first-hand life is short, so my passion is about making it work on ALL levels.  They say the term ‘work-life balance’ is dead in the water…it’s outdated. It may well be, but it’s the term we all know, understand and strive for. Personally, for me, my kids and my family are at the top of my priority list. They are my world, and I am not ashamed to say I am not going to let any part of that slip by because of work. It’s all too precious and disappears way too fast. I have always done what I’ve needed to do so that I can be both a mum and do my job. When I work, I put my all in. 150%. I’m a hard worker and learnt early on in my self-employed career how to manage and juggle all that life throws at you. It’s a crazy juggling act – I know, I get it. I am right there with you learning how survive. But it’s about managing it all and for the most part, I do but not without some help!

Let’s take a couple of examples – Ironing. OMG…I HATE ironing With. A. Passion!! But there are people out there who actually quite enjoy it (I just don’t understand the concept! Ha!) and do it for a living. That’s a sensible outsource right – because well let’s face it, life really IS too short to do ironing. Or what about hiring a cleaner? Weekends are about enjoying your weekend plans, not about spending your precious 2 days dusting and hoovering. Bore! There are people you can hire to take that burden from you. Outsourcing your business is no different. It’s about giving parts of your business to someone who knows what they are doing and offers a service to make life easier for YOU. Giving you back your TIME!

Time. A word that can drive us up the wall right?! There just aren’t enough hours in the day sometimes are there. It too disappears so very quickly, like sand running though your fingers. Time doesn’t just mean using it towards personal things, it can also be about managing your time more wisely and constructively within your business. Do you wish you could spend more time on the one part of your business that you REALLY love doing, that makes you a bit excited?? …But uh oh, unfortunately, there are 23 DMs in your inbox which are all asking the same question…ugh. Or being on the PC creating an invoice is frustrating the hell out of you, you just want to get on with your job. The bit you are REALLY good at! Now, wouldn’t that be nice!

Being a natural people pleaser, the VA business I run is professional yet friendly. Knowledgeable yet not afraid to say, “I don’t know” then work my tooshie off to find out how to do something, I’m excited by new technology, yet I love old school, traditional manners, respect and being a real person behind the business. I feel confident to say I don’t have an ‘ideal client’. There’s no box I can put a small business owner into. Everyone is so uniquely individual. But I LOVE and stand strongly by my core values and believe the best relationships work when those core values are respected and held dear by both parties. I will go the extra mile, and attention to detail was stamped on my head years ago by an old boss (she taught me well).

This has not been taken from the pages of a teaching book. It’s been written BY a small business owner FOR small business owners. And I know all this because I am you! I have run a small business for the last 8 years and I KNOW how it feels. But I also know help is out there, and you don’t have to look far to find out more!

How does the VA world feel now? Do you feel a tingle of ‘I want some of this’?

Click on the link to find out more! https://sterling-virtualassistant.co.uk

Until next time, Clair x