What Is A Virtual Assistant?

A Virtual Assistant is a fairly recent phenomenon and the generic name for home workers who work 'virtually' using modern technology to keep in touch with their employer or client. They are usually working on the basis of 'personal assistant' or secretary using telephone, e-mail, fax and VOIP to keep in touch and conduct their business matters. This is a very successful business in America and is becoming more so throughout the United Kingdom. The Virtual Assistant is self-employed therefore adding benefits to the employer of no overheads, holiday/sick pay, national insurance & tax etc, whilst the assistant has the freedom to choose preferred hours, no travel costs and in principal the ability to choose whom he/she works for. Although this has the potential to be very successful in reality it is not as straightforward as it sounds. Employers may feel they are being ripped off by someone they cannot readily see each day and VA's may feel they have a lot of networking to do before building up a suitable client base worthy of bringing home a substantial weekly wage.