What is a VA?
Ninth Avenue came into existance as a result of many years doing the same type of work for corporate America in an environment designed for a workforce that existed as recently as 20 years ago. As I sat there, every day, working on the same type of projects I did at home I realized that the only thing I was doing was driving a lot more than I needed to. Over time I started seeking out others who felt the same way: we can do everything from our home offices that we drive to someone else's office to do. And we can do it more efficiently because we don't have the numerous distractions and we work in a comfortable, familiar setting. Doing what you love to do in an environment that makes you feel good provides results that are excellent. Finding the profession that shared my ideals was easy. Virtual Assistants. Many, however, aren't sure what that means. This page is designed to help clear up any questions about what a VA is, why you should use one, and how it can save you money.
A Virtual Assistant is someone you can rely on to get the project you need done. The role a VA plays in a client’s busy world is similar to the old “girl friday” that many offices would have on hand to attend to an enormous number of things that were essential to keeping things running smoothly. Today’s “girl friday” is a Virtual Assistant and while the concept might be similar the roles are dramatically different.
The VA works with you, not for you. The VA is your partner and as in any partnership, you can rely on their expertise and trust that they have a firm commitment to your success and growth.
Today's VA is a consummate professional with the expertise that comes from numerous years working in the field, and what sets the Virtual Assistant apart is the training they bring to your company. The VA uses state-of-the-art equipment and technology and continues to hone skills that are learned by hands-on or classroom lessons. This advanced education and training continue in order to keep abreast of the rapid pace of the ever changing technologic world.
You will find VAs that are what I term generalists. If you need general administrative assistance such as email monitoring, calendar scheduling, data entry, light correspondence, mail merging, etc., you are probably looking for one of the many virtual assistant's that offer a wide variety of services. On the other hand, there are VAs who, like myself have chosen to specialize. These are the VAs you want to partner with to get specific needs met rather than global. Many of these specialists enjoy working with you to develop sound plans to achieve goals that reflect and promote an overall direction for your company.