Frequently Asked Questions
I'm not sure I understand the concept of a Virtual Assistant...
How can I submit the work I need done?
Isn't hiring a Virtual Assistant expensive?
Does a Virtual Assistant business provide a realistic cost structure?
What is the difference between a VA and a temp?
Will Sunny handle the work or will another VA be involved?
What is the benefit of the prepaid retainer agreements and what are some examples supporting them?
Why don't you show samples of your work on the So Cal Admin website?
I'm still a little uncomfortable with the unknown...
I'm not sure I understand the concept of a Virtual Assistant...
A Virtual Assistant is an independent business owner who provides administrative support tasks from a remote location. In most instances, the VA business owner has accumulated a wealth of experience in various administrative roles, which has contributed to the confidence and discipline necessary in establishing an independent business. Also, it speaks for itself how much the VA must enjoy administrative work, to go through the arduous and risky process of starting and running an independent small business.
How can I submit the work I need done?
There are several methods—email, fax, mail, dictation or phone. If you have a handwritten draft of a letter you need typed, you can simply fax it over. If you have something typed in a rough-draft form and need editing, design or rework, simply email the document as an attachment. If you have several documents that need to be integrated into one, mail it to our office. If you want to dictate a letter or are more comfortable talking through your requirements, call our dictation line. Or call us on the phone. We’re happy to help any way we can.
Isn't hiring a Virtual Assistant expensive?
On the contrary, you save considerably. First and foremost, your time is valuable and has a measurable cost. Secondly, you only pay for the time spent on task. No need to pay for health benefits, insurance, overhead, holidays, sick leave, vacation, not to mention other unproductive time. A full-time employee's wage of $20/hour does not reflect the true cost to the organization. Simply put, an executive admin working full time in your organization will cost 2-3 times what a VA will cost. There are cost savings for both the majors as well as the small business owners. Another thought to consider: The VA independent business owner has a vested interest in gaining your repeat business.
Does a Virtual Assistant business provide a realistic cost structure?
Inappropriately low rates can sometimes signal a lack of business sense and indicate that a particular VA business may not end up being profitable, therefore presenting the risk of not being in business for very long. If you intend to utilize a VA on an ongoing basis, you will want the surety that the business is economically viable. However, it's not all about the stability of the business venture, it's also in your best interests to select a VA who is on top of the game and will provide consistently high-grade services; an executive assistant who has accumulated the relevant experience that justifies a higher rate. As a result, you will avoid the unnecessary downtime or rework often associated with a lesser-experienced VA. To coin a phrase... "You get what you paid for."
What is the difference between a VA and a temp?
Temps are just that—temporary, and may need to be replaced frequently. A VA is available on an ongoing basis. Once you've found the appropriate VA for your needs, he/she will be available to you at a moment's notice, indefinitely. There is no downtime waiting for the temp agency to find a suitable temp or replacement temp. VAs charge for the actual time on task, whereas a temp is paid for the time worked as well as idle downtime, waiting for another assignment to be given. Another factor to consider is that the rate paid for a temp is actually split between the temp and the agency and you often end up paying more for skillsets that don't measure up to the stated agency pay rate.
Will Sunny handle the work or will another VA be involved?
The majority of the work will be handled by Sunny; however, there will be times when the workload is particularly heavy during a short timeframe and she may find it necessary to seek assistance in order to meet her clients' respective deadlines. You can trust Sunny to select the VA with the appropriate skillsets for your project or task, not to mention she will always scrutinize the final results prior to submitting the finished work. With respect to confidentiality and proprietary information, the network pool of Admins she sources from have all worked under similar environments and will respectfully comply as an extension under the non-disclosure agreement parameters.
What is the benefit of the prepaid retainer agreements and what are some examples supporting them?
Significant cost savings of up to 15%! Retainer arrangements do not fit the needs of all clients. They do, however, provide an effective cost-saving solution for repetitious reporting, monthly newsletters, patterned dictation/transcription needs, etc. Please feel free to contact us regarding your particular requirements. We will be fair in negotiating a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Why don't you show samples of your work on the So Cal Admin website?
Mainly for proprietary and protective reasons. Due to the confidential and trade-secret nature of company documentation, we choose to protect our customers and avoid making determinations as to what is or is not permissible to put on display for the general public. Although, to get a feel for style and ability, you will be interested to know that Sunny designed the So Cal Admin logo, built the architecture of the So Cal Admin website, designed every aspect of it (fonts, colors, pictures, style and feel, etc.), and also composed and typed all the copy contained herein, with the exception of the testimonials. Yes, even in the case of the written third-person perspectives (smile). In addition, the marketing materials and internal forms for So Cal Admin were also created by Sunny.
I'm still a little uncomfortable with the unknown...
Still apprehensive? Give us a try with a low-risk task. You'll be amazed at the quality of work, turnaround time and hassle-free transaction.