What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Virtual Assistant
“I need an assistant” or “I wish someone else could do this so I can focus on (insert task/project)” are two thoughts people have when they’re overwhelmed or overbooked. A virtual assistant is an expert in their field who contracts work to answer the thoughts mentioned above. Virtual assistants come with many expertise so whatever your needs you can find one with no issue!
Need a social media manager? Email or calendar management? Travel management and reservations? Project manager? Think of all the tasks you NEED to do but are so time consuming that you wish someone else would do so you can focus on the “nuts and bolts” of your business. That is when you contact a virtual assistant to help you out.
Why a virtual assistant instead of a full- or part-time employee?
- You do not provide benefits or pay employee taxes.
- You do not incur high costs associated with the staffing process.
- Minimal on-boarding and training are necessary.
- You only pay for hours worked or contracted projects.
- You do not pay for coffee breaks, inefficient use of time, etc. that employees cost you.
What do you need to know before hiring a virtual assistant:
- Hourly rates & project fees cover employee’s salary, company costs and taxes so at first glance prices may be a little steeper than you initially thought you should or would want to pay for whatever service you are looking to contract to a Virtual Assistant (VA).
- VAs work on retainer hours paid upfront or project fees usually paid half upfront and half at completion.
- Compatibility is important-expertise and personality must be a match.
- The VA is NOT your employee; this is a working relationship that relies on trust and communication.
- VAs often have multiple clients, and more often than not, they will not be available at the drop of a hat.
What are the costs involved?
It depends on the tasks needed and whether you pay a project fee or retainer fees. You are paying for expertise, which is the most important thing to keep in mind. Below is a chart that illustrates the difference between a full-time employee and a VA. The numbers can be changed or part-time and less for the VA depending on your needs.
*Sample Hourly VA Costs Compared to a FT Employee (rates and hours may vary)
Full-time Employee |
Virtual Assistant |
|
Hourly Rate of Pay |
$12.00 |
$35.00 |
Overhead: 50% Office Space, Equipment & Supplies, Worker’s Comp, OT Pay, etc. |
$6.00 |
$0.00 |
Benefits Package: 35%, Medical Insurance, 401K, etc. |
$4.20 |
$0.00 |
Total Effective Rate of Pay |
$22.20 |
$35.00 |
Annual Hours |
2,080 |
480 |
Annual Labor Cost |
$46,176 |
$16,800 |
There are many software programs and online resources you may or may not use, would like to be more proficient in, or would like someone to just do for you to ensure the main aspects of your business are being taken care of first and foremost. This is why a virtual assistant is an investment for your business!
I am not a techie virtual assistant, so I do not build or maintain websites, manage social media, or offer graphic design services. Those are services I have actually paid for and it was a great investment for my company!
I offer executive administrative, project management, and human resource management services. I feel confident offering services I have expertise and education to back up my credentials. I have three post-secondary degrees: MBA, MS in Human Resource Management, and a BS in Business Administration. I taught general business high school courses for seven years, served as an adjunct instructor for three years, and facilitated a federal education grant for two years. I am your right hand lady to do those tasks so you can focus on the heartbeat of your business!
Don’t waste time or money! Hiring a virtual assistant will relieve stress and free up time to focus on growing your business. Check out my website, www.yourvirtualhq.com and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/yourvirtualhq for more information. A consultation or a “Try Us Out” 2 hour deal may just be what you need to jump in and save yourself time, money, and energy to give more to your business or to your personal life! I can help bring balance to your business and life!
Contact Information:
Jackie Oehlschlager, Virtual Assistant
Your Virtual HQ
jackie@yourvirtualhq.com
www.yourvirtualhq.com
www.linkedin.com/in/jackiejoehlschlager
Biography:
Jackie is a lifelong learner with a servant’s heart who loves challenges! Life happened and led her to starting her business, Your Virtual HQ. She’s a wife of an aircraft electrician/former active duty Marine “Oorah!” and a mother of a (step)son and daughter, ages 13 years and 14.5 months respectively. She loves running; she and her daughter have over 500 miles together including racing in two 10Ks, two half-marathons, a 20K, and a 10-miler race as of October 2016. Along with running, she loves traveling, scrapbooking and volunteering. Fun fact: She lived in Okinawa, Japan for a year and would move back if the opportunity presented itself. Before starting her business, she worked in the education industry and obtained three post-secondary degrees including an MBA, a MS in Human Resource Management, and a BS in Business Administration with a minor in Speech Communications. She also possess a Texas Teaching Certificate for Business and Speech classes, grades 6-12.
