Frequently asked questions What is a Virtual Assistant? A Virtual Assistant (VA) is a highly trained professional who provides administration services to businesses around the globe. A VA has a great knowledge and skill base, resulting in the VA and business owner working as a team to achieve the best results possible for their business, via electronic means of communication (phone, internet or fax). What is the difference between a Virtual Assistant and a temp, part time or full time employee? By using a Virtual Assistant, the costs associated with hiring a temp or part/full time employee are not applicable, therefore leaving more money in your pocket! Below are some of the cost savings you will enjoy: • Only pay for the time you need • No Annual Leave entitlements to be paid (leave loading, wages while on leave) • No Sick Leave entitlements to be paid • No loss of productivity due to morning and afternoon breaks • Superannuation entitlements are not payable by the business • Neither office equipment nor space need to be provided • Expenses relating to advertising and training are not required • Virtual Assistants can be flexible with working after hours if needed Many businesses both small and large are now joining the revolution of working with a Virtual Assistant to help keep their businesses running both smoothly and cost effectively. Is there a lock-in contract? No and this is what makes hiring a Virtual Assistant so attractive. Each party signs a Service Agreement which is provided at the beginning of the project. The Agreement outlines the tasks to be completed, along with a Confidentiality Clause. Do you charge for a minimum number of hours? The first hour is billed for the full 60 minutes and then in 15 minute increments thereafter. Do you work weekends or after hours? Both after hours and weekend requirements can be accommodated, depending on current workload. What licenses do you hold? I hold a current Queensland car license. I’m also a member of Redland City Chamber of Commerce, VA Forums, A Claytons Secretary and Virtually Yours network. Will my documents be handled confidentially? All documents and information will be held in the strictest confidence as set out in the Service Agreement. Do you offer gift vouchers so I can gift your services to a busy person? Gift vouchers are available upon request. What systems do you utilise to correspond virtually? Email, fax, telephone and Skype are used. How would I send large electronic files to you? Larger files would be sent via a secure online program named Drop Box. Would you require access to our database? There are times when Bridgeland would require access to client databases. A free online secure program is shown to the client, which allows me to dial into your database via your current server. This program can only be used when both parties agree, and a user name and password is created. How will I, as the client know the hours that have been worked via virtual means? Each invoice is submitted with a timesheet and also a report that is generated showing the time allocations for each project/client. | 
