The Many Descriptions of Virtual Assistant

With my interview question “series” that I have been doing in the last couple of weeks, a couple of questions and/or statements have surfaced in regards to the “description” of a virtual assistant.

Last week someone had asked about the difference between a personal assistant and a virtual assistant. They asked if they were basically one in the same except for the virtual part. I agree that for the most part this is true.

But I have an additional point that I would like to add. This question should be asked during the interview process. I wouldn’t say that all virtual assistants will perform these tasks for you. And if these are things that you would like your virtual assistant to do, then ask in the interviewing process. For me, when I think of personal assistant I think of someone who will make travel arrangements, schedules doctors appointments, haircuts and possibly purchase online gifts for others.

And of course, these are not the only tasks but those are added in with the other administrative tasks. Me, personally, I don’t complete these kinds of tasks in my virtual assistant business. Now, that doesn’t mean that their aren’t other virtual assistants out there who may complete these tasks. That again is why it is important to ask questions. And I will add that if I a potential client requested me to complete these tasks, I probably would do them, however, I haven’t been asked yet.

And allow me to reiterate two things. ONE, I think a personal assistant can be considered a virtual assistant and TWO, if these tasks are some you would like completed by a virtual assistant, I would suggest you ask if that is something they do within their business.

The other question that was brought up a couple of weeks ago and I find this a bit fascinating and that is a virtual assistant isn’t a virtual assistant unless their main focus is administrative. Ok, I am not sure I can follow this or agree with this statement. When I worked corporate America and my title was Executive Administrative Assistant, I did many types of tasks and some that were not considered administrative such as putting together layout of print materials, checking on stats for internet programs, and input of voice data files.

Those things COULD be classified as marketing, editing, and website/database maintenance. To me, if you are assisting other business owners in their business virtually whether it is a bit of marketing, technical and some administrative…then you are a virtual assistant.

I would say that it is smarter for any business owner to focus on their strengths and if their strength is doing technical tasks vs. administrative tasks, then they probably would be happier being possible a web designer than a virtual assistant.

The real question is WHY DOES IT REALLY MATTER? As long their business is based on integrity, they do what they say they can do, and their clients are happy, that is what matters. And really isn’t your time better spent building and growing your business.

Now with all of this being stated, there are many variations of virtual assistants out there and that is okay. I feel the importance when looking, researching and interviewing a virtual assistant is that you ask those things you are searching for in a virtual assistant. A thorough interview with your potential virtual assistants based on your goals, your understanding, and the benefits of hiring a virtual assistant is key.

The virtual assistant that fits with what you are looking for may not fit the next business owner. I guess it is like they say….”one size” doesn’t fit all when it comes to virtual assistants.

Teresa Morrow is on Board of Advisors with The WECAI Network ™ (http://www.wecai.org) and Editor at Large at WE Magazine for Women ™ (http://www.wemagazineforwomen). She has over 15 years working with various industries to include property management, landscape architecture and financial planning firms in executive administrative positions. In 2007, Teresa started Key Business Partners, a virtual assistance & online promotional company for coaches, speakers and writers. She cares about her clients and is available for 20 minute free consultation. You can contact her via email at keybusinesspartners@verizon.net or visit her website at http://www.keybusinesspartners.com.