Using Virtual Assistants

Spring 2000, Volume 4, Number 1
By Vickie Sullivan, President, Sullivan Speaker Services

It's one of the best problems to have: so many leads are coming in that you can't follow up on all of them. Instead of letting opportunities slip away, think about using Virtual Assistants (VA's).

Beyond Clerical

A cross between a COO and a coach, VA's can head up the routine procedures and even bring in income.

Example: Donna Gunter not only manages one clients' day- to-day operations, but also has tripled this client's teleclass income within the first two months. "People call me when money starts slipping through their fingers," she says.

Plan for Growth

According to Donna, VA's bring in a wide variety of talents, from writing and marketing to website design.

"VA's have emerged from a wide variety of backgrounds, including management and marketing directors who now want a more flexible work schedule," she says. "The relationship you can have with a VA is limited only by your imagination."

Result: the VA's duties can grow as you need them, allowing you to consolidate services such as graphic design, writing, or even website design/updating. VA's can also qualify leads, send material and follow up.

VA vs. Temp

The biggest mistake you can make is to confuse a VA with temporary employees. Temps come in and do what you tell them to do and need supervision. VA's can use their own processes, and often take initiatives. "Most of my clients will say 'here's the outcome: make it happen' says Donna. "They don't want to know how I do it."

Better yet, a VA will get to know your business and will alert you to any upcoming trends or challenges. They can generate ideas and plans, as well as implement.

If you are already established and are reaching for the next level, VA's can reduce the pressure of implementation.

Logistics, etc.

Other things to know about VA's:

• All material and databases are kept confidential.

• Many are paid by the hour, which is tracked by software.

• You can pay as you go or have a retainer.

• VA's can grow with your business, some working up to half- time.

For general information about VA's, go to www.assistu.com.

(Vickie's note: I interviewed Donna because 1) my clients rave about her work and 2) her track record with speakers and coaches. It's worth a phone call or email to check her out.)

Copyright Vickie Sullivan, 2000. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.