Frequently Answered Questions
Questions pop up when I speak with new clients. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions. If you have a specific question or need further information to help you with your research, please get in touch!
Why should I consider working with Elaine?
I made the conscious choice to be involved in virtual work, to improve and enhance my own work environment. This allows for flexibility, creativity and entrepreneurship. I like working with interesting people, can choose my own hours and create my own business model to support my lifestyle. I am focused and dedicated and nurture a positive outlook on work-life integration. What’s not to love about that? So are you working with interesting people, choosing your own hours, and creating your business model to support your lifestyle? If not, then we could be a good fit to help get you there. Here are some more reasons why you need to outsource, and why should consider working with me specifically.
How can I trust a Virtual Assistant?
A good virtual assistant will provide access to referees and testimonials. They are transparent in their dealings and willing to answer any questions that you have. It’s impossible to know if a VA is a good fit initially. To accommodate this, I offer a short online meeting to ascertain your needs and develop a relationship. I also provide a month’s trial to ensure we are a good fit. Simply look at the bottom of this page to see the testimonials from current and recent clients. Full texts are on the Testimonial Page.
What does a Virtual Assistant do?
A Virtual Assistant is a professional business owner who supports other businesses in a remote/virtual manner. They will work with more than one client and usually have a wide skill base or multiple skill sets.
How will a VA help my business?
By taking tech or time-consuming tasks off your hands, a virtual assistant will save you time, money and stress. Your own productivity will improve so that you can spend more time on the fee-earning aspects of your business. You will benefit from their expertise, as well as create space for the things you do enjoy doing – a good virtual assistant loves to share great tools and time management and productivity tips.
What is included in a VA Contract?
I give my contracts special attention to ensure fairness, integrity and protection. Your contract will include:
- Agreed Package and Services provided
- Trial of one month for retainer packages
- Terms of Service / Terms of Agreement
- Payment terms
- Confidentiality and data protection
Will I have to share personal information?
Depending on the tasks required, you will need to share certain login information and passwords with your VA. There are facilities available to accommodate this virtually and securely. Data protection laws protect your company data, professional and personal information. I will require certain details about you and your business in order to conduct business in a professional manner and provide a valid contract.
How can I protect my IP and Content?
Any content created within the contract is protected and becomes your property. Any existing content is also protected under the contract/service agreement. Ensure that this is the case with any virtual assistant or service provider you work with. You will retain ownership over all content created during and after our working relationship.
What if I fold my business?
If you are having a cash flow problem, it’s best to be transparent about this as it directly affects my business too. A contract is normally 30 days binding and this will give you time to finish up tasks and prepare your business.
What is an Online Business Manager?
An Online Business Manager (OBM) is a Manager who services a business in one (or a combination) of four areas: People, Project, Resources, Operations. They will be more involved with the direction and growth of the businesses they support. I have created an Infograph to highlight the differences between a VA and an OBM.
Can I work with a VA from another country?
Absolutely. Your virtual assistant will abide by their country’s laws involving legal and data protection. Time zones can be advantageous for clients. Currently, I have clients based in Australia, UK, USA, France, Ireland, Portugal, Italy and Spain.
Is a Virtual Assistant like an employee?
Yes and No. In my case, I am a business owner just like you. I look after my own business costs and fiscal responsibilities. I provide a contract for our work together. If you use terms like “working for me” and “CV” it might mean you are seeking an employee/contractor and not a collaborator. This post explains 25 ways a VA is different to an employee (and 25 ways we save you money!)
What happens if I use all my hours?
If you are on a Retainer package and use up your hours before month end, you can easily buy extra hours to tide you over, subject to availability.
Can I change plans later?
Yes, of course. Your relationship with your VA should be fluid. I value integrity and communication in my business. If a certain plan or package is not working for your business, we can change at any time subject to contract (currently 30 days notice).
Do my unused hours roll over?
Monthly Retainer packages are designed such that you are guaranteed the hours that you purchase. They provide security for you as the client and allow me to properly delegate my time with my clients. Retainer hours are not transferable but I have been known to be flexible!
How do I pay you?
All my services are billed/invoiced in Euro€. I accept payment by Bank transfer or International bank transfer (IBAN) for Euro transactions. I use Transferwise for international online payments.
Can I fire a Virtual Assistant?
You can only fire someone you hire (for example an employee or contractor). A virtual assistant provides an agreed terms of service or an open-ended contract. Either way, you can terminate the contract at any time and discontinue our working relationship. The agreed period will be stipulated in the contract (currently 30 days).
Is it time for you to learn more about working with a VA?
