February 22, 2010, Written by Barbara Gilbert, Virtual Assistant

It is estimated that the small business owners spend approximately 40 percent of their time performing administrative and non-revenue generating responsibilities. Outsourcing their services to an administrative support professional or virtual assistant provides a practical, affordable solution. Companies, small business owners, independent professionals and entrepreneurs are partnering with virtual assistants for administrative support to allow themselves more time to focus on priorities that make their business more profitable and successful.

A virtual assistant is a highly skilled administrative professional service provider, and business owner/entrepreneur who provides professional, administrative, technical, and creative assistance to a business owner’s specific requirements. A virtual assistant works from his/her own fully-equipped office location. Areas of expertise include office administrative assistance and management support, transcription, document preparation, data management, accounting, bookkeeping, resume writing, website design and other specialty services without being physically present in a business owner’s office.

The virtual assistant industry is one industry that is benefitting tremendously as a result of the recent tough economic times. When companies re-evaluated their staffing as one of their cost-cutting measures, they found that their budgets weren’t sufficient enough to pay salaries and benefits for full-time employees, resulting in massive employee lay-offs. In order to maintain productivity levels and keep their businesses going, these companies found that hiring virtual assistants presented a viable, affordable solution. Companies pay virtual assistants only for the number of hours that he/she works on administrative responsibilities and projects. Companies also save money on office space, equipment, and any other expenses associated with hiring a full-time employee. Not only do companies benefit from the services that virtual assistants provide but hiring a virtual assistant is definitely more manageable for a business’ cash flow.

Barbara Gilbert
AJL Business Secretarial Services
Professional virtual administrative support to help you achieve your business success.
Call 905-649-6267; Fax:  1-888-841-7205; Skype:  Barbara_Gilbert; Email:  ajl1bizservices@rogers.com