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Are You Ready for a Virtual Assistant?

February 15, 2013 by

As every small business owner knows, there comes a time when you have to start and look for extra support if you are serious about moving your business forward. There are only so many hours in the day and only so many things that you can do yourself and do well.  It’s only a matter of time before the work piles up and things slip through the cracks, having a negative effect on your business, your reputation and losing you money.

Perhaps you’ve heard that other people are working with a Virtual Assistant – you’re wondering if this might be the solution you’re looking for.  Are you ready to reach out to a VA and get help for yourself?  Here are some points to consider:

1.      A Virtual Assistant is a business professional – not an employee.  The benefits of hiring a VA – not having to deal with HR issues, dealing with payroll/benefits, providing equipment, etc are perfect for small business owners. Having a wonderful working partnership with a VA who you see as an equal and someone who can really make a difference to your business is very powerful – but if you need to be the boss, you may be better off with an employee. 

2.      What is your style of working – be honest!  If you are always doing things last minute and will end up delegating to the Virtual Assistant at the eleventh hour expecting an immediate turnaround, this may not be the best option for you. A good Virtual Assistant will have several clients that she (or he) will need to accommodate and while there are always occasions when a last minute emergency crops up, if every piece of work is a last minute emergency, that could present a problem.  Discuss this up front with the VA you are talking to.

3.      Do you have trust issues?  Depending on the tasks you need help with the most, the VA will need access to your passwords, may be dealing with sensitive business information and perhaps even help with your finances (paypal, etc).  Always look for a professional VA you can trust.  Do your homework and find someone reputable – don’t be afraid to ask for references from existing or past clients.  This should go some way to putting your mind at ease when handing over your information.

4.      You are of the mindset that “if I need to explain it, I might as well do it myself”.  There may be tasks that you, as the business owner, will need to spend some time explaining to the VA – tasks that are specific to your business.  This is understandable and worth the investment of your time – next month, you won’t need to explain it!  The longer you work with the VA, the more automatic things become.  However, if you micromanage every task and can’t let go of the reins a little, hiring a Virtual Assistant may not be your best solution.

5.      Are you billing enough to pay for a VA’s services?  The average rate for a qualified VA in the Raleigh area is $ 25-$ 50 per hour.  If you are not billing your services at considerably more than that, it may not make financial sense to hire a VA.  At the very least, you should narrow down specific areas you need support in and can budget for – expanding out when your finances allow.

Virtual Assistants are a valuable resource to help your business grow – hope these tips help you decide if you’re ready to reach out for help.

Filed Under: Gaynor Fries Tagged With: , ,

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant for You

February 14, 2013 by

You’ve decided you’re ready to reach out for help – you just can’t do it all yourself, stay sane and have a life.  Something’s gotta give!  So, you’ve decided you’re ready to get support from a Virtual Assistant and you know the areas you want to start to delegate.  So, how do you find the right VA for you?

Before you pick up the phone for that consultation, here are some points for discussion:

1. What is the Virtual Assistant’s niche?  Are you looking for support in a particular area of your business, eg book-keeping or telephone support?  Do you need someone with more technical-based skills?  Are you looking for someone who wants to get involved and become your right hand man?  When consulting with a VA, make sure to ask about their area of expertise, so you can gauge if you’re a good fit for each other.

2. How do you like to communicate?  For example, if you hate adding extra emails to your inbox and telephone works best for you, discuss this with the VA.  Would you like to occasionally ‘see’ your VA and use Skype or similar service to build more of a relationship?  You need to find a solution that works for you both, so ask the VA if they can accommodate your preferred method of communication.

3. How does the Virtual Assistant operate for billing/contract arrangements?  If you are looking to hire a VA for ongoing support (which is where the true benefit lies), how and when will you be invoiced – are you expected to pay in advance?  Is a notice period required to end the arrangement – if so, how much notice?

4. How did the Virtual Assistant deal with YOU?  Make a note of your first impressions – was your call or email answered promptly and efficiently?  How was the conversation handled?  Were you happy with the level of professionalism demonstrated?  Remember, the VA may become your representative and be dealing with YOUR clients.  You need to be comfortable that this will be handled well.

5. Did you “click”?  Did you end your consultation with the Virtual Assistant happy and looking forward to getting started?  Or did you hang up the phone and take a few minutes to wonder if this was going to be the right fit after all?  If extra questions pop up, feel free to call or email the VA so that you get all the answers you need to make an informed decision.

6. Ask for references.  Don’t be afraid to ask the Virtual Assistant for a couple of names that you can contact to ask about their services.  A good VA will have many happy clients that she/he will be only too happy to have you speak with.

Filed Under: Gaynor Fries Tagged With: , , ,

Oh So Many Tasks You Could Hand Over to a Virtual Assistant

February 13, 2013 by

I recently gave a presentation to my networking group about all of the tasks that a Virtual Assistant could handle for a business owner, thereby allowing them time to get back to the areas that really need their expertise.  I was surprised by how well that was received – as is often the case, sometimes you can’t see the wood for the trees and presume that everyone thinks the same as you.

If you’re wondering whether a Virtual Assistant is worth your time (and money!), here are suggestions for tasks you could outsource.  Once you decide the areas in which you’d like to get some support, find the VA with the skillset and experience you need.  So, here’s a list of about 50.  That should get you started…..

1.   Admin Support
2.   Article Marketing
3.   Audio Transcription
4.   Billing
5.   Blog maintenance (some VAs will also create content)
6.   Bookkeeping
7.   Brainstorming
8.   Broadcast emailing
9.   Chasing payments
10.  Copying/Printing
11.  Copywriting
12.  Customer Service
13.  Data Entry
14.  Database Maintenance
15.  Desktop Publishing
16.  Dictation
17.  Direct (mass) mailings
18.  Editing
19.  Email Management
20.  Event Co-ordination/Management
21.  Faxings
22.  File Transfer
23.  Graphic Design
24.  HR Support
25.  Internet Research
26.  Legal Support (Paralegal)
27.  Mail Merge
28.  Mailing Services
29.  Marketing Services
30.  Newsletter Management
31.  Notary Services
32.  Office Organizing/Management
33.  Packaging and Shipping
34.  Paying Bills
35.  Personal Assistance
36.  Powerpoint Presentations
37.  Press Release Submission
38.  Printing
39.  Project Management
40.  Proofreading
41.  Reminders
42.  Research
43.  Scanning
44.  Scheduling
45.  Secretarial Services
46.  Social Media Management
47.  Spreadsheets
48.  Telephone calls
49.  Training
50.  Transcription (Digital)
51.  Typing
52.  Voicemail Support
53.  Website Maintenance

Never underestimate the power of item 7 – Brainstorming.  One area many of my clients really enjoy is the ‘talk time’ we have each week where we discuss relevant matters and ‘brainstorm’ the upcoming week’s events/tasks.

You don’t have to do this ‘business thing’ alone – it’s nice to have someone on your team!

Filed Under: Gaynor Fries Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Are you Ready for a Virtual Assistant?

May 6, 2012 by

As every small business owner knows, there comes a time when you have to start and look for extra support if you are serious about moving your business forward. There are only so many hours in the day and only so many things that you can do yourself and do well. It’s only a matter of time before the work piles up and things slip through the cracks, having a negative effect on your business, your reputation and losing you money.


Perhaps you’ve heard that other people are working with a Virtual Assistant – you’re wondering if this might be the solution you’re looking for. Are you ready to reach out to a VA and get help for yourself? Here are some points to consider:



1. A Virtual Assistant is a business professional – not an employee. The benefits of hiring a VA (of which there are many) - not having to deal with HR issues, dealing with payroll/benefits, providing equipment, etc are perfect for small business owners. Having a wonderful working partnership with a VA who you see as an equal and someone who can really make a difference to your business is very powerful – but if you need to be the boss, you may be better off with an employee.



2. What is your style of working – be honest! If you are always doing things last minute and will end up delegating to the Virtual Assistant at the eleventh hour expecting an immediate turnaround, this may not be the best option for you. A good Virtual Assistant will have several clients that she (or he) will need to accommodate and while there are always occasions when a last minute emergency crops up, if every piece of work is a last minute emergency, that could present a problem. Discuss working styles up front with the VA you are considering.



3. Do you have trust issues? Depending on the tasks you need help with the most, the VA will need access to your passwords, may be dealing with sensitive business information and perhaps even help with your finances (paypal, etc). Always look for a professional VA you can trust. Do your homework and find someone reputable – don’t be afraid to ask for references from existing or past clients. This should go some way to putting your mind at ease when handing over your information.



4. You are of the mindset that “if I need to explain it, I might as well do it myself”. There may be tasks that you, as the business owner, will need to spend some time explaining to the VA – tasks that are specific to your business. This is understandable and worth the investment of your time – next month, you won’t need to explain it! The longer you work with the VA, the more automatic things become. However, if you micromanage every task and can’t let go of the reins a little, hiring a Virtual Assistant may not be your best solution.



5. Are you billing enough to pay for a VA’s services? The average rate for a professional VA in the Raleigh area is $ 25-$ 50 per hour. If you are not billing your services at considerably more than that, it may not make financial sense to hire a VA. At the very least, you should narrow down specific areas you need support in the most and can budget for – expanding out when your finances allow.



Virtual Assistants are a hugely valuable resource to help your business grow – hope these tips help you decide if you’re ready to reach out for help.

Gaynor Fries, Virtual Assistant’s Posts – The 919 Business Network – Local Business Networking

Filed Under: Gaynor Fries Tagged With: , ,

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant for You

May 6, 2012 by

You’ve decided you’re ready to reach out for help – you just can’t do it all yourself, stay sane and have a life. Something’s gotta give! So, you’ve decided you’re ready to get support from a Virtual Assistant and you know the areas you want to start to delegate. So, how do you find the right VA for you?


Before you pick up the phone for that consultation, here are some points for discussion:



1. What is the Virtual Assistant’s niche? Are you looking for support in a particular area of your business, eg book-keeping or telephone support? Do you need someone with more technical-based skills? Are you looking for someone who wants to get involved and become your right hand man? When consulting with a VA, make sure to ask about their area of expertise, so you can gauge if you’re a good fit for each other.



2. How do you like to communicate? For example, if you hate adding extra emails to your inbox and telephone works best for you, discuss this with the VA. Would you like to occasionally ‘see’ your VA and use Skype or similar service to build more of a relationship? You need to find a solution that works for you both, so ask the VA if they can accommodate your preferred method of communication.



3. How does the Virtual Assistant operate for billing/contract arrangements? If you are looking to hire a VA for ongoing support (which is where the true benefit lies), how and when will you be invoiced – are you expected to pay in advance? Is a notice period required to end the arrangement – if so, how much notice?



4. How did the Virtual Assistant deal with YOU? Make a note of your first impressions – was your call or email answered promptly and efficiently? How was the conversation handled? Were you happy with the level of professionalism demonstrated? Remember, the VA may become your representative and be dealing with YOUR clients. You need to be comfortable that this will be handled well.


5. Ask for references. Don’t be afraid to ask the Virtual Assistant for a couple of names that you can contact to ask about their services. A good VA will have many happy clients that she/he will be only too happy to have you speak with.


6. Did you “click”? Did you end your consultation with the Virtual Assistant happy and looking forward to getting started? Or did you hang up the phone and take a few minutes to wonder if this was going to be the right fit after all? If extra questions pop up, feel free to call or email the VA so that you get all the answers you need to make an informed decision.

Gaynor Fries, Virtual Assistant’s Posts – The 919 Business Network – Local Business Networking

Filed Under: Gaynor Fries Tagged With: , , ,

Virtual Assistant Tip: 5 Keys to Building Quality Business Relationships

February 7, 2012 by

I am in my third year of my Virtual Assistant Social Media business.  I am convinced more than ever of the power of positive relationships.

As a Virtual Assistant, I have the pleasure of relating and engaging with MANY various types of business owners each week:

  • Business Owners
  • PR / Marketing Staff
  • Website Developers
  • Trainers
  • Additional Contractors related with the Client’s Business
  • Beginner Virtual Assistants
  • More!

As the economy slowly changes, the one constant I see is the power of relationships.

Here are 5 Steps to Build Quality Business Relationships when engaging in the relationships with your business and your client’s business support needs.

1.  Less is More -  Listen more than you talk when engaging with fellow business relationships (for yourself and your client).  I listen to what my clients’ needs are, and when I speak with one of their vendors directly, I make sure that I listen to ensure that the vendor and my client are on the “same page”.

If someone ASKS my professional opinion, I give it, honestly.

2.  Engage Authentically - Be sure to engage positively with all members of a client’s team.  It is important that you are authentic when you engage with your client, their connections, vendors, etc.

  • If you genuinely like a post click “like” or “share”.
  • Stay business professional (not too much personal interaction)
  • Use common courtesy, say “please” and “thank you”.
  • Publicly say THANK YOU – on various social media sites (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, www.Inside919.com, etc.)

3.  Have Your Clients Back – Plan Ahead - Without a question, the days when I smile from ear to ear is when a client out of the blue says “thanks for having my back”.  As a Virtual Assistant Social Media Manager, my job is to ensure consistency of information so that the client has the freedom to engage and relate as they do best.

4.  Excellence - It is imperative that you offer excellent service to your clients (and their team members).  Remember, every person  you touch is a potential referral source!  I get a lot of business from third party vendors I may have engaged with one time for a particular client.  I do an outstanding job and go the extra mile to make sure the client’s reputation is in tact and the project is done well.

5. Become a Connector - If you are not a perfect fit for someone, be honest.  If you can’t help someone, try to offer a solution that will help them.  It does take a bit of time to sometimes find an alternative fit for a potential client, but I want to make sure that client is taken care of.  If they took the time to reach out and call me (often after researching for a while) I want to do what I can to help them fulfill that need.

How About You? Is there another tip that you utilize in building quality relationship with business owners that you touch in your Virtual Assistant business?

Angel Lebak ~ Virtual Assistant’s Posts – The 919 Business Network – Local Business Networking

Filed Under: Angel Lebak Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Thank You! A New Day for AssistantAngel – Virtual Assistants Raleigh

January 5, 2012 by

If you can dream it, then you can achieve it. You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want. ~ Zig Ziglar


This is a familiar quote we have heard many times from Zig Ziglar. I have experienced the power and success of this quote in the past year. A large portion of that success is due to the connections and relationships I have made here on www.Inside919.com.


AssistantAngel – A team of Virtual Assistants in Raleigh, NC has been in existence for less than a year. The explosive growth, changes and empowerment in my life has been incredibly humbling.


Here are few of the key life lessons I learned over the past year:


1. Do Not Despise Small Beginnings

I often hear people say “your business exploded overnight”. The truth is, the SEEDS for AssistantAngel began long before I ever opened the doors of my VA business.

I was working part time with a company in early 2009 and met many wonderful and passionate business owners because of this company. The interesting thing was, the parent company we all worked for went belly up. However, the RELATIONSHIPS that were built during that challenging season truly did set the foundation for future business for ALL of us. Today, many of my most trusted advisors I met during that season.


2. Surround Yourself with Positive People who have a Servant’s Heart

I can not list all of the people who have helped, encouraged and inspired me over the past year. There are too many to mention. MANY of them live and relate right here on www.Inside919.com. These amazing people do the same thing for others they did for me: encourage, build and teach to the heart of the small business owner. My goal is to be that voice of encouragement for others during what can be a very challenging time.


3. Local Tools Work

In this economy it really does come down to the local relationships. That is the power of what I have learned and experienced here on www.Inside919.com . I have met some of the smartest and most inspiring people on this network both online and in person. Inside919 is the first place I go to for training, advice and ideas. To be at the top of your game, connect with people who are at the top of their game.


4. My Clients Rock!

My clients are premier in their respective industries. I love to hear their passion and relate that passion and excitement via social media management. Behind the scenes, I am their biggest fan and loudest cheerleader. Their success is my success. I am very humbled by my clients’ trust in AssistantAngel. Many of these business owners believed in me when no one knew who I was which is something I will never forget.


5. Amazing Support Team

AssistantAngel’s growth has allowed me to hire a team of VA’s who support me. My support team are the top in their field of expertise. Their support and insight has truly helped expand AssistantAngel’s growth beyond what I imagined.


6. Thank You!

In the coming months you will see great and exciting new adventures from AssistantAngel. As we embark on these new adventures, I wanted to take this moment and say THANK YOU.


It has been a wonderful and exciting journey and it is only the beginning…..




Angel Lebak ~ Virtual Assistant’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

Filed Under: Angel Lebak Tagged With: , , , ,

Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant (or VA)

January 5, 2012 by

A Virtual Assistant (or VA for short) is a qualified individual who will handle the mundane administrative, marketing, clerical, bookkeeping, payroll, website, SEO or social media tasks for your business on a contract basis. The VA is not on the premises of your office, hence the term “virtual”.





Here are some of the many benefits of hiring a VA:



More Time



A VA can take those “tasks” that are weighing down on your time and your mind, and handle them in an efficient manner.



What is your time worth to you? What is going to take you 4 hours will take a VA 2 or less hours.



How can you use those additional 4 hours for marketing your business and getting NEW clients?




Return to your “First Love”



When most business owners started their business they had a passion and a desire to share their service or product with the world. If you had some assistance, would you have the freedom to share that passion again?



Make a list of the things you LOVE to do for your business, that bring you joy.



Make a list of the projects that WEIGH DOWN your mind, day after day. These are the items you will want to consider outsourcing to a qualified professional.





Money Savings



With the downturn in the economy, many companies can not afford a full time administrative or marketing support person.



A VA can be hired:

• Project Basis

• Certain Recurring Events Monthly

• Admin Retainer Option* (where the VA “becomes” the hands on admin of a business”)



(* In our company, when a client hires us for the Admin Retainer Option, often company on-site visits are provided.)



VA companies are paid as a vendor, so it is a tax write off for your company. Also, there are no additional healthcare, payroll and state and local taxes that you will need to pay. Not to mention, the cost savings of having another desk, computer, etc. available for an additional staff member.





Peace of Mind



When I see a client do that “EXHALE”…I see the spark go back into their eyes. They know they have handed off something that has been weighing on their heart and mind for some time.



They are confident the project is in qualified hands that will not only get the job done in a timely manner, but with efficiency and excellence.



What would you do with an additional 4 hours in your work week?

Angel Lebak ~ Virtual Assistant’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

Filed Under: Angel Lebak Tagged With: , , ,

Tips for Determining the best Virtual Assistant Services for Your Business

January 5, 2012 by

“How do I know which Virtual Assistant services are the right fit for my business?” That is a fabulous question that I am frequently asked.



As the owner of AssistantAngel, team of Virtual Assistants serving clients in Raleigh, NC and across the United States, we offer different services to different companies, depending on the particular company’s virtual assistant needs.

Here are some tips to help you determine the best Virtual Assistant Services for you and your business.

1. Determine what your company Needs (in order of importance)

Is your focus your local market? Do you need a national campaign? Do you need a marketing strategy that your team will implement. Are you looking for a part time help? Help for a specific project?

Once you answer these questions you may recognize that you need a Virtual Assistant (VA) for one part of a larger project. After you see where you can fit the VA into your plan, it will give you more confidence when speaking to a VA.

2. Decide what tasks YOU and your staff do Well (and ENJOY doing)

Do you enjoy doing the in person marketing? Are you more comfortable being the behind the scenes person who likes to handle the details? Do you know how to update your website? Do you want to know? Do you care?
Do you simply want someone to do the administrative tasks for your business?

The answer to the above questions will help you recognize what YOU want to do versus what you WANT the VA to handle on your behalf. This is going to empower you as you communicate to the VA what they will and will NOT be working on.

3. Determine your goal in hiring a Virtual Assistant

Do you want a team member or a short term contractor? Do you want a VA who will give you insight and guidance or a “to do” person.

Often Virtual Assistants have lower pricing packages for longer term clients. Keep that in mind when speaking with a VA for the needs of a one time project.

4. Personal Connection

A Virtual Assistant is going to have direct access to a large amount of the confidential aspects of your business.

Is this potential Virtual Assistant a person you know, like and trust?

Even if you know this person via phone and email, it is VITAL that you go with your “gut” and determine if the VA is a good fit for you and your company’s goals.


5. Here are some examples of what a Virtual Assistant can offer your business

  • Social Media Management
  • Online Reputation Monitoring
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Newsletter
  • Press Release
  • Social Media Platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, InsideAreaCodes, YouTube, etc.)
  • Event Posting
  • Training
  • Strategy
  • Bookkeeping
  • Email Campaigns
  • Appointment Setting, etc.


Please Note: AssistantAngel’s focus is on social media marketing management strategy and reputation management. We are connected with Virtual Assistants all over the US who can help get you the services you need.

We receive a large number of inquiries each week, and frequently refer business to other VA’s across the country. (I do not ask for a referral fee when I send a potential client to another VA. I do this so that there is no area of compromise for the needs of the business owner)

For more answers on Virtual Assistants, please see my other blog post: What are the benefits of hiring a virtual assistant?

Don’t be overwhelmed when entering the arena of Virtual Assistants. With some thoughtful answers to the above questions, you will be able to determine if a VA is a good fit for you and your business.





Angel Lebak ~ Virtual Assistant’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

Filed Under: Angel Lebak Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Thank YOU from AssistantAngel – Virtual Assistant Social Media Raleigh

January 5, 2012 by

It is written, “to whom much is given, much is required” that is an eternal truth that I do not take lightly.



As I look back on this past year, I am amazed and humbled by the growth of AssistantAngel. It has been an incredible journey, with many more roads to travel. I have experienced my one man (girl) shop turn into a Virtual Team focusing on Social Media. I have been humbled by the trust of some of the most amazing business owners locally here in 919, across the country (and Canada). To see their online presence blossom and mature is such a privilege and an honor for me.

I wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone’s encouragement and support over the past year. Many of my trusted advisers, I have met online and here in the local area (particularly www.Inside919.com). I am convinced my business has blossomed because of their insight and encouragement.

There are MANY new and exciting opportunities in 2011. Thank you for your confidence and taking this wonderful journey with me and my amazing team of Virtual Assistants

~ Angel



Angel Lebak ~ Virtual Assistant’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

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