Virtual Buzz Assistant

Defining the Virtual Assistant

I have a high degree of respect for Virtual Assistants.  However, over the years this term has taken on many different meanings for different people.  The result has been that you find a Virtual Assistant website and they sometimes list many different types of tasks they do.  The only thing these tasks have in common is that they are virtual jobs – meaning they can be done remotely.

So what is a Virtual Assistant?

A Virtual Assistant (VA) is someone that assists a person or organization remotely.

Virtual = Remotely

Assistant = Not a manager, strategist or consultant – simply helping to execute someone’s plan.

I know that sometimes Virtual Assistants visit this site and are not happy with me saying that the term Virtual Assistant is too general.  I certainly do not want to argue the point or imply that someone calling themself a virtual assistant is not a professional.  I simply think people need to better define their area of expertise.  Let’s have a look.

Virtual Marketing Assistant

The Virtual Buzz Assistant network specializes in helping Virtual Workers become experts at assisting companies and individuals execute their Internet Marketing plans. These Virtual Assistants have chosen to specialize in those tasks that increase the odds of a website producing sales, leads or building an audience.

Executive Virtual Assistant

When I think of a highly professional Virtual Assistant in the traditional sense, I think of executive assistants that help c-level executives manage their daily tasks.  I assume these people are very good at producing documents, proposals, managing calendars and many other tasks that make the executive more efficient with his or her time.  Executive Virtual Assistants are not your average, low hourly rate.

Virtual Book Keeper

Book Keeping is a great job to have someone you trust do virtually.  Certainly a Virtual Bookkeeper can be called a Virtual Assistant, but I hope that they have specialized in accounting packages and book keeping skills that make them a very valuable member of an organization.

Outsource Virtual Assistants

Overseas virtual assistants are often very inexpensive.  This is probably the #1 reason that the term Virtual Assistant is getting muddled.  How can you compare a highly professional executive virtual assistant that is writing proposals for a CEO to an Overseas Virtual Assistant that may be very cost effective, but is unlikely to produce the same level of results?

Do not get me wrong.  I love overseas outsourcing for the appropriate tasks, but when so many people are called Virtual Assistants, you have to make sure you get the correct virtual assistant for the tasks you need completed.

Other Kinds of Virtual Assistants

Blog Writers – These people may not call themselves virtual assistants, but they are doing a virtual job and helping you keep your blog active and effective.

Web Developers – Chances are your web developer is making changes for you virtually and assisting you in keeping your website current.  Sounds like a Virtual Assistant to me.

Researcher – Do you have a virtual researcher that is doing market research, tracking competition or putting together reports for you?  Sounds very much like a VA.

Data Entry - Date Entry, Medical Transcription, Etc.  These jobs are usually done virtually.

Proof Reading, Translation, Ghost Writing, PR…..

I think you are getting the idea.  Virtual Assistants are great, but the term has become too vague.  Instead of saying, “I need a virtual assistant,” you need to say, “I have a group of tasks I need assistance with.  What kind of specialized virtual assistant should I look for?”

Here at the Virtual Buzz Assistant Network you can find talented Virtual Marketing Assistants.  They are not for low cost data entry or book keeping.  If you pay a little more for the specialized virtual assistant that matches your defined needs, you are going to get a much better value with your virtual assistant.