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Online Virtual Assistant

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Ynah Edillor

Last updated: February 1, 2023 1 min read
Definition

What is an online virtual assistant?

Online virtual assistants originally came from the term “personal assistants,” except they work remotely. Online virtual assistants handle their clients’ or company’s repetitive and mundane tasks, or other specialized work and one-off tasks. Virtual assistants generally can handle pretty much any tasks, but more technical responsibilities for medical or legal sectors require a more experienced VA.

Online virtual assistants are usually outsourced through business process outsourcing companies in outsourcing destinations like the Philippines. Online VAs in the Philippines can help companies save up to 70% on overhead costs, without sacrificing the quality and expertise of the employee.

What is an online virtual assistant?

What do you need to be an online virtual assistant?

If you’re looking to be an online virtual assistant for more technical industries like medical or legal, you need to have at least a medical or legal background. For less technical industries, aspiring online VAs will only need the following:

  • Computer
  • High speed internet
  • Word processing program
  • Good earphones
  • Software for audio editing
  • Eagerness to learn
  • Trainability and flexibility
  • Organizational and time management skills

Outsourcing FAQ

How old do you have to be to become a virtual assistant?

Virtual assistance is a tough and legitimate job. While some clients prefer to hire VAs for part-time or full-time positions, you will still be given a good amount of responsibilities. You can possibly be a VA with no prior experience, but you have to be at least 18 years old when applying, especially when it’s done online.

Most companies outsource their VA needs, and outsourcing companies always require proof that the applicant is at least 18 years of age before pushing through with the application.

How do I promote myself as a virtual assistant?

There are a variety of ways to get a gig as a virtual assistant. You may start on your own. Once you have mastered your niche (i.e. SEO, real estate, recruitment, etc.), you may start building your website to promote your services. You may also create an account to various online job platforms like Upwork and Freelancer, send proposals, and wait for clients to hire you.

Most clients prefer hiring virtual assistants through their trusted outsourcing partners, like Outsource Accelerator. Outsourcing firms handle everything from recruitment, to day-to-day operations, to overhead costs, so business owners can relax and reap the benefits of hiring VAs to a business.

How many hours does a virtual assistant work?

An online virtual assistant can work on the agreed upon work hours. For part-time workers, 20 hours per week is a good minimum. This is enough time for starting VAs to get familiarized with their tasks and get them done. The tasks of a virtual assistant should not be rushed.

If you’re handling a team of VAs, let them share ideas and strategies through effective online collaboration tools that are perfect for remote work. 

How much do Filipino virtual assistants make?

A virtual assistant’s pay depends on their expertise and years of experience. However, according to Payscale, an average VA makes a minimum hourly pay of $4. 

Where you find your online virtual assistant also plays a part in determining their salary per month. Freelance VAs hired through popular job platforms like Upwork and Fiverr start at $5 per hour, while those hired through outsourcing companies’ rates start at $8 per hour. With virtual assistants, you can save a lot of money on labor costs, but not to the point of consuming cheap labor.

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About OA

Outsource Accelerator is the trusted source of independent information, advisory and expert implementation of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).

The #1 outsourcing authority

Outsource Accelerator offers the world’s leading aggregator marketplace for outsourcing. It specifically provides the conduit between world-leading outsourcing suppliers and the businesses – clients – across the globe.

The Outsource Accelerator website has over 5,000 articles, 450+ podcast episodes, and a comprehensive directory with 4,000+ BPO companies… all designed to make it easier for clients to learn about – and engage with – outsourcing.

About Derek Gallimore

Derek Gallimore has been in business for 20 years, outsourcing for over eight years, and has been living in Manila (the heart of global outsourcing) since 2014. Derek is the founder and CEO of Outsource Accelerator, and is regarded as a leading expert on all things outsourcing.

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