faqs
Here are some questions I hear often that might sound familiar if you have been contemplating hiring a VA.
I need help! I’m too busy but I’m not sure what you can do to assist?
This is a question I hear a lot. Apart from my list of “Services”, I am offering you access to a detailed checklist entitled “101 Ways to Boost Business with a Virtual Assistant”. Simply sign up for this free report and as bonus you will receive my monthly home office management tips “Home Sweet Home Office” which consists of a series of simple, practical productivity tips for managing your home office efficiently. If you have specific questions, send me an email to ‘jen at altadmin dot ca’ [replace the 'at' and the 'dot' with the appropriate symbols, no spaces] and we can evaluate your needs further. For areas of expertise you don’t see listed here, just ask. I have access to a great resource of skilled professionals!
I like the idea but I’m not sure if I’m ready to start working with a VA. How will I know when to start?
If you feel you’re not ready then you’re probably not. Chances are you may be soon. Send me an email to ‘jen at altadmin dot ca’ [replace the 'at' and the 'dot' with the appropriate symbols, no spaces]
and we’ll set up a time to talk to discuss your situation to determine if and when working with a VA makes sense.
What are your rates and payment terms?
Alternate Admin’s hourly rates vary based on individual client requirements. In order to determine pricing please contact me to discuss your specific needs. I provide an initial complimentary phone or in person consultation and from there can customize a package best suited to your needs. I work either on an hourly basis or by monthly retainer. Commencing at a base rate of $38.00/hour, Monthly Support Packages are offered at various discounts according to a set number of hours/month. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to HST. The initial deposit or monthly fee is required to guarantee services. Upon receipt of this fee, Alternate Admin will begin the work. Detailed time sheets will be kept for the Client. Retainers will renew automatically on the first of each month.
The concept sounds good but I don’t know if I can afford to pay for help. Isn’t it just cheaper and easier to do it myself?
First let’s address ‘cheaper’. Many business owners and entrepreneurs save money by completing their own administrative tasks, however, they may not be saving as much money as they think. Often the money making activities of their business become neglected. Even if you spend only five hours a week on routine administrative tasks, by the end of the year you have used 260 hours that could have been better spent on building your business. Considering that calculation, if your hourly billing rate is $75/hour, that could amount to over $19,000 in lost revenue. Working with a VA could help you recover most of that amount.
Next, ‘easier’. There is an initial learning curve as we become familiar with working together. The intention is to provide you with ongoing support, not just with one specific function or task, but to become a partner in your success. Therefore, I invest time to understand the business, develop and document processes and implement systems to handle various tasks. By the 2nd to 3rd month, our working relationship becomes more established and tangible results begin to show as more time and energy will be spent contributing to the growth of the business.
I’m concerned about working “virtually”. I’ve never worked in this type of environment.
Although I’m not physically there with the client, detailed time sheets are kept and we will communicate regularly. Clear communications are essential and as we work together our business relationship will prosper and your concerns will soon dissipate. You’ll start to see that you have more focused time to market and grow your business. All information provided to Alternate Admin will be deemed confidential and an agreement outlining this and the terms and conditions of our working relationship will be provided.
