What's a VA and why do you need one?

You've heard of a PA...but what's a VA? And most importantly, why you need one?

A VA is quite simply a virtual PA.  Someone who provides a valuable  extra pair of hands when you need it, but who is not a permanent employee.  VAs typically work remotely, keeping in touch with you via phone, email or videoconferencing. A VA can help you out occasionally, weekly, or on a more regular basis, it's totally up to you. 

So what's the value of hiring a VA? 

Well many self employed or small business owners feel that there just aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. As well as running the business they are also trying to juggle things like social media, marketing, advertising, accounts, filing, paperwork and more. VA's offer the perfect flexible solution to these kinds of problems. 

But you might be surprised to know that you don't even need to be running a business to benefit from a VA. Many busy people with homes and families to manage find it helpful to have someone to handle their routine admin tasks so that they are free to focus on the things that matter to them. 

Here at New Leaves we are very excited to add VA services to our portfolio. We see this as a natural extension to our success in helping individuals and small businesses manage their paperwork, administration, filing and other organisational tasks alongside our decluttering and organising services. 

The sorts of projects you could ask us to manage are varied, but typically might include:  

Sorting and prioritising your mail   Managing your emails and diary  Setting up a mailing list  Filing and organising your paperwork  Organising a mailshot or marketing campaign  Setting up a Facebook, Instagram or Twitter account for you or your business  Invoicing your clients, chasing payments and updating your accounts  Drafting a newsletter or blog article  Preparing a Powerpoint presentation  Planning a party or other social event  Organising a business meeting, awayday or conference Making travel arrangements for business or pleasure  Organising quotations for jobs such as printing, building or decorating  Drafting job adverts, managing enquiries and screening interviews  Project managing office moves or other larger projects 

...and much much more. 

What experience do we have?  ​ Between us we have experience in business administration, human resources, event management, social media management, business communications, and as personal assistants at executive level, as well as our own practical life experience of being busy parents and self employed business owners!  And on the rare occasion when we don't know how to do something, we usually know someone who can. 

How much does it cost? 

VA jobs are priced at our normal rate of £25 per hour and there is a minimum charge of one hour.

We can work remotely or at your premises, depending on the job and your location.  Depending on the nature of the project we may handle it jointly or it may be given to one or other of us to manage. 

We are really excited to be able to offer this service and really look forward to working with you on your projects. Please feel free to get in touch with us to discuss your requirements, we are always happy to have a chat on the phone or via Skype or Facetime to discuss things in more detail. 

Best wishes, 

​Sue & Claire 

#virtualassistant