The virtual assistant career path is not a new one, but it’s certainly gained popularity in recent years. Thanks to burgeoning technologies, evolving workplace models and shifts in growth industries, opportunities for virtual assistants have been on the rise. At last, business people who themselves are working remotely in increased numbers are open to aligning with virtual assistants who may be based far away but are always close at hand, virtually providing support in a variety of ways.
As demand for virtual staffing has grown, so has the number of people interested in the career path. Though at first glance career opportunists may think this path is a simple one to break into, reality proves otherwise. Today’s demanding business owners need virtual office assistance that’s not only reliable, long term and consistent but intelligent, proactive and highly versatile. Being a successful, highly productive virtual assistant requires much time, dedication, training and willingness to face challenging situations.
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From New York City to Los Angeles, the weather has taken its toll on the business world this year. An inordinate number of snow storms made commutes implausible and work impossible for literally millions of professionals throughout the winter months. Planes were grounded, businesses and schools were shut down and ancillary activities such as shopping, eating out and leisure outings felled to extremely unnavigable conditions. The cost of foul weather rose into the billions due to lost productivity, and no industry was immune to the effects.
However, In spite of the inclement weather, there’s an ever-productive subset of the working world not necessarily subject to the wiles of winter. Businesses that rely on cloud-based platforms and employ virtual assistants and virtual receptionists were able to weather the storms productively, effectively and efficiently. When business operations occur virtually and are supported by virtual staff who can function without the confines of traditional office settings, companies are nimble, responsive—and weather-proof.
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Some markets are moving quickly to optimize expenses while increasing revenue even in a down economy.
Regardless of your business the movers and shakers are those who’ve figured out how to provide less expensive service to corporations are the ones flourishing now.
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The Wall Street Journal quotes best selling author Paul Edwards as saying, “Virtual assistants provide services ranging from administrative support to consulting via e-mail, fax and phone.”
The article continues recommending several books for getting started, including Virtual Assistant – The Series by Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker.
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Sometimes the words “start-up,” “entrepreneur” and “small business” can conjure images of fledgling dreamers setting up shop in their apartments, struggling to pay student loans while launching their big ideas.
Of course, the reality is much broader and deeper than that image. Today’s entrepreneurs come in all ages, shapes and stages of experience. Many who are starting up new ventures are winding down other successful careers, drawing upon their C-Suites knowledge to try different enterprises.
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