What is a Virtual Assistant?

A Virtual Assistant (or VA) is a professional service provider who specializes in providing remote administrative office support services as an independent contractor who works with clients in an ongoing, collaborative professional relationship.

Virtual Assistants work from their own offices and utilize today's technology to deliver their services and communicate with clients.

A Virtual Assistant's support is foundationally administrative, secretarial and clerical in nature. However, many Virtual Assistants offer additional specialties that fall under creative and technical services.

Virtual Assistants come from a variety of business backgrounds, but the single-most important qualification to become a Virtual Assistant is at least five (5) years administrative experience earned in the real (non-virtual) business world working in upper level capacities such as administrative assistant, executive assistant, secretary, legal assistant, paralegal, legal secretary, real estate assistant, office manager, etc.

From this level of experience, a VA is expected to possess the skill sets, training and business knowledge which are the hallmark of a truly qualified Virtual Assistant. 
 

Why would RIQUELMY&Company be useful to me?
If you can relate to any of the following scenarios, then it may be worth contacting RIQUELMY&Company.
Your business does not have enough space to accommodate another person

Delegating work to existing staff will affect their ability to meet current deadlines
You need to 'free' some of your own time to concentrate on other areas of the business
Your current staff does not have the skills to complete the task(s) in question

You generally need a personal assistant
You have limited funds to purchase equipment  to complete certain tasks
You want a business e-mail account but do not have a PC and/or on-line connection
You need a contact person for times when you are away


How would we do business together if we're in two different locations?
The world of technology offers numerous ways for us to communicate and share documents, regardless of location. With telephones, faxes, email, etc., we are able to stay in touch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year without being limited to normal business hours.


If I ask you to work on a project and you don’t have the required software or skills, what will you do?
As a member of different organizations, I have access to Virtual Assistants with skills in all areas of business. If I am unable to meet your needs, I will locate someone who has the necessary skills and put them in touch with you so that you can work directly together.

 
Do you work evenings and weekends?
RIQUELMY&Company works whenever clients need support. As with any business, it’s not always possible to be available at the last minute, so planning ahead is always best. But if you’re in a jam and need last minute help, we will always try to come through for you. An additional fee of 20% will be added to the invoice for rush jobs.

 
What particular skills/expertise/equipment do you have to work successfully with other businesses?
In order to serve our clients, we make every effort to stay current with technological capabilities.


OK, I can see that RIQUELMY&Company could really help, but...what are your rates?
RIQUELMY&Company charges an affordable hourly rate, it may be slightly more than an in-house hourly employee, but remember...your not paying for taxes, insurance, office space or equipment, furniture, etc., your only paying for billable time and expenses for your projects.