Frequently Asked Questions

Basic Information

What is a Virtual Assistant (VA)?

According to the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA), a Virtual Assistant is an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative, and/or technical services. Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in their areas of expertise from their own offices on a contractual basis.

Why should I hire a VA?

Growing a successful business takes time, commitment, and effort. When your business is doing well and your bank account is growing, other things grow as well - such as administrative tasks. By hiring a VA, you will lessen your burden without spending a small fortune for administrative support. Think of it this way:

If you charge, on average, $100 an hour for your services, does it really make sense for you to be the one updating your website, readying a direct mail campaign for launch, or coordinating advertising copy? Of course not! With a VA, you can have all of these tasks completed—and more—for a fraction of your cost, or the cost of a full-time employee. By outsourcing to a VA, you give yourself the ability to create new business opportunities and focus on the things you love doing.

What is your Privacy Policy?

We never give out our clients' or website visitors' information to third parties - ever! We also adhere to the CANN-SPAM Act of 2003 and never spam.

Interview Process

How do I know you're the best VA for my needs?

The best way to make sure we're a "fit" is through a series of telephone and/or e-mail conversations. Be specific. Let us know exactly what your needs are. What software are you using now? Are you in a position to consider additional software and hardware options to communicate and complete projects? Ask for three references to current or past clients who used the same, or similar services. Be sure and contact those references. Prepare a list of 3-5 questions that you can ask each reference to be sure the fit is good.

How do I know you have good business ethics?

Carrying an ethical designation, such as my EthicsChecked™ Certification can say a lot. Are the work and your satisfaction guaranteed? Ask specific questions that will help you understand their commitment to ethical behavior, and how they handle customer care concerns.

Can you provide references?

Absolutely. Be wary of anyone who cannot.

Do I need to sign an agreement?

Yes, for your protection as much as ours. It's a great way to communicate our relationship and detail everything we need to know about how we'll work together and what our expectations should be.

How do we determine if our personalities mesh?

This can be done in a number of ways: personal telephone conversations, e-mail questions, speaking to our references, or considering the tone of our website content. These are all ways to discern someone's personality and focus.

Project Communication

How detailed must I be about my needs on a project?

The more detailed you can be, the less time it will take for us to complete your projects. Since you're paying an hourly rate, minimize the necessity to spend time discussing project needs to reduce the likelihood of doing the project incorrectly.

Can you work on my project with only minimal direction?

Yes, we are experienced and skilled in our areas of expertise, and once we know and understand your project needs, very little direction will be needed moving forward. Ongoing projects will be handled seamlessly, behind the scenes, and delivered according to your specifications and deadlines.

Can you provide an up-front estimate of what the project will cost?

Yes, in many cases we are able to utilize Industry Production Standards (IPS) guidelines published by the Association of Business Support Services International, Inc., and Executive Suite Association, which sells the Industry Production Standards, the industry's methodology for computing time for document production and non-keyboard administrative services.

Industry Production Standards are based on average time required in the performance of specific duties for project production by a professional information processing operator, and calculated uniformly in 6-minute (0.1) increments.

If the client is able to provide samples of the work to be completed, we are able to give you an exact estimate of the cost of that project, and of course, all work product is 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

Software

What software programs do you have available?

I work with the latest versions of MSOffice Professional (including Publisher and PowerPoint), Act! 2003 and QuickBooks Basic.

Can you work with my proprietary software?

Yes, as long as you carry the proper license agreements that allow for multiple users.

Can I provide you a copy of my software while we work together?

You can, but the optimal situation would be to purchase a copy of the necessary software for us to be able to work together. In some cases, you might be better served by allowing me to connect you with another service provider (or I can manage this person for you) who has the necessary software to achieve your goals and manage your projects in less time and with a higher level of knowledge in that particular software.

Can you work with my online, sometimes industry specific, software?

Yes, any online software that can be accessed with a login and password can be used by us to support you. Some examples might be: VistaPrint or ExpressDocs for creation and printing of marketing materials; Top Producer 7i, REALTOR specific database/marketing software; and even ordering office supplies for you at Staples, Office Max, or Office Depot, just to mention a few.

Invoicing and Payment

What up-front costs might I be charged?

For some larger projects, especially those that may require printing and/or postage costs, we may ask for 50% of the estimated project costs up front. In most cases, clients are invoiced after completion and approval of work product.

What if I'm dissatisfied with the work?

Our work is 100% satisfaction guaranteed. We will make the necessary changes/updates to your project until we have achieved the ultimate and necessary goal.

Ready to contact Accurate Business Services, a virtual assistant company that follows Industry Production Standards for professionals offering administrative office support? Click here!