Guest Post:  Melissa Dery

Just as there can be some confusion around the Direct Sales industry (think of how many times you’ve been asked “is this one of those pyramid things?”), there is also some confusion around the Virtual Assistance industry. To help clear some of the confusion I’m going to share the three most common types of “virtual” assistance.

Virtual Assistant (VA) this is by far the “broadest” term for virtual support and the types of services provided by VAs vary as dramatically as the price range.  You can find VA’s ranging from $3.00/hour to upwards of $35/hour and more.   The term VA refers anyone providing assistance “virtually”, so this can cover the technical support of a graphic designer and website support, to the more traditional types of support like word processing or data entry. Virtual Assistance services are project or task based; you hire a VA to complete a specific task for a set hourly rate or project fee.

For additional information check: https://www.ivaa.org/

Administrative Consultant this is where I have made the decision to move my business to, keep an eye out for me as The Golden Rule Admin.  As I mentioned above, when you hire a VA it’s to support you with a specific “task” such as create a logo, or enter your contacts into your database. An administrative consultant takes those services to the next level, by providing you with a collaborative partner.  When you are able to collaborate with an Administrative Consultant you have someone not only to “bounce” ideas off of but who has the expertise to take your ideas and provide the guidance to get your business organized and establish systems to keep things flowing smoothly.  This type of service is an ongoing, personal, one-to-one relationship with a trusted colleague who understands you, your business and priorities.

For additional information check: https://administrativeconsultantsassoc.com/

Online Business Manager (OBM) this is the top tier of virtual services, and as a result they are the most costly option. An OBM is someone who manages your entire online business; they are your one point-person for all tasks related to your day-to-day business activities.  When you work with an OBM they manage the big picture and will hire and manage a team to get this done.  They are similar to a project manager, so for example, if you have an event coming up you would give the details to your OBM and they would make all the arrangements such as hire an event planner, coordinate the caterer, locate the site of the event, hire a graphic artist to design the invitations, and the VA to manage the RSVPs.  They are your point person to manage the business end of your business.

For additional information check:  https://onlinebusinessmanager.com/blog/

Take some time to consider what level of service you need to support your business so you can focus on what you do best.   Remember, you are in business for yourself, but you don’t have to do it all by yourself!

 

Melissa H. Dery is the CEO of The Golden Rule Virtual Assistant (VA) she is your Direct Sales Administrative Consultant Expert.  Melissa grew up in a direct selling family. She knows firsthand about the “behind the scenes” work required to help your business grow and prosper.

When Melissa combined more than 20 years of experience as an administrative professional with her desire support those in direct sales and The Golden Rule VA was born.  Her business is to provide strategic, ongoing administrative support in a personal and mutually beneficial one-to-one partnership with Superstar clients.

 

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