Virtual Assistance can be
defined in a multitude of ways, simply read some of the blogs and posts traveling around the web today. Even research a few organizations representing VA's and you'll find a variety of definitions.
Let's look at it this way, everyone believes they the definition of the words virtual and assistance, but let's refresh and, check out the definition of virtual . We learn that virtual has a variety of terms but in conjunction with the nature of our services we'll use the following from yourdictionary.com, "Computer Ease Definition "Computer Science Created, simulated, or carried on by means of a computer or computer network: virtual conversations in a chatroom. Certainly Virtual Assistance fits the definition of the that portion of the term. As a Virtual Assistant I "carry on by means of a computer...."
Okay, let's define assistant; yourdictionary defines it as "One that assists; a helper", Yep I do that to, so essentially what I am is a helper who helps by means of a computer or computer network....
Let's look at it this way, everyone believes they the definition of the words virtual and assistance, but let's refresh and, check out the definition of virtual . We learn that virtual has a variety of terms but in conjunction with the nature of our services we'll use the following from yourdictionary.com, "Computer Ease Definition "Computer Science Created, simulated, or carried on by means of a computer or computer network: virtual conversations in a chatroom. Certainly Virtual Assistance fits the definition of the that portion of the term. As a Virtual Assistant I "carry on by means of a computer...."
Okay, let's define assistant; yourdictionary defines it as "One that assists; a helper", Yep I do that to, so essentially what I am is a helper who helps by means of a computer or computer network....
Yes, I provide assistance,
yes I provide help, yes I even provide advice, I even do the work - I'm general
in the assistance I provide, it's overall much like an executive assistant for a
senior level executive. I can provide website maintenance, I can even do
some updating of a website, but I am not in the true sense of the word a web
designer nor am I going to create a complete website from scratch for a client. If I was offering such services then I'd market myself that way.
Yes, you can provide virtual assistance and be a web designer or a bookkeeper for that matter but they are distinct services. Both can be done virtually but rather than calling yourself a virtual assistant call yourself a virtual web designer or a virtual bookkeeper if that's the type of service you provide.
A virtual assistant is one of a number of virtual professionals offering services to the small business/solo entrepreneur. So maybe it's time that everyone offering virtual services moves away from the term virtual assistant to virtual professional. That way there can be a clearer understanding for the potential client....Oh you're a virtual professional....what type of services do you provide?
Until each of us are clear on what we do and what we offer, the idea of working with an online professional will never truly be common place because prospective clients will continue to be confused on how we as virtual "fill-in-the-blank" professional can provide services.
It doesn't mean that we can't all learn from one another and glean information from each other, for we are all working a similar work environment one that is virtual and though I might be an administrative professional offering virtual assistance and you might be a virtual bookkeeper it doesn't mean that we both don't suffer from the same issues our business might face each day.
Think about it....
Fabulous post, Renee!
Posted by: The Gritty Virtual Assistant | February 03, 2007 at 02:58 PM