The Variety of the Virtual Assistant

Virtual Assistant is a relatively vague, catch all title that can encompass a wide array of work and tasks. What is a Virtual Assistant? Why hire a Virtual Assistant?

When I first started entering the world of being a Virtual Assistant, I shared a lot of these same questions. What I have discovered over the past year, is that the possibilities for a Virtual Assistant are truly endless. As a VA, I have handled tasks ranging from creating a full business plan to sending thank you notes!

In my role as a VA, I most enjoy working with clients who need jobs related to my specific skill set. With an extensive background in healthcare administration, I have a very niched skill set. However, this skill set is composed of skills that are transferable across multiple industries.

Let me explain! In my role of healthcare administration, I have worked with primary care clinics to evaluate workflows and determine areas in which they can become more efficient. Is their process for patient registration seamless and customer friendly? Are they effectively utilizing technology? While this evaluation is very healthcare specific, the skills required to help the clinics in this process are transferable to other fields. For example, these same skills of evaluating processes and finding solutions can be applied to sales and business types of any kind. The same skills needed to review the patient registration process (workflow review, patient satisfaction review etc) would be applicable to the sales checkout process that could be occurring in any retail space.

This ability to transfer skills and not be "stuck" in one niche is one of the most appealing aspects of virtual work. I can use my skills in varied ways leading to work that is challenging and unique, with no two days being the same.

When hiring a Virtual Assistant, this is an important thing to keep in mind. Just because a VA has not worked in a specific field, it is important to look at the VA's skill set as a whole. Oftentimes, skill sets are transferable, no matter what the industry. And oftentimes, a fresh perspective may be just the change your business needs to move into a new direction!