A virtual executive assistant is a freelance administrative professional who works off-site. With one major exception, he or she performs the same duties and tasks as a traditional executive-level administrative assistant. Virtual assistants, including those who work with executives, handle any administrative or secretarial tasks that don’t necessitate a physical presence. A virtual executive assistant, unlike traditional executive assistants, works as an independent contractor for several executives and small business owners at the same time from a remote location.
The location and working relationship between the executive and the assistant are the main differences between a traditional executive assistant and a virtual executive assistant. Geographic location is no longer a barrier thanks to modern technology such as email, productivity software, and virtual meeting capabilities. Executive assistants can be located thousands of miles, if not continents, away from the executives they represent. Furthermore, rather than an employee-employer relationship, the virtual executive assistant and the executive have a service provider-client relationship.
There are two types of administrative assistants, according to professional organizations like the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). Calendars and scheduling, preparing print and verbal communications, maintaining documents and filing systems, making travel arrangements, and organizing meeting agendas and supporting documents are all tasks that traditional secretaries and entry-level administrative assistants handle. Executive assistants, on the other hand, handle similar tasks for executives and upper-level managers while also maintaining higher levels of responsibilities, such as making minor business decisions on the executive’s behalf. Executive assistants may also be responsible for a variety of other tasks, such as preparing newsletters, updating online executive profile information, or maintaining a website, depending on the position.
As with on-site administrative professionals, few virtual assistants distinguish between general administrative assistance and executive-level administrative assistance. Rather, a virtual assistant contracts with two or more clients as a small business owner to provide whatever support services the business owner or executive requires. Most clients are looking for an off-site assistant who can help in a variety of ways, including acting as a virtual executive assistant. Virtual assistants frequently have specialized skills, such as using social media platforms, building complex websites, bookkeeping, and other tasks.
Based on a specific target market, each virtual assistance firm offers a variety of service levels, rates, and service types. Virtual assistants who are successful have more than just administrative support skills. Marketing expertise, small business financial management, the ability to outsource projects for both the assistant and clients, as well as a thorough understanding of social media and other emerging technologies, are all required. Virtual assistants’ rates are typically based on the number of hours worked or are offered as flat-fee retainers, similar to accountants and lawyers.