Think VAs are only for low-level admin tasks? Think again

'Virtual Assistant' can be defined as “a skilled professional that undertakes administrative tasks for a business from a remote location, often a well-equipt home office.”

We use the term to describe the services Michelle provides as it’s familiar. (Though in this AI age, the use of the word ‘virtual’ does sometimes muddy the waters!)

Yet ‘Virtual Assistant’ often fails to reflect the true breadth of Michelle’s expertise, skills and ability that she brings to every project.

In reality, rather than being simply admin support, modern day VAs are more like strategic partners working closely alongside clients to provide not only what they need, but how they need it.

What does this look like in practice?

Let’s take a look at some of the tasks you might consider hiring a VA for, what you might think they mean, and what’s actually involved:

Inbox management

You’d be forgiven for thinking this simply meant clearing spam, unsubscribing from marking emails and leaving clients with an inbox that’s only filled with genuine business emails.

Sure, that’s part of the role. But on top of this Michelle also:

• Makes sure nothing gets missed (that exciting enquiry that hasn't yet been replied to? Michelle makes sure it's on your radar.)

• Keeps inboxes organised (filing emails that don't need action, flagging those that do)

• Responds where she has authority

Diary management

Scheduling meetings and appointments, coordinating diaries, and managing all the to-and-fro when arranging large group meetings. It’s a time drain most of our clients want off their to-do lists. And yes, a VA manages these things for you.

But Michelle also:

• Spots and resolves double-bookings or scheduling clashes in advance

• Blocks out time for you to prepare for and travel to / from meetings (often overlooked by busy professionals and leading to last minute cancellations)

• Implements processes and systems to make scheduling meeting easier for everyone involved

Travel and accommodation planning

When you’re attending a meeting or event that requires travel and accommodation, you want to know that what you’re getting is the right balance between cost and convenience. And that takes research. Research you don’t necessarily have time for. But a VA does.

Michelle takes care of it all:

• Arranging and booking travel (by that train, plane, taxi, car hire or a mix) to ensure you arrive on time and get home safely

• Selecting and booking accommodation that is within a reasonable distance and price of the venue

• Making restaurant reservations for networking while you’re there

• Creating travel itineraries detailing important timings, location details and packing lists

Meeting and event support

Call us old fashioned, but if a meeting doesn’t have a clear agenda, minutes or actions circulated to attendees (and those who were unable to attend) was it really a good time investment? We think not.

But on top of providing all these, Michelle also helps clients to:

• Find conveniently located, and priced, venues for in person meetings and events they’re hosting

• Prepares and proofreads presentations, board packs and reports

• Provides technical support and assistance before, during and after webinars

• Liaises with printers, couriers and events professionals to ensure the smooth running of events

It’s these little touches that can make all the difference

VAs aren't simply someone to delegate tasks to either

Your VA should work how you need them to work

Michelle tailors her support to meet her client’s individual needs.

When booking travel and accommodation for example, some clients may simply need the booking confirmation email sending to their inbox, whereas others like those small but important details to be included (like what time to leave home to get to the train station, where the nearest Costa is en-route and how to get from the train station to the hotel). Michelle understands what her client needs and tailors her support accordingly.

Your VA can also act as an accountability partner

When business admin seems to be snowballing and her clients can’t see the wood for the trees, Michelle gets on a call with them. They agree what needs to be done, work through it together, and actually get things finished. It is focused, productive, and often includes those useful conversations where ideas get untangled and problems get solved.

Wondering how VA support could help you?

This is by no means everything a VA can do, but it gives a bit more insight into how the role of a VA has grown and how Michelle Jamieson supports our clients day to day.

Take a look at our Virtual Assistant Services for Small Businesses page to find out more about the VA Services we offer and Michelle’s background and experience.