We get asked ALOT about Virtual Assistants (VAs), so we thought we should answer some of your most commonly asked questions about Virtual Assistants. VAs have become indispensable assets to businesses worldwide, providing administrative, creative, and technical services remotely. They’re often the unsung heroes who allow entrepreneurs, executives, and small business owners to focus on growing their business, rather than getting bogged down with daily tasks.
At Virtual Elves, we’ve seen first-hand how hiring a virtual assistant can transform the way a business operates. In this blog, we’ll answer the most commonly asked questions about virtual assistants, diving deep into the ins and outs of hiring, managing, and ensuring you get the best out of a VA.
What is a virtual assistant?
A Virtual Assistant is an independent professional who provides a range of services, including administration, marketing, and technical support. They work remotely, often from their home, and communicate with clients via email, phone, or project management tools. Virtual Assistants are highly skilled in various areas such as email management, social media marketing, graphic design, customer service, and more.
How ethical is it to have an overseas Virtual Assistant?
One of the most commonly asked questions about virtual assistants is about the ethical implications of outsourcing tasks overseas. It’s a valid concern. At Virtual Elves, we pride ourselves on running an ethical operation. We ensure our Virtual Assistants are paid fairly and treated with respect. Unfortunately, not all agencies hold themselves to the same standard. Many freelancers on large global platforms may accept lower wages due to fierce competition, but at Virtual Elves, we prioritise the well-being and fair compensation of our VAs.
We conduct regular check-ins with our Virtual Assistants and have open lines of communication to ensure they feel supported, not exploited. Their work-life balance is crucial to maintaining high-quality services for our clients.
“I chose to work for Virtual Elves because you feel like you’ve been adopted into a new virtual family. Always ready to respond and help when needed.” – Virtual Elf, Kim
Are Virtual Assistants paid ethically?
Yes, at Virtual Elves, all our Virtual Assistants are compensated fairly. We ensure they receive a rate reflective of their skills and the work they do. It’s important to note that not all virtual assistant agencies or freelance platforms provide the same level of ethical treatment. Some services, such as Upwork or Fiverr, foster competitive bidding environments where freelancers may accept lower rates just to secure work. We avoid these practices by offering competitive and consistent pay to our VAs, ensuring they are rewarded for their dedication and expertise.
What challenges do Filipinos face in traditional jobs?
When we talk about virtual assistants, many are based in the Philippines, a country known for its highly skilled, English-speaking workforce. However, Filipinos working traditional 9-to-5 jobs in the city face significant challenges, particularly around commuting. In major cities like Manila, a two-hour commute each way is not uncommon due to traffic congestion and inadequate public transport systems. This daily struggle takes a toll on workers’ health and productivity.
The flexibility of working from home as a Virtual Assistant alleviates these pressures. They can dedicate more time to their tasks and less time worrying about exhausting commutes, arriving at work fresh and ready to focus.
“My client is always expressive of her appreciation. I get a lot of “you’re amazing” plus a bonus last December.” – Virtual Elf, Keinth
Why do Virtual Elves allow Virtual Assistants to work from home?
One of our most asked questions about Virtual Assistants tends to be in regard to their location of employment. The decision to allow our Virtual Assistants to work from home is rooted in a desire to improve their work-life balance. The flexibility of home-based work offers several advantages, especially in countries like the Philippines. Firstly, it eliminates the daily grind of commuting, freeing up valuable time for our VAs to spend with their families or on personal development.
Additionally, home-based work enables them to be more productive, as they work in a comfortable and familiar environment. At Virtual Elves, we believe this flexibility leads to better work quality and higher job satisfaction, benefiting both the VA and the client.
What challenges do Filipinos face with the tropical weather?
The Philippines is frequently affected by severe weather conditions such as typhoons, heavy rainfall, and tropical storms. These events can disrupt power supplies and internet connectivity, which is why it’s one of the most commonly asked questions about virtual assistants. How do they continue working during such events?
At Virtual Elves, we have a robust contingency plan in place. Our Virtual Assistants are required to notify us immediately if a power or internet outage occurs. Many of our VAs have secondary power sources, such as generators, or can relocate temporarily to areas unaffected by outages. In the rare event they are unable to work, we communicate directly with our clients to minimise disruption.
“Virtual Elves has a friendly and supportive community. The VAs here are well-trained and they carry good values, knowledge and wit. ” – Virtual Elf, Precious
How do Virtual Elves ensure a VA’s home setup is appropriate?
A reliable home office setup is essential for our VAs to perform at their best. At Virtual Elves, we take steps to ensure all Virtual Assistants have the necessary equipment and infrastructure to work efficiently. This includes checking internet speeds, ensuring they have dual screens (if required), and making sure they have a comfortable, distraction-free workspace.
We provide guidance on the ideal home office setup and conduct periodic checks to ensure everything is functioning smoothly. If a VA needs technical assistance, our team is on hand to help troubleshoot and resolve issues promptly.
“Virtual Elves provides trainings and group channels where we can ask not only work-related but even personal ones. They help you to have a work-life balance and also to be a better person outside of work. ” – Virtual Elf, Karina
Why choose an agency like Virtual Elves over hiring directly through platforms like Upwork?
Hiring a VA directly through freelance platforms like Upwork may seem appealing at first due to the potentially lower costs. However, many clients quickly realise that managing a freelancer comes with its own set of challenges. There’s the issue of quality control, reliability, and the time-consuming process of finding the right person.
At Virtual Elves, we handle the heavy lifting for you. We carefully screen and vet all our Virtual Assistants, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and experience for the job. We match you with VAs who are suited to your specific business needs, saving you the hassle of sifting through dozens of profiles. Additionally, we provide ongoing support, so if any issues arise, you have a dedicated team to assist you.
“The culture at work is welcoming, flexible and connected – making all of us feel that we belong and that we hold space in the company.” – Virtual Elf, Marg
Do Virtual Elves provide onshore (Australian) support?
Yes, Virtual Elves provides onshore support for our clients. We have a dedicated team based in Australia to assist with any queries or issues that may arise. Whether it’s onboarding a new VA, troubleshooting problems, or adjusting workflows, our local team is always on hand to ensure smooth communication and service delivery. This onshore support is one of the many reasons clients choose Virtual Elves over hiring through freelance platforms.
Why Do Virtual Assistants Choose to Work with Virtual Elves?
Virtual Elves has built a strong reputation as a sought-after agency for Virtual Assistants (VAs), and this is reflected in the large waiting list of professionals eager to join our team. But what makes us stand out from other platforms or agencies?
Fair Pay and Ethical Treatment
One of the main reasons Virtual Assistants are eager to work with us is our commitment to fair compensation. We ensure that all of our VAs are paid competitively, reflecting their skills and the value they bring to the table. Unlike many freelance platforms where VAs often compete on price, Virtual Elves guarantees consistent pay rates and respectful treatment. This sense of job security and fairness makes us an attractive option for VAs looking for stability and professional growth.
Supportive Environment
At Virtual Elves, we offer more than just tasks and assignments—we provide a supportive and nurturing environment. Our VAs know they have a dedicated team behind them, offering guidance, troubleshooting help, and personal development opportunities. This level of support fosters loyalty and trust among our Virtual Assistants, and many choose to stay with us long term as a result.
Work-Life Balance
We understand that work-life balance is crucial, especially for Virtual Assistants who may be juggling personal responsibilities along with their professional duties. Virtual Elves is committed to ensuring that our VAs have the flexibility to work from home and manage their own schedules. By creating a structure that encourages balance, we attract VAs who are looking for a career that fits with their lifestyle without the added pressures of a traditional office job.
Quality Clients and Long-Term Relationships
Virtual Assistants appreciate the high-quality clients we attract. They know that when they join Virtual Elves, they’ll be working with businesses that value their contributions and understand the importance of virtual support. Many of our VAs are able to build long-term relationships with their clients, leading to consistent work and professional satisfaction. The calibre of clients we serve is one of the biggest reasons we have a waiting list of skilled Virtual Assistants eager to join our team.
Opportunities for Growth
We don’t just match VAs with clients—we invest in their growth. We provide opportunities for ongoing training and skill development, ensuring that our VAs are continually learning and improving. Many of our VAs go on to take on more specialised roles, and we encourage them to expand their skill sets. This focus on professional growth is a key factor in why Virtual Assistants are eager to work with us and why our waiting list continues to grow.
Our reputation within the industry speaks for itself, and it’s why so many talented VAs are excited to join our team.
“Virtual Elves are easy to work with and have amazing clients!” – Virtual Elf, Nissa
Your Most Asked Questions about Virtual Assistants
Hiring a Virtual Assistant can be a game-changer for your business, allowing you to delegate tasks, focus on what matters most, and ultimately scale your operations. Hopefully, this blog has answered some of the most commonly asked questions about virtual assistants and given you a clearer understanding of the benefits of working with a trusted agency like Virtual Elves.
If you have more questions or are ready to explore how a VA can help your business, feel free to get in touch with us. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Download our ‘100 things a VA can do for you’ checklist and start taking control of your growth.
