Virtual Assistance
11 December 2008
The Industry born in camper van finally comes of age
When US business guru Thomas Leonard traveled across America in an RV, creating a thriving new industry was a long way from his mind.
Leonard, the founder of the International Coach Federation, was more intent on developing business coaching programs. But stuck out on the open road, what he really needed was some flexible admin support. He had no idea at the time, but by solving his own business problems he was launching the concept of the Virtual Assistant – the PA who never needs to set foot in your office.
Virtual Assistants – or VAs – have come a long way since, with over 20,000 now working in the UK and Europe alone. With more businesses streamlining and homeworkers keen to reduce their carbon footprint, there’s ample supply and demand for VAs in the modern business world.
In the UK, the VA is a new boom industry. With the IT infrastructure to support remote workers, new VAs are setting up shop every month. As a measure of this growth, Cardiff is about to host its second conference for Virtual Assistants.
Organised by two local VAs, the VA Conference UK is a complete how-to guide for new and aspiring VAs, with refreshers and best practice models to keep more established VAs on their toes.
"It’s not always easy for VAs to know where to turn for advice,” says conference co-organiser Kathryn Williams. Kathryn, who set up her business Completely Organised 5 years ago, has played a leading role in bringing VAs to the fore.
“A VA is a prized asset for any type of business,” she explains. “It’s a specialist field that requires a command of technology, an entrepreneurial spirit and cyber secretarial skills. Many VAs begin with a few of these qualities, and the conference has been set up to help them fill in the gaps.”
The 2009 conference takes place in Cardiff, date tbc. Co-organiser Rebekah Daniel hopes the event will finally put VAs on the map.
“Increasing numbers of men and women want to work from home,” she comments. “For some it’s about leaving behind office politics. For others it’s the ideal way to achieve a work-life balance. Ultimately, though, it’s about freedom and job satisfaction. It’s great being able to help small businesses by relieving them of their admin headaches. I can grow my business while helping them to grow theirs.”
In those early days in his camper van, it’s doubtful that Thomas Leonard would have predicted the dramatic rise of the VA. But the business coach, who passed away in 2003, has left a legacy that’s starting to reshape the way we do business in the UK.
Editor’s notes
i) A virtual assistant is an independent business owner who provides other businesses with remote administrative services using the internet and other technology.
ii) For further information visit www.vaconference.co.uk or email info@vaconference.co.uk.
