If you’ve got questions, I’ve got answers. Below is a list of the most common questions people ask. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.
I’m just starting my business. Do I need a virtual assistant?
Yes! I can help you get all your documents branded so you look professional — like you’ve been in business for years. Let me help you get your website updates completed and even help you write a few blog posts. We can get efficient administrative processes set up right at the start so you will be able to spend more time working with clients and generating income.
I’ve got so much to do! How would I train a virtual assistant to do it all?
Don’t worry! We will have a few discussions and I will look through your past work to see how it has been done and carry on from there. We can set up some systems that will streamline your business processes. This will save you time!
Can I not just hire someone from a freelance site?
Sure! You’ll likely get a better rate. But will you get customized, confidential service? When you hire me, you get me — dedicated to helping you thrive!
What are your rates?
Many VAs require that you purchase a package of time. I don’t. I bill at an hourly rate. This means you only pay for the time that you use. You can set a cap on my time if you prefer so that I will stop work and invoice you after a certain dollar amount is reached.
A minimum fee of one hour of time, payable in advance, is required for any job of less than one hour. Should you use more than one hour of time, the prepaid amount will be credited to your invoice.
How do I pay you?
At the end of the project or month (whichever you prefer), I will send you an invoice that provides a detailed list of how I spent my time. (Check out a sample invoice.). Payment of the entire invoice amount is required within 30 days from the invoice date. Administration fees will apply to late payments received after 30 days and are calculated at a rate of 2% per month. Canadian payments can be made via e-transfer. International payments are made via PayPal. Copies of paid invoices are sent once payment has been received. Please note that non-payment of invoices will result in suspension of services.
Do we talk face-to-face, email? How do we communicate?
That is really up to you. There are several ways we can do face-to-face tele-meetings. Email, phone calls, and text messages are possible too. We can decide on a method and frequency to suit your needs. The important thing is that we communicate regularly. My office hours are usually Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00 but may vary depending on the day. If, on occasion, you need to meet outside regular business hours, it is possible. You can check my schedule here.
What about confidential information?
Our privacy practices are in accordance with all federal and provincial laws and regulations. We are compliant with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
The security and integrity of my clients’ personal information is very important to me. I take every reasonable measure necessary to protect the privacy of my clients while providing the services they expect. This includes using password protected computers, hard drives, cloud drives, and other devices on which my client’s information may be accessed.
My privacy and security safeguards are reviewed, and if necessary revised, on a regular basis.
I sign a Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure Agreement with my clients. This reassures them that information collected will not be disclosed or disseminated in any way or in any form. I do not sell, trade or share client’s contact information. I will not use any confidential information without express written consent by the client and then only use such information for the purpose for which it was intended.
I carry Commercial General Liability Insurance Information Technology and Errors and Omissions And Cyber Insurance for Mulitmedia.
Do you store my files on your computer?
I can but only if you wish. It is more efficient to set up a shared cloud folder (e.g. Dropbox, iCloud, OneDrive, etc.) where I can access the files you need me to use. This way, you are in control of all of your documents. If you don’t know how to set up a shared cloud drive, don’t worry. I can help you with that.
How do you manage my email and other online accounts? Do I have to give you my passwords?
It depends. In many cases, I can be set up as an authorized user or administrator and I login with my own credentials. In some cases, I will need your usernames and passwords in order to login to your accounts. Together we will explore what options are available and how best to accomplish the tasks you need me to do. I protect confidential information very carefully.
How do I find out more before I hire you?
Use the contact form to tell me about you, your business, or any upcoming projects you want help with. I’ll email you back to set up an appointment.
