I recently interviewed the COO (Osama, as you will see from other comments) and I think you guys might be interested to hear some of the ‘behind the scenes’ info, as well as their philosophy and how they got started. It’s quite a story. You can listen at http://bit.ly/acqzdD. Thanks!

I like having a more personal, ongoing relationship with my clients rather than competing for one-off quick jobs; I have met every one of my clients and it’s just as important that I like them as much as they like me – plus I can gain a better understanding of how they like things done in person rather than on Skype or by email.

I agree in that you do usually get what you pay for, plus it’s also worth remembering that a lot of VA’s also specialise (usually based on what they did before they went freelance) some are very au fait with new technology, and others prefer using more traditional mediums.

My advice would be to try and find a balance between price and expertise and to give them as much information as possible!

An enjoyable article…

@munropaservices

Then go on to mention “…try utilizing virtual assistants in the U.S., UK, Europe and Australia. I believe you’ll find that the tasks are handled much more professionally…”

Then you go on to welcome the VA from the Caribbean and Canada.

Surely some of those people are offshore, as far as your concerned? So who is it you have a problem with exactly?

To suggest that only ‘Westernised’ countries can offer a professional service is quite prejudiced.

Wishing you all the best, Tarique Naseem (NOT a Virtual Assistant).

Self advertising no less, with an undercurrent of prejudice me thinks…

Everyone, I read all your comments with great interest, I thank you for posting them. Two things I’d like to add (and basically build on what Mary has said):

1. The Personal Plan’s business model – $69/Month for (upto) 8 basic tasks/day, 24 hours a day is the best on demand task execution service you’ll find. Not just because it’s unique, new, innovative and very cheap but because it’s good too. Our assistants make an effort to build trust and relationships with their clients even if they interact with them for just 15 minutes a day – and they do a pretty good job out of it too. It’s not easy to do – given the number of clients and tasks we handle every day- but we’ve had many many happy experiences with very satisfied clients. So no, we’re different not just because we’re cheap, we’re different because we’re good as well.

2. We do provide an all encompassing VA service where we keep an individual’s needs in mind. If someone needs more attention for longer projects – they can opt for our Dedicated Package (for as little as $4.5/hour). All they need to choose are the number of hours (per day or per week) and the working hours for their assistant.

Our Aides are no doubt smart, intelligent and dynamic people with strong communication skills – they’re not less in terms of ability compared to any individual out there. It’s a fact that none of our aides are native English speakers – and that’s fine – but they can be naturally educated in culture through extensive interaction with clients. And thats exactly what happens, all we make sure we do is bring a willingness to learn and a motivation to deliver to the table.

I do think there’s plenty of room out there for everyone – Personal Outsourcing is only taking off the ground and it’s helped by increased connectivity and new technologies available to anyone willing to do more in their time. TimeSvr is just adding a new dimension to the concept of Virtual Assistance.

There are a handful of ‘pioneers’ for this industry worldwide but I wouldn’t include the businesses mentioned here as being in that category.

With respect to virtual assistant services being provided and their costs, obviously there are going to be various grades of support provided and clients (business owners) need to work out what’s best for them. Often what is cheapest isn’t the best option – especially if things have to be micro-managed (your time is better off spent doing what you do best) or fixed up later on, which has often been the case for some clients I’ve heard from after the fact.

I manage a team of VAs located in 17 countries via my site and I invite you to come and check us out sometime.

Wishing you all the best…

And my apologies, I didn’t mean to exclude any global professional VA option out, just wanted to mention some of the ones I am most connected to – nice to ‘virtually’ meet you.

Wishing you all the best of continued success! ;)