Below are answers to some of the most frequent questions we are asked. If you don't see the answer to your question listed, feel free to contact us for answers.

What is a Virtual Assistant (VA)?
A Virtual Assistant (VA), also called a Remote Assistant or Remote Employee, is a person that works virtually, from a remote location, via phone or over the Internet, usually from another country.

What can a Virtual Assistant do?
A Virtual Assistant (VA) can perform most task that can be done on the Internet or over the phone. Research, marketing, administrative, sales, and IT tasks are most often outsourced to VAs.

Is my virtual employee legally my employee?
No. You are paying us as a service provider, not hiring an employee. Therefore, you are not responsible for the typical costs and headaches that are associated with an employee (HR, taxes, insurance, sick pay, and other benefits).

Can I hire different virtual employees to handle different projects or tasks?
Yes. We have people that specialize in one specific industry, and employees who can perform a variety of tasks, either alone, or as part of a team. We also specialize in building teams of people for our clients, sometimes replacing an entire in-house department.

Is the use of virtual staff increasing?
Yes, the use of virtual employees is experiencing rapid growth. In light of today's economic conditions, to stay competitive in the global economy and cut costs, more businesses are turning to virtual staff for competitive advantage.

Will my virtual employee save me time?
You will be amazed at how many day-to-day, time consuming tasks you can give to your virtual employee(s). After only weeks, you'll wonder how you ever managed without them. You can leave the time consuming and repetitive tasks to us allowing you to spend more time focusing on your core competencies.

Can I set the hours and days?
Yes, you choose the hours that suit you and your business best. Many companies use them so that they can work 24/7, around the clock, improving efficiencies. Business owners like knowing that important work is being done, even while they sleep. 

How do I know my person or team is actually working?
Your employee will be managed by American managers. We provide complete supervision and an online time clock system to verify your employee has "punched in".

Can I change virtual employees if I am not happy with their performance?
Yes, you can change at anytime, you are never stuck with the virtual employee that you have. If its not working out well for you, please let us know and we will immediately find someone else for you.

Can I hire someone with a specific set of skills?
Yes, accountants, architects, IT related work, programmers and other specialty professions may be provisioned to meet your specific needs. Specialty employees may require a slightly longer time for hiring and training and higher salaries than a regular virtual employees.

How long does it take to get started?
Although some variables are out of our control, it typically takes 5-10 business days to begin working with your virtual employee.

Who can benefit from virtual employees?
Entrepreneurs, small and medium sized businesses, attorneys, doctors, accountants, salespeople, or any person with not enough time in a day. Virtual employees are being used in almost every industry to perform a wide variety of tasks.

Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. Staff Virtual's Guarantee takes the risk out of engaging in new business professionals. If within the first month of an assignment a Staff Virtual professional does not meet your performance expectations, their services will either be withdrawn at no charge to you, substituted, or the rate re-negotiated. Contact us now, for a no obligation discussion as to how Staff Virtual can assist your business in achieving its goals.

What is the difference between a virtual and traditional “in-house” employee?

There are five major differences between a traditional employee and a virtual employee:

1. LOWER COST: Up to as much as one third the cost of an equivalent traditional employee.
2. LESS HASSLE: Virtual employees are independent contractors, therefore, you are not required to pay for health insurance, taxes, sick pay, benefits, etc.
3. LOCATION: Virtual employees work virtually or remotely, not in your office.
4. VALUE: Virtual employees are often more highly educated and experienced, while at the same time, costing much less than traditional employees.
5. LOWER TURNOVER: Virtual employees are less likely to change jobs.