FAQs

What is a Virtual Assistant?

A Virtual Assistant offers various support services that are carried out remotely. They are self-employed, which means you get all of the support you require, with none of the responsibilities that come with hiring an employee. You can also outsource whatever number of hours suit you at that time in your business.

What tasks can you take off my plate?

Virtual Assistants vary in what tasks they offer. Earl VA Services is very admin-focused (think email/calendar management, proofreading, uploading blogs to websites, scheduling socials, whatever I can help you with).

Do you offer ongoing or project work?

I am happy to help with ongoing or project work. Some clients pop up now and again and others are a daily fixture in my schedule.

How long have I been in business?

I launched my business in late 2020.

What is your background?

I have been Admin, PA, EA, Product Manager, Market Research Assistant and more. I have over 30 years experience in various companies, from small concerns to large corporates, working with teams, Managing Directors, VPs, etc.

What are your working hours?

I work Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, and Friday 9am - 12pm, UK timezone (exceptions do happen but I try to work ON my business on Friday afternoons). Virtual Assistants have several clients to take care of so response times are agreed at the start of the contract (requests are acknowledged so that you know they are in hand).

How do we communicate?

We communicate in whatever way works best for you. I have clients who prefer to use only email, others like WhatsApp. I’m flexible.

Do I have to sign your contract?

Absolutely. The contract and Data Processing Agreement are there to protect us both. No work happens until a contract is signed.

How does payment work?

If you are completely new to me then the first month is paid in advance (or at least a deposit amount). After that I invoice at the end of each month (unless you prefer more frequently). Payment terms are on receipt. I never allow more than one invoice to be outstanding at a time - that rule has saved me losing money in the past!

You can pay per hour, or you can have a set number of hours per month (called a retainer) that guarantees my availability for those hours each month (retainers are paid upfront, and hours are not usually carried over to the next month).

I have a different question?

If you have a question that is not answered here then please either use the contact form or email me at yolanda@earlvaservices.co.uk.