Oh, it’s true, these days “virtually” anything goes.
Having worked in the television industry for many years I have seen the world of “virtual” expand
In Studio Green Screen
into places we never would have imagined. For me, it started with “virtual sets”. The news anchors were seated at news desks set in front of “blue/green screens”. What appeared over the air or on tape were elaborate sets that
anyone in the business knew was far beyond any news room’s annual budget. Of course the early years were not perfect. Occasionally, some poor entertainment reporter would come off as having green hair.
I think the first movie that shared the technology with the public was the first “Superman” man movie with Christopher Reeve. During promotion for the movie they would show him in flight position in the air in front of the green screen and then put the background in. For some the “magic veil” was removed and it became just “smoke & mirrors”. Now technology (and of course James Cameron) has made “Avatar” not only possible but believable.
We have virtual friends, virtual offices, and even virtual worlds where you can have a “Second Life”.
One of the newer members of my Toastmasters group has just introduced me to the world of “Virtual Assistants”. In a time when having a full time assistant or secretary has become a thing of the past I found this new service to be valuable enough that I wanted to share what I have learned with you. My friend Beatrice Ten-Thye is a Virtual Assistant. This is not something made up like so many of our new titles that have evolved out of Social Media. Quite frankly if one more person tells me they are the “guru”, “authority”, “expert” or “god” of social media … As far as I am concerned anyone no matter what level they are at, or how much they know is always learning more and will never know it all when it comes to Social Media. It evolves daily, minute by minute. Sorry about the tangent, but the point is there is training to become a qualified Virtual Assistant. Assist U is one of the most accredited places and where Beatrice trained. You can find the top 10 things you need to know about Virtual Assistants but in the mean time here is a list of some of the things a Virtual Assistant can help you with:
Word Processing – Document formatting – Database management – Travel arrangements – Announcements/Invitations/Holiday cards – Contact list creation & maintenance – Event planning – Internet research – Electronic filing system setup & organization – Proactive work style – generating ideas – Problem solving – Brainstorming…
Ok, you get the idea, virtually anything!
I think this is an idea whose time has come. Beatrice loves her job and she is really good at it. She would love to answer any questions you have about it.
Yes, these days we can do virtually anything or do anything “virtually”. I would love to hear your ideas.
Talk soon,
M
Silkpurseproductions's Blog 
Thanks, Michelle, for writing about me and my work, I so appreciate it! To anyone who might have questions, my website URL is: http://www.smartva.ca.
You are welcome Beatrice. I just think it was an idea who’s time has come. I had quite a few people tell me t hey didn’t know that this was available. I will know who to call when I have to.
Talk soon,
M
Great idea Beatrice- I’d love to see exactly how you do this?
Nice write-up Michelle.
Thanks Pat. I think it is a great idea as well and intend to use it when I can.
I have my list of virtual requests:
1. world peace
2. A date with Johnny Depp
3. Someone to bathe my kids every night.
4. weather has a max limit of 35 degrees including humidity.
If not.. then yes.. a virtual assistant makes sense. In this day of overworked families, we can all use some help.
I love your virtual requests, and could probably add a few. The reality is that the only one that is possible is the virtual assistant. That’s a good thing.
Best of all, you’re in the comfort of your own home while you do it! Most virtual assistants can charge 20-40 dollars per hour to start, and if they prove to be highly efficient and self-starters, the pay could be much higher than that. The requirements include being able to think on your feet, being very organized, having the ability to converse professionally with clients and potential customers, and delivering reports and projects in a timely manner.
You’re right. A good virtual assistant would be worth their weight in gold if they had all those requirements mastered. It does sound like we should all have one.
Hi Michelle:
A good virtual assistant is a gift from the Gods! My first one was from Kitchener and made my life so much easier.
I have two young interns for the summer and while not “virtual assistants” they too are “gifts”. They are hard working, diligent and making my summer very productive. I recommend that small business give those young people a chance – you might be amazed at how helpful they can be! And they can add value to that Virtual Assistant!
Donna
Good idea Donna. I always find interns to be one of the most valuable assets. I have had interns on a regular basis for years. The great thing is no matter how much I teach them, I always learn from them as well. Most interns make a point of going the extra mile to impress which always makes me look better. I always mourn them when they move on.
Hi Michelle,
This is very interesting. What’s next?
Cheers, Lucy
Its quite the world we live in, isn’t it?
Great old post, M!
Ok, I know I have to write something new. When you find “The Other Michelle Gillies” I shall oblige.