Virtual Assistant UK Questions & Answers
Here I answer ten questions about Virtual Assistant UK, my experience, the support I provide and my approach to working with clients, so you can get to know me and my business a little better.
How do I know if I need a Virtual Assistant?
A Virtual Assistant can be particularly helpful if you have tasks that keep cropping up with no one to delegate them to, regular processes you’d like handled reliably, or opportunities you’re not exploring because it’s difficult to find the headspace. The amount of digital admin involved in almost everything nowadays can seem relentless – complete this, sign that, upload this, download that, respond to this, submit that…
A trusted assistant saves you time and gives you someone to rely on. Having AI processes in place will certainly help, but you may want someone to set that up for you, adapt it and keep an eye on how it’s working. Someone who feels like a real (human) ally – an extension of your business, your life or your team.
Can a Virtual Assistant help me get more organised?
A Virtual Assistant can help you get more organised by bringing structure to the things that are taking up your time or becoming difficult to keep on top of. Sometimes it’s just about having another person who knows what’s going on, can spot what needs attention and keep things moving.
But Virtual Assistants appeal to the already well-organised too! Many of my clients are naturally good at managing their admin. They’re more interested in ways to work smarter and improve where their focus falls. They know they won’t have the freedom to steer their work or life in the direction they want while also carrying a mental pile (albeit a neat-ish one) of admin.
What should I delegate to a Virtual Assistant?
Anything you like, within reason. It might be a regularly occurring administrative task or a one-off. Having a Virtual PA look at a task, process or problem can still result in a solution, even if they don’t directly handle it themselves. It’s not just about previous experience of a specific task, but about trust and confidentiality too. That’s why working with a Virtual Assistant for the long term can be beneficial.
For example, a regular client asked me to carry out a detailed analysis of a large portfolio of font assets they’d designed. The fonts were in a bamboozling (to me) non-Latin script. I suggested we use someone able to read the language, who could complete the task faster. But my client asked me to handle it because they knew my analytical skills and attention to detail.
Why choose an experienced UK-based Virtual Assistant?
Technologies evolve, sometimes come and go, but reliability and integrity endure. Having to repeatedly find new people and establish an effective working relationship can be draining – mentally and financially. That’s why choosing an established, experienced and trusted Virtual Assistant is important.
Even with AI, the human element remains valuable, especially if someone knows you, your country, your business, your clients and associates. In theory, we can set up an AI automation to chase unpaid invoices, but the lack of human interaction might mean we all feel less accountable when we know it’s AI doing the communicating. It’s easier to ignore. Having a real person involved remains helpful and professional – and, increasingly, stands out.
Do you offer in-person meetings and support as well as Virtual Assistant services?
I’m adaptable and available for face-to-face meetings and in-person support when necessary. Being based near Diss puts me within easy reach of Norwich. The Norwich to Liverpool Street train line also means I can reach any clients in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and London too. Most of my work is done remotely, but there are times when in person makes sense – for a meeting, an event or something that simply needs me to be there. I’ve written more about my Virtual Assistant support for Norwich, Norfolk & Suffolk clients here.
Are you really one of the UK’s longest-established Virtual Assistants?
Yes, I established my Virtual Assistant business in London in 2002, originally trading as Urban Ally. Broadband was in its infancy (motorbike couriers for big files on disk!), the concept of remote working was in its infancy; I wasn’t exactly in my infancy, but I was young. After my degree in History and a dabble in Marketing, I set up my own business as a Virtual PA. Some of my early clients are still with me and they, along with their customers and associates, have appreciated my stability, adaptability, integrity and lack of career-hopping!
Do you work with clients in London?
Yes, my London-based clients haven’t been able to shake me off! I now work primarily from my home office on the border of Suffolk and Norfolk, but I still have strong ties with the capital. After living and working there for many years, London remains an important part of my client base. The direct train from Diss to Liverpool Street means I continue to offer face-to-face meetings and in-person support in London when appropriate. I’ve written more about my Virtual Assistant support for London clients here.
Is your support limited to PA and admin work?
Along with general PA and admin work, I can help with research projects, events, finance, and creative tasks such as copywriting, website updates, social media and image edits. But don’t let that deter you from off-loading that single, simple, mind-numbingly boring admin task you’ve been too embarrassed to ask someone to do on your behalf, for fear of offending them! One of the reasons I have such longevity as a VA is that it’s beneficial to have me on hand – someone you can ask for help with whatever you need, whenever you need it.
Will AI replace the role of a Virtual Assistant?
Probably not. It’s a technological revolution, but it aligns rather well with the role of a Virtual Assistant who is often a flexible Generalist (a sometimes dirty word in a world of work that values Specialists). AI will integrate into all our lives – apart, perhaps, from the most self-sufficient of hermits. If you’re the kind of person who likes to do it all, you’ll be able to do more yourself. If you’re the kind who appreciates an ally, your Virtual Assistant will be better equipped by AI to do much more, much faster, for you.
The internet made the Virtual Assistant role possible; AI will transform what we can do within it. It’s an immensely powerful tool in your VA’s toolkit.
The personal, human touch will become even more prized. If you run a business providing high-end products or services, you shouldn’t presume your clients will be overly impressed by AI automations at the expense of human attention from you and your team. Maintaining that personal touch may increasingly become a mark of quality – something people appreciate and perhaps even expect when paying a premium.
What shouldn’t I outsource to a Virtual Assistant?
Maybe don’t delegate things you or your team enjoy doing and are highly skilled at (the caveat being if they’re distracting you from what really matters). You might also think twice about tasks where your personal involvement is quick and therefore cost-effective, or is of high value to your clients. An example of the latter might be your inbox – your in-depth knowledge and nuanced personal replies to messages could mean it’s better handled by you.
If you have confidential or financial tasks, look for a Virtual Assistant who is committed to their role and has a good track record of being trustworthy and reliable.