I've just started my small business up and it is taking me out of the office more and more, how can I receive/sort my mail, emails, faxes or telephone calls? Surely a VA cannot do this?

Yes, Virtual Assistants may offer a post box address for mail, an email address for your business, sorting out the junk mail from that which is important and forward back to you only what you really wish to receive. They may provide the facility of taking diverted telephone calls for you, receive and send faxes and emails on your behalf. Don't forget audio transcription, there are many software facilities that allow you to dictate to your pc, or over the telephone and then you forward to your VA in digital format or cassette. Minutes of Meetings, and Agendas can also be handled this way. For small businesses, a Virtual Assistant is a definite bonus in that you have no extra overheads, no tax and National Insurance to sort as VA's have their own set of accounts, you just pay the invoice.

That sounds okay for short-term work, but what if I need more, what if I want a dedicated time per week?

Approach your VA and ask about a retainer. Most VA's would be delighted if they have space to work consistently with a client. This helps build up knowledge in your specialised area, plus they may have great experience from working with many large companies, giving them insight of how things work.

Anything else?...