In the past we were referred to as Administrative Assistants, Executive Assistants or Secretaries. We traveled into an office to work a typical Monday thru Friday schedule of 8 to 5. If you needed anything done after 5 you were helpless until the next morning. You were the one to supply all of the furniture, equipment, benefits, pay taxes and sick leave. Finally, don't forget the paid vacations and personal phone calls on company time. That time has changed!

Today, the online community refers to us as Virtual Assistants. Virtual Assistants are highly skilled, independent professionals working outside of traditional corporate roles and utilizing the internet to customize their own work environments. VA's work from their own offices, use their own equipment, and provide services to small businesses, entrepreneurs, executives, or busy people. Assignments are usually communicated through e-mail, phone, fax, or mail.

A VA costs less than an employee as you don't have the added expense of taxes, employee benefits, equipment and office space. A VA only charges you for the hours worked, you don't have to pay for down time, breaks throughout the day, sick days and/or vacation time. A VA is already in their office, which allows him or her to provide flexible hours making it easier to see to it that your projects are done in the time frame you need them.