Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
This page consists of questions prospective clients most frequently ask when evaluating "if a virtual assistant" is right for them. Your decision should not rely totally on the following answers. We are here to address any of your questions.
What are the benefits of using a virtual professional?
1. No employee taxes! No paid vacations! No sick day pay! No benefits package fees!
2. The cost for a Virtual Business Associate™ to assist you is tax deductible.
3. The work is completed on an as needed basis.
4. All work is done with your best interest in mind and focus is on your overall growth.
5. All work is done off-site meaning no need for you to invest in a desk, computer, and other office equipment for a secretary to use.
6. No training (in most cases)...a learning curve may be there but overall training is not needed. You receive an expert in the field.
7. Flexible work schedule that accommodates you on short term or seasonal projects.
How do you determine the cost of your services?
No service is created equal! A number of things need to be taken into consideration before a rate can be determined. We look at the type of work, the level of difficulty, the expertise required, the industry type, and the client's location. The location is important because state to state the wage a business pays out to an on-site assistant varies. Our rate average is $18 - $35 an hour.
How do you handle confidential and security issues?
Contracting a Virtual Business Associate™ or Virtual Assistant can be something you would rather not do because of security issues. It is wise to use caution. At Hess Business Professionals & Associates LLC we take all the measures necessary to put our potential client's mind at ease. No work is done without a written contract, which outlines all liabilities and specific terms that hold us accountable for any wrongful action.
How do you protect intellectual property?
Our firm follows the Federal & State Laws that govern a U.S. business; thereby, requiring our team associates to provide a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to working with a client. You may also provide us with your company NDA.
How do we ensure our personnel practice the same code of business ethics and work performance?
Our business model is designed so there is a level of ACCOUNTABILITY, and no one joins our team without knowing and accepting the terms. If deemed necessary, we do background checks to ensure personnel are able to be held legally to our contracts.
How do we micro-manage our virtual office if we are not all in one location?
Our Virtual Business Associate™ Team uses affordable Internet programs to connect with one another, like Skype or Yahoo IM. We also manage our projects with Google Aps and Base Camp to streamline production.
What software programs are accumulated in your business?
Our technical staff works hard to keep all operating systems up to date. Every year we evaluate new programs and test drive trial software to find the right applications to assist us in finalizing our work more efficiently.
How do you determine which associate works on my project?
Each Virtual Business Associate™ has a specific skill-set that provides the central office with the flexibility to selectively choose the right associate for you. In most cases, the contract is opened between the client and the executive officer. Once a relationship is built, a request is put in to extend the workload out to other members (associates) of our team. The client has a right to refuse such a request. If acceptable, the associate that best fits the skill-set required to deliver the tasks with the same integrity and efficiency will be selected.
How many associates do you have on board?
As the Executive Officer of Hess Business Professionals & Associates, our main office operates as a central HUB to outside associates. We currently (2011) have six professionals on our team. Each located in a satellite office across the United States.
What is your guarantee?
100% Customer Satisfaction! We guarantee that from start to finish you will be 100% satisfied with the professional performance of our team, our response time to your requests, and the end result of your completed project.
