Not everyone is aware of the services of a virtual assistant. These FAQ’s tell you more about me, Orchard Virtual Assistance and how it can add value to your own lifestyle.
1. Why did I start up Orchard Virtual Assistance?
Like so many people in the UK, I was furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst home schooling my children Charlie and Orla, I started to consider the possibility of working on a project at home for myself, a bit of ‘me time’. I had always dreamed of having my own business and with time on my side it seemed like the perfect opportunity to start up. The rest is history. I am only a few months in, but my objectives are clear and I am jumping straight in – giving you time and space to thrive.
2. Where does the name Orchard Virtual Assistance come from?
Quite simply after scribbling family initials on a piece of paper I stumbled across Orchard – Orla, Charlie, Denneny. I loved it straight away, because I like things to have meaning and naming it covertly after my children just felt right and someting i would never tire of. I also felt that the concept of what an Orchard is, a space to grow, thrive, nurture, was complimentary to my services.
3. Who am I?
I am confident, strong willed, loyal and most importantly professional. I have a positive outlook on life, my glass is always half full, and my determination to succeed means I will not give up easily to achieve my goals both in work and personally. My family is my absolute world and we are extremely close. My Mum and Stepdad Steve are my ‘go to’ people for advice and guidance, they keep me grounded. I am also very lucky to have an incredibly supportive husband Sean, without whom my business would not have even got off the ground.
I lived in London for 10 years where I met and Sean whilst on my university placement at Ascot Racecourse. In 2013 we relocated to Cornwall (my family home) when we had Charlie. At this point I thought my amazing job in events was over, but I was very lucky to be invited back to work for the same successful London events company from the comfort of my own home.
So fast forward to now – I am efficient, I have great sales and event skills but I am totally NOT a pushy sales person. I love to nurture and grow relationships with like-minded people. I am supportive, proactive and thrive on a challenge.
Having worked in the London events market I have dealt with all levels of stakeholders, both within my company and as clients. I can readily adapt to changing circumstances and strive to exceed expectations on all levels.
4. How do I set my hourly rate?
Virtual Assistants are self-employed and work from remote locations away from your business. As such they are a self-sufficient business entity. My hourly rate is based on the industry average as reported by the Society of Virtual Assistants and includes allowances for; taxes, national insurance, pension scheme, sick pay, holiday pay, business insurances and policies, costs for the running and maintenance of a home office, ongoing training and utilities.
5. Where am I based?
The joy of being a VA is that ultimately this does not matter. The purpose of being virtual is to work flexibly and remotely, to get the job done for my clients efficiently and to the agreed deadline, this can be accomplished wherever my laptop is.
I am based in Cornwall so for local businesses wishing to meet me then I would be happy to travel up to a 50-mile radius to meet you, if required.
6. How do you know if you need a virtual assistant?
If you are reading this blog, then this may be a good indication. Wanting to learn and understand how VA’s can support you is a clear sign that there may be a gap in your business that a VA can fill. If you are working long hours, feel like your to do list gets longer not shorter, and just feel overwhelmed with paperwork, administration and emails that seem to be endless, then it’s time to pick up the phone and discuss how I can help you.
A virtual assistant is the best solution to save you money without the responsibilities that come with having an employee. VA’s work remotely, under your instruction, on a time managed schedule, so you get 100% productivity.
7. What is a Discovery Call?
A Discovery Call is a crucial part of the process of appointing a VA. It is a 30-minute call to discuss your requirements, gain an understanding of what I can offer to support you and establish if our partnership would be complimentary.
8. What is the process for booking?
Once the Discovery Call is complete and you have decided you wish to go to the next step a consultation would follow. During this process we would confirm your exact requirements including services; number of hours you need; processes you use; targets you want to meet and ultimately plan how I can make your business more productive and help you achieve greater success.
After the consultation I will issue a summary document confirming everything agreed during the consultation. Part of this pack will also include an ‘onboarding’ form to get all systems and processes up and running. It will also include your first invoice and your contract. I would ask that these documents are all returned with cleared payment within 7 days of issue. Once all documents are returned the partnership can commence.
9. Do I offer a trial period?
Yes, I am happy to offer a trial 1-hour period, ahead of the contract being issued, to offer peace of mind prior to contracting with me.
10. Will we get to meet?
As previously mentioned, meeting with you is not vital to the success of my services. Regular meetings (at your request) can be scheduled via your preferred video calling method and ongoing communication via telephone and email as and when required.
11. What are my working hours and when can you contact me?
A positive attribute of being self employed as a virtual assistant is the flexibility it offers. I schedule my week allowing time to fulfil my contractual obligations and promise never to agree to a deadline that it is not achievable and to the highest standard.
I will be available to discuss your requirements from 9am – 3pm, Monday – Friday.
12. How do holidays work?
Like everyone, we all need down time and I will take annual holidays (up to 5 weeks). I will give you 1 months’ notice and will ensure that necessary time is made up before and after to assure you that your contractual hours are achieved.
My working hours will also flex during the school holidays. Rest assured this will not impact your ability to get hold of me to discuss any of your ongoing projects.
13. What sets me apart from other VA’s?
I cannot guarantee that there is not a virtual assistant in the UK that is offering the same rates and services as me. However, I can tell you that success is created by people, collaborating and working together to achieve success. If that partnership doesn’t work, the rate of failure will be higher. ‘People Buy People’ and if you like what you see on my website, let’s talk and see if our passion for business success will create a winning team.
14. Can you see my CV to help your decision?
My website and social sites form the basis of my experience and business services and I would welcome the chance to discuss your requirements on a Discovery Call.
Just like a Mortgage Advisor or Insurance Broker, I am offering a service to help fulfil your business needs, therefore submission of a CV is not required.
15. How do you trust I am a reputable service provider?
I am a member of the Society of Virtual Assistants (community member) and also a member of the VA Membership who are CPD approved. My testimonials page of my website also displays some client reviews which hopefully will go some way to support my reputation as efficient, professional and approachable with my business contacts.
16. What if you need more support than what we have agreed in a contract?
My hourly rate, over and above any contractual agreement, is £30 per hour. If I have the capacity to work additional hours for you over and above our agreement, I will happily extend your allowance.
17. Are there any hidden fees?
No, my rates are fully inclusive. However, there are two small exceptions. If you wish to have support using software I do not have a license for, a login will need to be provided for my use or the software purchased. Also, if you did want a face to face meeting, the mileage would be chargeable at an agreed rate.
18. What if you ask for a service that I cannot offer you but we make a good team?
As an associate of the VA Membership I am part of a fabulous group who encourage collaboration not competition and as such if I can’t offer you a service, I will find a suitable VA who can, and where possible try to remain your main point of contact if appropriate to the request.
19. Do I hold insurances?
Yes, I hold Professional Indemnity Insurance to the value of £1m. I am also registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) for GDPR compliance.
20. This is where my time comes to an end and I ask you the question…if you could have a virtual assistant what would be the first task you would delegate? Please comment below with your answer.
Thanks for reading, have a great day.
