Are you using your time as effectively as you could? If you are handling routine tasks instead of marketing or providing services to customers, you are leaving profits on the table. A Virtual Assistant (VA) may be just what you need.

According to Marla Regan of OrganizedTime.com, a certified Virtual Assistant, you can benefit from using a VA for administrative tasks (such as billing), customer contact (follow up or reminder calls), project work (building or maintaining a client data base), or even personal tasks (such as sending holiday cards).

You can find a VA through personal referrals--you might be surprised how many of your colleagues are using VA services--or by searching online. Remember that your VA doesn't have to be local. Most services can be provided remotely. Do talk to VA candidates to make sure you are comfortable and can work well together.

How much will a VA cost? VAs may charge a monthly retainer, or they may charge an hourly rate or project fee. Ultimately, the question is how having a VA will impact your bottom line. If you are freed from routine tasks and can devote that time to marketing, product development or billable hours, you will see your profits increase.

Cathy Stucker

As the Idea Lady, Cathy Stucker, IdeaLady.com, has helped thousands of people discover creative paths to success on their own terms. She is a frequent speaker and consultant who shows clients creative ways to attract customers and make themselves famous.

Cathy has appeared on many radio and television programs, and she has been featured in The Houston Chronicle, The New York Times, Black Enterprise, Woman's Day, and many other publications.