If you google "what is a Virtual Assistant" a couple of different definitions from multiple sources show up. Here are a two samples:
International Virtual Assistant Association
"A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative and/or technical services. Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in his/her area of expertise from his/her own office on a contractual basis."
VirtualAssistantNetworking.com
A Virtual Assistant (or VA) is a solopreneur who specializes in providing ongoing, one-on-one, collaborative-style administrative support. Like other professional service providers, Virtual Assistants operate remotely from their own places of business and utilize today's technology to deliver their services and communicate with clients.Virtual Assistants are first and foremost administrative experts. Virtual Assistants sometimes offer additional, separate specialties that fall under creative and/or technical services. Virtual Assistants come from a variety of business backgrounds, but the single-most important qualification the industry expects of its peers is at least five (5) years administrative experience earned in the real (non-virtual) business world working in upper-level capacities such as administrative assistant, executive assistant, secretary, legal assistant, paralegal, legal secretary, real estate assistant, office manager/supervisor, etc.From this level of experience, a Virtual Assistant is expected to possess the skill sets, training and business knowledge which are the hallmark of a truly qualified Virtual Assistant.
This gives you a good idea of the characteristics of a VA.
An other difference between a Personal Assistant and a Virtual Assistant is that a PA is mostly a generalist. By hiring a VA, you can also choose a specialist. There are VAs who specialize in Real Estate, Legal Aspects, Bookkeeping, Translations and Social Media. So depending on your needs, you will have to do some research and find the VA that suits you and your business best.
To find more answers to your questions, check out this FAQ about working with a VA.
