What is a Virtual Assistant? 

When first introduced to the term, many people ask "What is a Virtual Assistant?"

A Virtual Assistant (or VA) is an independent contractor providing administrative, technical, or marketing assistance to clients. 

The definition from Wikipedia is as follows:

A Virtual Assistant (or simply VA), is an independent contractor providing administrative, technical, or sometimes creative assistance to clients--usually to other independent entrepreneurs and solo and small business practices, such as that of a lawyer or realtor. Virtual assistants work from their own office (hence "virtual"), thus making it a fairly popular (and growing) profession. It is estimated that there are about 5,000-8,000 virtual assistants worldwide. Common modes of communication and data delivery include the Internet, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), and fax machine. Although the occupation gives a degree of independence, work is on a contractual basis, and a long-lasting cooperation is standard. Typically 5 years of administrative experience in an office is expected at such positions as executive assistant, secretary, legal assistant, paralegal, legal secretary, real estate assistant, office manager, etc.

The definition from IVAA is as follows:

"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." 

So What is a Virtual Assistant? 

Still confused?  Many Virtual Assistants specialize either in services that they offer or industries that they provide support to.

For instance, Virtual Assistants who specialize in services offered can include, but are not limited to:

Web site designer
Database Managers
Paralegals
Medical Transcriptionists
Programmers
Events Planners
Concierges
 

On the flip side, some Virtual Assistants limit the type of industries or companies that they will work with.  Industry specific type VAs can include:

Real Estate
Medical
Legal
Non-profit organizations
Coaches
Speakers
Authors