It’s the famous line at all family gatherings and get-togethers: “So what exactly do you do??”
If I had a quarter for every time I got asked that, I could probably retire! But in all seriousness, there’s a lot of confusion about what a virtual assistant is and what exactly they do. While virtual assistants vary in what they offer and how they run their businesses, I’m answering a couple of the questions I get on a day-to-day basis below!
WHAT DOES A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT DO?
It varies. Think of tasks you’d normally see assistants doing, and most likely a virtual assistant would be able to complete them as well, just from home! Personally, I do almost everything for my monthly retainer clients. It varies by client needs, but I schedule social media posts, send emails, schedule email blasts, organize appointments, manage clients, edit photos, deliver photos, mail out and track photo orders. I also schedule social media for two separate clients.
I also offer a separate package option for optimizing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to get my clients on their ideal client’s top Google searches. I also offer mentorship for other virtual assistants.
WHO DO YOU WORK WITH?
I work for a couple of different photographers throughout the U.S., but my main clients are all horse photographers. Since I’m also an equine photographer, I specialize in working with other equine photographers. It benefits my clients because I know what makes a good photo and how to talk to horse people!
DO VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS NEED TO KNOW ANY SPECIAL SOFTWARE?
It really depends on what field you’re getting into. I personally try to get as much hands-on experience with different software as possible and jump at the chance to learn a new one. I know how to work all different types of software within the photography world such as Pixieset, Shootproof, Pic-Time, Dubsado, and the whole Adobe Creative Suite.
You can see all the systems I use and recommend on another blog post I wrote!
DO YOU WORK NORMAL HOURS OR DO YOU WORK LATE AT NIGHT?
I try to stick to a normal schedule and am available for my clients from 9am-4:30pm every weekday. I stick to my set schedule of weekends off (unless I’m shooting at a horse show) and avoid working during my family time. Sometimes I’ll take time off to see my horse or go hiking with my Dad, otherwise I’m normally in the office.
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