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about |
Virtual Dynamos
Virtual Dynamos are
... entrepreneurs and educators committed to growing successful web-based
businesses through synergistic relationships with dynamic virtual teams.
Philosophy
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Webpreneurs (a Virtual Assistant's clients) are Team Members too, albeit
the leader of the Virtual Team.
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Every Webpreneur needs a Virtual Team in order to reach their full
potential.
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Virtual Assistants are Webpreneurs too, and need that mindset to succeed.
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Virtual Team growth must be a win-win for all parties involved in the
business relationship.
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Virtual Team members must accept, split, implement, and be held
accountable for responsibilities in a practical way.
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All third party individuals and/or companies working toward team goals
should be factored into the team hierarchy.
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Virtual Teams don't need "middlemen".
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Both the outsourcer and the outsourced individuals need to feel empowered
at all times.
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Virtual Teams need strong business models, systems, leadership, and trust
in order to succeed.
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Communication does not have to be constant, just consistent.
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One size does not fit all, especially where technology is concerned.
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Virtual Teams will continue to evolve rapidly with changes to the global
economy and emerging technology.
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Undercutting prices helps no one.
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Competition is a good thing.
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The cost of educating, building, and managing virtual teams should be
minimal compared to the cost of operating your virtual business.
If you would like to comment on this section, please email rebecca@virtualdynamos.com.
Position on Key Issues
Definition of a Virtual Assistant
Thirteen years after CoachU Founder, Thomas Leonard, first coined the
phrase "Virtual Assistant", VAs worldwide continue to struggle over the
perfect definition. Unfortunately, the term has long outgrown the specific
business model that Leonard had in mind: that of the professional VA
operating purely in an an Assistant's role as an Independent Contractor.
Today, the term Virtual Assistant is used to describe everything from
telecommuting employees to corporations. Instead of arguing over one
specific definition, our position is to recognize the term Virtual
Assistant as a category with many sub-categories. Within the content of
the site, you can explore the definitions that make up the many
sub-categories.
Typical Rate of Pay for a Virtual Assistant
Our position is that the rate of pay depends upon the sub-category of
Virtual Assistant you are working with. We've seen rates as low as
$1.25/hour and as high as $100/hour. There are huge differences between
the VA charging $1.25/hour (typically overseas) and the professional VA
charging $100/hour. The most popular example: a US based, professional and
experienced Virtual Assistant, typically charges between $30-$45 per hour
and seeks a long-term business relationship with his/her clientele.
For more than 10 years, the industry norm has been for Virtual Assistants
to charge on a hourly rate. We further our position by adding that it is
almost always in the best interest of the Webpreneur and Virtual Assistant
alike to charge on a project basis. However, both parties must be firm on
the specific conditions to be met under a project-based agreement.
Outsourcing In The Global Marketplace
Our position is that all types of virtual outsourcing companies fill a
need within the increasingly competitive global marketplace. The
competition of these companies will continue to improve the industry by
providing Webpreneurs with better outsourcing solutions over time.
However, there is a definite need at the present for Webpreneurs to become
better educated on the key distinctions between the types of providers
they have to choose from.
Providers used to be almost exclusively associated with US, Canada, the
UK, and Australia. Now, India, the Philippines and a host of other
countries have thrown their hat into the ring. Tim Ferris' book, The Four
Hour Work Week popularized virtual outsourcing and can be credited in part
with increasing the demand for such resources. The key distinction to be
made is that Tim Ferris was referring to the Indian and Philippine
outsourcing companies that offer US, Canadian, UK, and Australian small
businesses inexpensive hourly rates compared to what they pay in their own
countries. There are pros and cons to working with such companies. This
knowledge is helpful to Webpreneurs in deciding if you would like to use
such resources, and helpful to professional and independent Virtual
Assistants who need assistance in distinguishing themselves from such
resources.
Sending a Virtual Assistant "To School"
Our position is that it is never a Webpreneur's responsibility to send
their Virtual Assistant(s) to school. Not only can this potentially go
against IRS guidelines but it sends the wrong message to aspiring VA's who
would like to jump on the opportunity of free training. Virtual Assistants
(unless regarded as true Virtual Employees by the IRS) are always
responsible for their own education and equipment. For more information on
this topic please visit the United States IRS web site with regard to
Training. Admittedly, this is somewhat of a gray area, so be sure to
contact your accountant for further assistance.
If you would like to comment on this section, please email
rebecca@virtualdynamos.com.
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