FAQs
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I take on an array of office support tasks remotely to free you up to spend more time with your clients, growing your business and/or striking an improved work/life balance. By providing you with high quality virtual office support, I ensure that the professionalism and value of your brand are enhanced and reflected by the administrative processes and systems which operate behind the scenes of your business. For a specific list of the administrative services I provide, please visit my virtual assistant services page.
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✓ No lengthy recruitment process or recruitment agency fees to pay. If you need a virtual assistant now, in most cases you can get started right away!
✓ No payroll and NI to process or employee benefits to pay as holiday and sick pay
✓ Only pay for the time your VA spends actually working - no lunch breaks, tea breaks, office chit chat, resolving technical issues or dead time between tasks
✓ No equipment or office running costs
✓ Flexible working hours
✓ Spend more time growing your business or on fee-earning work
✓ Run a more efficient and productive business
✓ Project a polished and professional image to your clients
✓ Draw upon my 19 years of experience as an executive assistant, 16 of those within the coaching/consulting sectors, and 10 of those working remotely for clients
✓ Work along slide a highly professional business that is compliant with GDPR requirements and has the necessary business insurance in place
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It might surprise you to learn that it is quite the contrary, and indeed, saves unnecessary expenditure (see above). In fact, in this ever-evolving digital age, a virtual administrative assistant is rapidly becoming the more efficient, cost-effective, flexible, and sought-after alternative to employing a traditional office-based PA. By representing your business professionally, skillfully, and seamlessly, your clients would never know that your VA is not based in your workplace!
According to a Virtual Assistant survey conducted by the Society of Virtual Assistants (SVA) in 2021, the average hourly rate for a UK-based Virtual Assistant was reported to be between £27-£30.
Here are some useful links which clearly outline the advantages of hiring a virtual assistant, explain VA rates and the savings to be made by engaging a VA:
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Book a free consultation of up to 30 minutes to find out more about how we could work together. Choose a convenient time from my online calendar or simply click the button below to send me a message.
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The onboarding process at Sophie's Bureau involves five steps:
Step 1: Discovery Call - Understanding Your Needs
During our 30-minute discovery call, we'll dive deep into your requirements and explore how virtual assistant services can enhance your business. Feel free to share your expectations, challenges, and specific goals, as this will help me tailor the services to your needs. I'll take notes to ensure I capture all essential details.
Step 2: Personalised Proposal with Supplementary Information
Following our conversation, I’ll create a customised proposal that outlines the services offered, including a comprehensive breakdown of deliverables and pricing. To further showcase Sophie’s Bureau’s capabilities, I’ll attach supplementary materials such as my portfolio, client testimonials, and case studies. You'll receive the proposal and additional documents via email for your evaluation.
Step 3: Follow-up, Contract, and Trial Period
Once you've had the opportunity to review the proposal, I’ll get in touch to address any enquiries or concerns you may have. If you're keen on proceeding, I’ll sent you a contract outlining the services' terms and conditions. The initial contract typically includes a trial period (one-month for retainer clients), allowing us to gauge our compatibility and the effectiveness of the services. The contract will cover crucial aspects such as the scope of work, payment terms, cancellation policy, and confidentiality agreements.
Step 4: Gathering In-Depth Information
Upon contract signing, I'll provide an online form to collect further information about your business. This form will help me to gain a deeper understanding of your operations and facilitate a seamless working relationship. It will encompass details such as your preferred communication channels, software and tools in use, access requirements, and specific instructions. Your input will enable me to fine-tune the services to align with your unique needs.
Step 5: Trial Period Evaluation and Ongoing Support
Throughout the trial period, I will provide high-quality virtual assistant support, showcasing Sophie’s Bureau’s expertise and commitment to your success. I’ll maintain open communication, offer progress updates, and promptly address any questions or concerns. Your feedback is vital, as it allows me to ensure your satisfaction and make any necessary adjustments.
Upon successful completion of the trial period, should you decide to continue using my virtual assistant support, I’ll provide a revised contract for a more extended period of engagement.
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You can communicate with your virtual assistant through various channels, including email, phone calls, video conferences, and instant messaging platforms. Sophie’s Bureau is flexible and will use the communication method that best suits your needs and preferences.
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Absolutely! At Sophie's Bureau, we take data security and confidentiality very seriously. We adhere to strict data protection policies and use secure platforms and tools to ensure your information is safe. We also undertake regular cybersecurity training to ensure that we stay up-to-date with the latest security practices and protocols. This ensures that they are well-equipped to handle sensitive information and protect your data from potential threats.
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I've been working as an executive assistant for over 19 years, and 10 of those years have been as a virtual assistant. Over the years, I've gained extensive knowledge and experience in providing virtual assistance services to businesses and entrepreneurs.