Virtual Education

Today’s headlines scream about the stress levels in America. Technology allows us to bring work into our homes, and tempts us to check that business e-mail instead of relaxing with a good book.   We are eating up articles on relaxation techniques and ways to make more time for ourselves and our families.  Work consumes more and more of our time with each passing year.

“The majority of U.S. adults (73 percent) believe there are benefits to hiring a virtual assistant:

  — About one third (34 percent) feel that their job performance would
     improve.
  — 55 percent say that working with a virtual assistant would allow them
     to focus on more important tasks and errands.
  — 52 percent say they would have more leisure time to spend with friends,
     family, exercising or on vacation.
  — Men are more likely to see the benefit of working with a virtual
     assistant than women (77 percent vs. 69 percent).”  excerpt from a PRNewswire posting on Earthtimes.org

Being a virtual assistant, it’s exciting to see information like this.  The fact that enough people actually are familiar with what a virtual assistant is and does to respond to this kind of survey is a testament to the fact that the industry is becoming recognized in the United States. Here in Maine, it’s relatively unheard of. I would wager that 95% of individuals that you questioned here in southern Maine would meet you with a blank stare if you asked, “What is a virtual assistant?” 

It’s sad really, because Maine has had a struggling economy for quite some time.  Now with heating oil prices pinching even the upper middle class pocketbooks, the struggle could become even worse.  Businesses here know that they need to operate on a low budget in order to stay alive.  Yet, the majority of business owners don’t know about virtual assistance, or if they do, they don’t understand how it could benefit their business. 

So, I’ve made it my mission, as one of the few virtual assistants based in Maine, to educate my community. I plan on teaching classes to business people and individual alike. If you’re in the Southern Maine or New Hampshire area and interested in learning more about how virtual assistance can profit your business and/or life contact Clerical Advantage today to schedule a class.