FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (TO SAVE YOU TIME!)

1 So how does it work - we aren't in the same office?

This is the question I am asked most! If you want me to attend a meeting in person I am happy to do so (although I do charge for travel time and costs). Most of the time the work is carried out remotely with say a weekly, fortnightly or monthly Teams meeting. All of my clients provide me with my own business email for several reasons. First, it gives a better impression to your clients if I am part of your business.  Second, you control the email address including the data and the work product. Third, it gives the perception that you are larger than you are and have an assistant, which can be useful.

You set me up on your business systems such as Xero or your CRM - I can use your login or have my own. We also create or use your existing digital filing system (such as Dropbox, Teams folders/OneDrive or G Drive) and either email documents to each other or edit them there, whichever you prefer.

2 Do you provide help with business's finances such as invoices,expenses?

Yes - I have been doing so for over 10 years and use Xero daily for various clients. I can perform all of the basic bookkeeping functions such as recording purchases, processing expenses (including expense claims for our clients), invoicing, credit control and bank reconciliation. I don't prepare or submit VAT returns or do payroll or prepare annual accounts as those are more specialist tasks.

3 Do you prepare contracts and negotiate terms being a former lawyer?

I am happy to review contracts and terms and make observations from a business efficacy point of view as part of my general virtual PA duties. No I don't give you legal advice on contracts - just a brief summary and my thoughts on the main terms. If you want or need legal advice then you need to consult your lawyer. Many of my clients dislike negotiating fees and prefer me to do so for them (it's MUCH easier I think to do it for someone else!) and I am happy to do so.

4 What happens if I am really busy one month and quiet the next?

This is really common! I have some flexibility each month and, unlike some virtual PAs, concentrate upon a small number of clients. A lot of it is down to communicate; most clients prioritise invoicing and credit control and other things can be done that week or by month/quarter end. If one client has a busy month another is usually quiet and I can move work around. Most of my clients appreciate that I am not a full time resource for them, but I am great at juggling and balancing clients' needs and it helps if they are flexible where possible.

Some clients prefer to pay for a set number of hours per month with a review and reconciliation every 3 months, which helps them with planning and cashflow. That way any unused hours are rolled forward. Alternatively if you know you have a busy time(s) of year let me know and I will plan for that.

5 Why should I choose you?

I have been established for over 10 years and have good experience of supporting a range of different clients as well as running my own business. I have been described as "unflappable" and "a safe pair of hands". I am very organised with great attention to detail. My clients tend to stay with me for years (he current record is 8 years). Please have a quick look at my testimonials page. Most of my clients are happy to provide me with a reference. 

6 I don't want to be tied into a long contract.

Me neither! My standard terms have a 7 day notice period for both sides. I always suggest that we start with a trial period to check that we are a good fit. It's important that we are both happy with the arrangement and I do understand that you are taking a leap of faith in trusting me with your business.


If you have any other questions please do get in touch by telephone (07719 760 636) or email ([email protected]). I offer a 1 hour free consultation.