What is the difference between a secretary, a virtual assistant or a P.A, personal assistant?
Looking at OxfordDictionaries.com a secretary origin is
“late Middle English (originally in the sense ‘person entrusted with a secret’)”
and is defined as,
“a person employed by an individual or in an office to assist with correspondence, make appointments, and carry out administrative tasks “.
OxfordDictionaries.com has no definition for Virtual Assistant, there is a definition on Wikipedia.org
“A virtual assistant (typically abbreviated to VA, also called a virtual office assistant) is generally self-employed and provides professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance to clients remotely from a home office”
Our interpretation is that a VA is a modern day equivalent of the more traditional named secretary or PA. A VA is less likely to have day to day or face to face contact with the client with work arriving by phone call or email. Whereas a secretary may be more likely to sit and plan work with the client.
One thing in common is indeed the comment ‘person entrusted with a secret’ – be it a secretary, personal assistant or virtual assistant the client can be sure of confidential treatment of their work.
If you are self-employed and running a business you will know how overwhelming day to day admin tasks can be. Buying in a secretarial / virtual assistant service can be a wonderful solution providing much needed help, either as a one off or indeed as a regular set up.
Perhaps you are looking for that extra help, in Cheshire, to see the bottom of your in tray and tidy up your desk, why not call us for a free, no obligation chat about your requirements 01565 625615.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping relieve your stress.
