Robots as virtual assistants?

By: simplebackoffice USA
Submitted: 2007-08-09 10:39:45
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The first time I heard the word “virtual assistant”, my imagination sent me to this anime' sort of world where machines have thoroughly replaced all human beings. At that time, I could not imagine what it really meant. I even had visions of Asimo (by Honda Robotics) doing all the household chores! It was really funny I tell ya but soon enough, I learned all about it since I have become a virtual assistant myself.

Virtual Assistants or most popularly known as VAs, are human beings performing the same tasks most people have in an office environment or setting. The main difference is that they work from their homes and they do all kinds of work online. They sit in-front of their pc at home, either connect to a remote server, access the client’s computer and they go about their daily routine. Their services range from administrative, bookkeeping, payroll, technical support, telemarketing, customer service, proof-reading, secretarial, editing, marketing, research, clerical and transcription work.

What we do not know about most VAs is that they are all professionals and highly-skilled people. They are tasked to do the most complex of tasks. One important aspect is for them to have technical skills since all the work that needs to be done will be online. It’s definitely a must for them to know how the pc works – O/S, software applications, embedded html/css scripts, java, flash,desktop streaming, netmeeting, TCP/IP, Net framework, SQL server, use of Voice over Internet protocol, data connection, and the like. Special skills in Desktop Publishing, Graphics design, Lay-outing, Visio, Camtasia, MS Publisher, MS Access, MS Powerpoint, MS Project, MS Exchange Server, troubleshooting and networking, etc.

Becoming a VA isn’t easy though, the screening process for recruitment is very tedious. All references get checked out, there will be all sorts of aptitude, personality & skill assessments you have to take & pass, several screening interviews and of course, all the confidentiality agreements you have to sign.

Now, most prospective employers ask: How can I know if they’re really working? Well, YOU WILL. Most Virtual Staffing companies have certain software applications that monitor what they are doing and also have the functionality to record the time being spent for each task. Yes, we may call it “virtual” but everything is definitely in “real time”.

We are in the virtual staffing business services. If you would like to find out more about Virtual Staffing, you may want to check SimpleBackOffice

Article source: Expert Articles

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