Virtual Assistant definition

A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an person who provides professional administrative, creative, managerial, technical, business office and/or personal support services, but with the aid and necessity of technology -- telephone, Internet, email, Instant Messaging, etc. -- is not located in the same building or location as the manager.

Technically, a VA can be an employee or independent contractor. However, there is a well-developed professional community of VAs -- an industry, if you will -- in the marketplace who consider themselves independent business owners, available to work with clients as an outsourced resource. And while they may be exclusive to one client, they often work for multiple clients.