you’d like to hold an event such as a conference, a workshop or a networking event as part of your business strategy but don’t have a secretary to organise it, or you have a secretary but she’s snowed under with other tasks, then a VA could be the ideal person to help you.

But what exactly will a VA be able to help with, you might ask?

Well there are a whole host of things they can do:

• Find and book a suitable venue
• Research appropriate websites and media to advertise the event
• Book advertising space and place an advert if necessary
• Research and draw up a list of prospective attendees to personally invite
• Set up a database of prospective attendees
• Type up the event programme and invitations
• Mail out the information to prospective attendees
• Organise relevant equipment and catering for the event
• Liaise with venue staff
• Book and liaise with guest speakers/trainers
• Enter the event date and details onto your online diary
• Handle email enquiries
• Compile a list of confirmed attendees
• Prepare name badges
• Produce PowerPoint presentations that may be needed during the event
• Type up and produce presentation kits/handouts etc.
• Transcribe any audio you may have recorded during the event
• Book accommodation and arrange travel for you and your guest speakers/trainers

Your VA can also give you regular progress reports and costings via telephone, email or Skype call, to make sure you’re happy with everything.

And of course you only pay for the time your VA spends on the task, which can be itemised and emailed to you on a weekly basis.

So don’t let time or staffing constraints hold you back, hire a VA to get the work done for you.

As a virtual assistant I’ve had many clients come to me with audio transcription files.  Recording interviews and meetings is an excellent way to get an accurate view of what has been said without the hassle of trying to take minutes using pencil and paper.  Dictating your letters and reports to be typed up later by someone else can save you masses of time if you’re not a touch typist.

One thing I’ve noticed is the range of quality of these recordings.  Background noise, voices too far away, rustling papers and telephone interruptions can make it much harder to transcribe, which can ultimately result in it taking longer to get the completed transcription back to you (the client).

The Alliance of UK Virtual Assistants has some excellent audio recording and transcription tips as well as a guide to some of the different methods available for recording.

Read it today and help ensure your transcriptions get back to you accurately and quickly.