Time to EleVAte Campaign - Non-VA Business Owner Survey

Following on from the success of our surveys and report in 2017, we are back this year to survey both the VA industry and those who work with VAs.

The VA (Virtual Assistant) role and term is widely misused, misunderstood & undervalued.

VAs are highly experienced, skilled and professional independent business owners who bring true, proactive value to their clients, whether through admin support, digital marketing, website changes etc.

We are working to redefine the role, challenge perceptions, help client/VA relationships flourish & create a new story!
 
Our campaign aims are:
  • Re-engage with the VA industry & bring them together as a community to stand together for true industry standards
  • Redefine the Virtual Assistant (VA) profession, inspire VAs to realise their own potential and champion the true worth of outsourcing to a high performing VA
  • Raise the profile of VAs, the value/worth they bring and changing perceptions in and around the industry.

As a non-VA business owner who potentially has worked with, is working with or would like to work with a VA, we would value your input so we can gain a fully rounded picture of where things are at currently, and compare this to last years results.

Thank you.

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* 1. Whereabouts are you based?

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* 2. If you answered UK, which region are you in?

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* 3. Do you class yourself as currently working:

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* 4. Where do you work from?

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* 5. How long have you been running your own business?

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* 6. Are you running your business as a:

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* 7. What sector are you in?

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* 8. What was the main reason you were inspired to start your business?

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* 9. What does your business turnover each month?

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* 10. What social media platforms are you currently on for your business?

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* 11. Are you currently working with a VA?

If you answered yes to question 11, please make sure you answer questions 12-15.
If you answered no to question 11, please skip to question 16.

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* 12. How many VAs do you work with currently?

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* 13. Do you have employees?

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* 14. If yes, out of 10, how happy are you with your VA?

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* 15. If yes, out of 10, how likely would you be to recommend your VA?

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* 16. If no, are you intending to work with a VA:

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* 17. If you don't currently have plans to work with a VA, why not?

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* 18. Have you ever worked with a VA?

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* 19. If you are no longer working with a VA, why did your relationship end?

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* 20. If you have worked with, or are currently working with a VA, whereabouts are they based?

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* 21. If you have worked with, or are currently working with a VA how did you find them?

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* 22. If you have worked with, or are currently working with a VA, are they:

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* 23. If you have a VA, how many hours a month are they currently working for you?

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* 24. How often do you have calls with your VA?

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* 25. How do you currently pay your VA?

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* 26. Does your VA ever work on site?

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* 27. What are the main qualities you look for in a VA?

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* 28. Is your current VA registered for Data Protection and GDPR compliant?

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* 29. Do you currently have a contract/terms of business with your VA?

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* 30. Do you have a Confidentiality Agreement with your VA?

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* 31. Does your VA carry Professional Indemnity insurance?

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* 32. Do you carry wider Business Insurance (protecting hardware, office supplies etc.)

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* 33. Is your VA registered with HMRC for Anti-Money Laundering?

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* 34. What are the main services you outsource to a VA?

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* 35. Does your VA work:

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* 36. What would you say is the main benefit to you of working with a VA?

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* 37. What would you say is the main challenge to you of working with a VA?

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* 38. What do you currently pay your VA?

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* 39. Do you agree that this rate offers you good value for money & meets your expectations?

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* 40. Do you expect your VA to work evenings and/or weekends?

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* 41. What is your current perception of the VA industry?

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* 42. What does the term VA mean to you?

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* 43. How many times over the last year have you felt that you could get the same VA support elsewhere and cheaper?

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* 44. Have you ever asked a VA to drop their rate?

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* 45. Have you ever had to challenge a VA on how long they have taken on a task?

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* 46. Have you ever refused to pay a VA for work done?

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* 47. Do you think VAs are valued as business owners in their own right?

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* 48. How do you feel we could better champion what we do and provide value to our clients?

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* 49. What do you believe is missing from the VA industry in terms of reputation and/or training?

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* 50. Do you have any other comments, questions, or concerns?

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