I have received many inquiries about personal assistant services. Many of the respondents were people who needed help but did not feel worthy of a personal assistant.
First, let me start by putting an end to the misperception that one must be a celebrity or very wealthy to have a PA; This is not the case. Busy individuals, students, families; senior citizens and small businesses are using public address services more and more every day.
The average person’s life is filled with priorities of work, family life, groups, memberships or organizations not to mention personal life. Having a personal assistant is not just a luxury, it is a necessity for many people in today’s society.
Who can benefit from a PA?
Busy individuals, college students, families, seniors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses can all benefit from the services of a personal assistant. Having a personal assistant can create efficiency and eliminate stress. There is a great benefit for companies when hiring personal assistant services since they save on health, employment and payroll expenses.
What can a PA do for me?
However, a personal assistant can provide many different services; many PAs will tailor their services to meet the needs of the individual. Below is a general list of services that a personal assistant can provide:
Administrative services
o Make travel reservations
o Monitor and respond to emails
o Answer and return phone calls
o Plan and coordinate meetings
o Open, review and classify mail
o Bill payment assistance
o Generate reports and presentations
o Conduct research
o Create file systems
o Create and Update Databases
Courier and Courier Services
o Grocery shopping
o Pharmacy careers
o Pick up and drop off packages
o Dry cleaning pick-up and delivery
or delivery of gifts
or Bank Runs
Organize home and office
home care services
o House and office cleaning
o Manage home improvements
Event planning support
o Locate and visit places
o Coordinate Catering, Music, Photographer, etc.
o Order invitations and manage RSVP
o Purchasing support
o Provide assistance on the day of the event
Can I pay for a PA?
Personal assistants are not as expensive as people think. Many PAs provide services from $10.00 to $40.00 per hour, depending on the service. A good PA will provide a consultation to discuss your needs and advise the number of hours required to service your request. Many people use personal assistants for a few hours a month to help with their personal and business needs.
What to look for in a good PA?
A personal assistant will have all the features listed below:
organization
A PA directly making sure that the day to day runs smoothly. This can include things like scheduling, organizing meetings, making travel plans, coordinating events, and managing phone and email.
“go to” person
A PA has to be able to handle many responsibilities. Must be very organized and able to cope with a hectic day.
optimistic energy
A PA is constantly working and often doesn’t get a chance to take a break. People are looking for assistants who not only have the required skills, but can also keep up with the demands of a fast-paced environment and work long hours.
advanced computer skills
PA must have excellent computer skills to organize Excel spreadsheets, write invoices and maintain their client contacts. Personal assistants also have a lot of email and online research as part of their duties, so they’ll need to be able to communicate and solve problems online efficiently.
Trust and Commitment
PA handles sensitive and personal information, so people need assistants they can trust and who are willing to put in the necessary time and effort.