Are you a business owner looking for a Virtual Assistant to work with? Then you have expectations. A Virtual Assistant also has expectations of their clients. Here are a few:

• Treated with respect as a fellow business owner. They are not employees.
• Clear communication of your expectations regarding the skills needed and time frames.
• For you, the business owner, to be open to the Virtual Assistant's feedback and suggestions.
• To be paid what they are worth and on time.

Be sure you go over these details before you sign a contact and insist these be included in the contract.

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Over the years we've had some great conversations with virtual assistants around the globe. The feedback we've received has helped us refine our message. One of our clear messages has been, "You are a business owner, not an employee."

One of the virtual assistants we've connected with is Laura Putnam of  You're the Best. It was very gratifying to receive this Facebook message from Laura a few days ago.

I want you to both know how much I appreciate all of the opportunities I had learning from you both when I started my business two years ago. I recently got involved in a collaborative business arrangement. The first week I heard two words that sent a red flag up, micromanage and nitpick from this person. As the relationship progressed I began to feel as though I was an employee...your words, you are a business owner, not an employee flew through my mind as he was criticizing me on the phone as though I was a member of his staff yesterday. Today I spoke up and terminated the collaboration, and feel awesome. You guys are the best, thank you...

If you'd like to learn more about how to run your business and not be micromanaged, read the Kindle version of The Commonsense Virtual Assistant - Becoming an Entrepreneur, Not an Employee. Then tell us about your success!

The virtual assistant industry is rapidly growing. However, there are many people that still have never heard of the term and do not know what a virtual assistant does. One of the goals here at Chief Virtual Officer is to educate people about what a virtual assistant can do to assist them in their business.

There are several definitions I've come across and yet many still do not convey to the solo professional just what a virtual assistant is and how a VA can help them in their business. Part of that may be because there are such a wide variety of tasks that virtual assistants do and some VAs only do specific tasks.

I like to try to make it as simple as possible for a prospect to understand the term virtual assistant by using terms they are familiar with. Most business people are familiar with the terms administrative assistant, executive assistant, secretary, office manager. A virtual assistant can be one or all of those things from their own office. The business person does not need to provide office space, equipment, or benefits. A virtual assistant works as an independent contractor and pays their own taxes. If the business person only needs assistance a few hours each month, a virtual assistant can provide those services and the business owner doesn't have to pay for a part-time employee.

So, how do you respond when asked - what is a virtual assistant? I'd love to read your replies. Help us educate the world about the virtual assistant industry.