Virtual Assistant: Top 3 Apps

In February of this year I left behind years of working for niche groups of lawyers and, as such, I had acquired a niche set of skills.  Transforming myself into a freelance Virtual Assistant has been an extremely busy and exciting time and has opened my eyes to the colourful array of apps and software available on the Internet, other than legal case management, billing, database and digital dictation software. 

I thought I'd share some of my favourite apps, get some feedback and maybe start a discussion on what works best for you as virtual assistants.

As I can't really let go of all my legal experience and because I enjoy the fast-moving, deadline-orientated world of UK Civil Litigation, I still offer legal PA support here at Legal Virtuoso.  As such, my main priority is to find software which ensures that confidentially sensitive files can be transferred quickly and easily, so my #1 app is DropBox.
Once a shared folder is established between myself and a client, a document or audio file can be accessed simply by uploading it into the folder.  At the moment I'm using the non-paid version which gives me 4GB of cloud storage before I have to upgrade.

App #2 is most definitely Harvest.
Again, because of my legal background, I'm minded that when working for clients and as a virtual assistant I need to record time spent for each client accurately.  Harvest allows me to personalise my account, upload details of each client, the projects I carry out, my charging rate for each project etc.  A stopwatch is then used to record time spent on each task.  I can also record any expenses I may have incurred for a client.
At the end of each month I'll submit a professional-looking invoice, including my company logo, various payment links (including one to my PayPal account) which itemises hours spent per project.  If a client wishes, I can upload a more detailed spreadsheet if they want to see how my time has been spent.  Couldn't be easier or more streamlined. 

App #3 has to be the social media app Hootsuite.  There are so many pieces of software similar to Hootsuite and they all do similar things but this works for me as I tend to use LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook at the moment for my social media. 

I can't finish this without mentioning Blogger.  It's been an absolute breeze for me to set up and upload posts onto my new Blog so thank you!

So, there are my top three apps; I could go on and on but I'm hoping that you can add to this list with whatever works best for you.

Nicky

Outsourcing Legal PA Work

Virtual Assistants aren't a new concept and have taken the US and Austalia by storm over the past 5 - 10 years.  So why haven't UK firms recognised the benefits of outsourcing administrative work?

Firstly, outsourcing to Virtual Assistants is highly cost-effective; you pay for the work that we do, usually on an hourly basis, so no paid lunch breaks, sickness and holiday cover, no equipment to provide and no binding employee contracts.

Secondly, confidentiality is no longer an issue as, over the past few years, there has been an explosion of software and apps which allow files and documents to be transferred securely from one person to another.  Here at Virtuoso Assistant we use DropBox or Hightail (formerly You Send It).  A folder will simply be shared and documents/audio files can be uploaded and accessed in seconds. It's that simple. 

Outsourcing to Law Firms

I have worked as a legal PA for 16 years for firms in Bristol and Reading and I know firms outsource to companies in India, for example. They're lovely people and are very hard-working; however, I've had to check files that have been returned with large gaps where the typist simply hasn't understood legal terminology.  Frankly, by the time I've gone through the document and amended it, I might as well have done it myself.  Result?  One frustrated PA.

We understand the Court process, the timetables and the need to prioritise certain documents and correspondence. We therefore work outside core office hours so your PA doesn't have to; she needs a break!

So, why not outsource those long legal attendance notes and statements to us?  We promise to return them quickly and without errors. Please take a look at "Legal Virtuoso" for further details of how we can help you and your PA reduce that typing backlog. 

Welcome to Virtuoso Blog!

 

Welcome to my new Blog where I'll be updating you with news and offers regarding Virtuoso Assistant, so be sure to check back often to ensure you don't miss out!  

At Virtuoso we offer cost-effective and professional PA services to all SMEs and entrepreneurs, whoever you are. I like to think we're a modern-day 'temping' service, only you don't have to deal with agencies. 

We also provide a specialised legal PA service targeting barristers, solicitors and legal executives who deal with civil litigation cases such as personal injury, medical negligence, child law, etc.  I myself have 16 years' office-based experience as a legal PA and have also studied for one year with CILEx, so I consider myself to have an excellent knowledge of the UK court system. 

My Virtuoso Blog is intended not just to highlight areas of interest for other virtual assistants but I'll also be posting articles that make me laugh, are of importance in the business world or are just plain interesting.  

If there's anything I can help you with in the meantime, please do contact me at hello@virtuosoassistant.co.uk

Speak soon!

Nicky