WILLOW DESK
your virtual assistant
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Virtual Assistant?
A Virtual Assistant is someone who freelances, offering services to businesses based on their experience and skill set. This offers businesses the opportunity to get help with things like administration, marketing or creative tasks without the commitment and cost of taking on a permanent employee.
What kind of tasks can you help me with?
I can assist with a wide range of tasks, utilising my administrative, marketing and creative experience.
A list of services can be found on my website, however, if there is anything you need help with that isn't listed, feel free to contact me to ask if it's something I will be able to help with. I will only offer services that I have experience with or that I'm confident I can quickly learn.
I'm not sure any of your packages fit with what I need.
Not a problem. My whole ethos is that I'm here to help and take the pressure off of you so you can prioritise that parts of your business you love. If you need something more tailored to your needs, just contact me and we can set up a call to organise a package more appropriate to your requirements.
Who do you typically work with?
Willow Desk specialises in small businesses and pet professionals. My whole business model is to work with people who love what they do, but who are finding that the daily running of their business overwhelming. I take on tasks you can't do, don't have time for or don't want to do!
I'm not sure any of your packages fit with what I need.
Not a problem. My whole ethos is that I'm here to help and take the pressure off of you so you can prioritise that parts of your business you love. If you need something more tailored to your needs, just contact me and we can set up a call to organise a package more appropriate to your requirements.
What are the benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant?
Hiring a virtual assistant will give you back time to focus on the parts of the business you love. You decide what you manage yourself and what you delegate
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You will actually save money! Yes that's right, hiring an employee costs more when you factor in not just salary but the business setup and the benefits which need to be accounted for when expanding your team. In contrast, you can hire a virtual assistant for a set cost and time period each month based on your business needs and budget.
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You'll get the skills you need quickly, reducing business downtime. Taking on someone new will generally require an investment in time as you train them to work on the tasks you need. It isn't always the case that you can find someone that has all the skills and experience you need within your price band. A virtual assistant should be hired based on the skills you need. In other words, they should be able to hit the ground running. *
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(* disclaimer - Does this mean I have experience with every piece of software, and every task a business could need? No, of course not! But a virtual assistant is an expert at developing their own skills for the task in hand. If I don't know something, I will only take on the task if I'm confident that I can teach myself the majority of it without having to ask you to take the time out of your busy day to show me!)​​
How do we get started?
Start by scheduling a free call where we'll discuss your needs goals and how I can support you. After that I'll send over details of the package we've created together.
How do you track hours and tasks?
I will be using software (currently Toggl) to track the time I spend on your projects. This will provide you with a report so that when I invoice you, you will receive and itemised list of the time spent working on your business.
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At your discovery call we can agree how often you would like to be updated on my progress. Should I complete the tasks you have set and still have time left on our agreement, I will let you know so you can send me over more work to help you with.
What hours do you work?
The idea of this is that I'm flexible both around my commitments and yours if you need me to be available for set hours, please let me know during our initial consultation.
Will I be working with you or someone else?
Willow Desk is currently just myself and so you will be working with me directly, I do not outsource.
If I take on staff at any point in the future, I will be letting my customers know and giving them the option to work with myself or another member of staff with the skills they require.
How much do your services cost?
The key to my business model is to take the stress off of you and therefore, I offer flexible packages simply based on a set time per month. Not sure what you need yet? No problem, you can pay by the hour.
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If none of the packages set out are quite what you're looking for, simply get in touch and we can work out an agreement together, tailored to your needs.
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To see details of my packages simply visit my Services Page​​
Is there a minimum commitment?
There is a minimum of an hours commitment. There are also packages available at a reduced rate for a project of 10 or 20 hours per month.
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If none of this works for you, let me know and we can discuss your business needs.
Do you offer tailored packages?
Yes! I can absolutely offer a bespoke package around your needs. Just get in touch.
How do we communicate?
I'm available via whatever means you find simplest, be it email, WhatsApp, or video call, I can work around what's best for you!
What tools do you use?
I'm experienced with the Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, Indesign, HubSpot, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook and more, but if you use a particular software or site that I need to learn just let me know in your initial contact and I'll quickly get up to speed.
How do you ensure confidentiality and data security?
Confidentiality is a priority. I use a secure site for storing any and all of you confidential data such as passwords, log in details, bank details etc.
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I am happy to sign an NDA and I follow best practices for data protection and secure document sharing.
What happens if I need more hours than my package includes?
If you require additional support, this time can be billed at your agreed hourly rate.
I will regularly update you on my progress. If I feel your required support will take you beyond the agreed hours, I will let you know as soon as possible so we can discuss how to proceed.
Can you help with on-time projects?
Absolutely! I support both ongoing and one-off projects like event planning, system setup and marketing campaigns.
What kind of results can I expect?
My goal is to provide every client with increased productivity, organisation and more time to focus on your growing business.
Commonly Searched Questions about Virtual Assistants
Are virtual assistants in demand?
Yes, virtual assistants are in high demand. Businesses and entrepreneurs are increasingly outsourcing administrative, marketing, and customer service tasks to virtual assistants to save time and reduce costs. With the rise of remote work, the demand continues to grow globally.
Are virtual assistants real people?
Yes, virtual assistants are real people who work remotely to provide administrative, creative, or technical support. They are different from AI chatbots because they perform complex tasks that require human judgment.
Are virtual assistants worth it?
Hiring a virtual assistant is often worth it because they free up your time, allowing you to focus on higher-value activities. By outsourcing repetitive tasks, you can increase productivity and reduce overhead costs compared to hiring full-time staff.
Are virtual assistants safe?
Yes, hiring a virtual assistant is generally safe if you choose reputable professionals or agencies. Always conduct background checks, sign confidentiality agreements, and use secure communication tools to protect sensitive information.
Are virtual assistants tax deductible?
In most cases, yes. If you hire a virtual assistant for business purposes, their fees are considered a deductible business expense. Always consult your accountant or tax advisor for specific advice.
Are virtual assistants freelancers?
Many virtual assistants are freelancers, offering services to multiple clients on a contract basis. Some also work through agencies or staffing companies that provide structured arrangements.
Are virtual assistants independent contractors?
Yes, most virtual assistants operate as independent contractors rather than employees. This means they manage their own taxes, schedules, and tools while providing services to businesses.
How do virtual assistants work?
Virtual assistants work remotely, typically communicating with clients via email, messaging apps, or project management platforms. They complete tasks such as scheduling, research, data entry, social media management, and customer support.
How can a virtual assistant help your business?
A virtual assistant can help your business by managing routine tasks like email, scheduling, bookkeeping, social media, and customer service. This allows you to focus on growth, strategy, and client relationships.
Should I hire a virtual assistant?
Yes, virtual assistants are in high demand. Businesses and entrepreneurs are increasingly outsourcing administrative, marketing, and customer service tasks to virtual assistants to save time and reduce costs. With the rise of remote work, the demand continues to grow globally.
What does a virtual assistant do?
A virtual assistant provides support services such as email management, scheduling, research, social media management, bookkeeping, and customer service — all done remotely.
What virtual assistant skills are in demand?
The most in-demand virtual assistant skills include:
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Administrative support (email, scheduling, data entry)
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Social media management
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Customer support
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Content creation
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Bookkeeping
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Project coordination
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Tech support for tools like CRM, WordPress, or Shopify
What’s a personal assistant?
A personal assistant (PA) provides direct support to an individual, handling personal and business tasks such as scheduling, travel arrangements, and correspondence. Unlike virtual assistants, PAs usually work in person.
What is a virtual assistant job description?
A virtual assistant job description typically includes managing emails, scheduling appointments, data entry, bookkeeping, research, customer service, and social media management, depending on client needs.
Where to hire a virtual assistant?
You can hire virtual assistants through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer, or through dedicated VA agencies. Networking groups and LinkedIn are also great places to find qualified professionals.
Where does a virtual assistant work?
A virtual assistant works remotely from home or a co-working space. They use online tools to collaborate with clients worldwide.
Which virtual assistant is best?
The best virtual assistant depends on your business needs. If you need general administrative help, a general VA works best. For specialized tasks, like social media or bookkeeping, choose a VA with expertise in that field.
Why are virtual assistants in demand?
Virtual assistants are in demand because businesses want to save time and reduce costs. Hiring a VA offers flexibility, specialized skills, and cost savings compared to hiring full-time employees.
What exactly does a virtual assistant do?
A virtual assistant handles tasks such as:
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Administrative work (emails, scheduling, travel booking)
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Social media and content management
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Customer support
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Data entry and bookkeeping
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Research and project coordination
Virtual assistant vs project manager
A virtual assistant focuses on carrying out tasks, while a project manager oversees entire projects, coordinates teams, and ensures deadlines are met. A VA executes tasks; a project manager plans and manages.
Virtual assistant or digital marketing
A virtual assistant may handle parts of digital marketing such as social media scheduling or email campaigns. However, a dedicated digital marketing specialist creates strategies and runs campaigns at a higher level.
Personal assistant or VA
A personal assistant typically works in person, supporting daily personal and professional tasks. A virtual assistant does similar work but remotely and often with a stronger focus on business-related tasks.
Virtual assistant vs personal assistant
A personal assistant is usually in-office and provides face-to-face support, while a virtual assistant works remotely and can support multiple clients at once.
Virtual assistant vs customer service representativent or PA
A customer service representative works directly with customers, often in a call center or support team. A virtual assistant may provide customer support but usually has a broader role, including administrative and marketing tasks.
Virtual assistant vs online business manager
A virtual assistant executes tasks, while an online business manager (OBM) takes on a leadership role — managing teams, creating systems, and overseeing day-to-day operations.