I agree with you – I hope that the people who jumped on the Tim Ferriss’ bandwagon and ran to India for contractors eventually come back here. I don’t think we’re experiencing a shortage here but rather people are being jaded by the idea of $5 an hour for a virtual assistant.

Luckily, most of the VAs who have been around for awhile have steady clients who wouldn’t trade us in for $5/hour no matter how many people popped up at that rate.

Sincerely,
Erin Blaskie
Business Services, ETC
http://www.bsetc.ca

I must correct you, the concept of a virtual assistant is not to send work where labor is less expensive – Virtual Assistants are highly skilled and trained, Independent Contractors working from their own offices, often partnering with other businesses to help them succeed. VA’s have their own office equipment, necessary software, detailed skills set, and specific training to handle office management duties and serve as virtual office administrators to their clients.

True, there are many ‘off shore’ companies popping up to take what they can from the industry – and provide shotty services for lower rates. I guess if someone hires one of these companies they get what they pay for.

There are many great virtual staffing agencies in the US that pay their VA’s decent rates and turn out great work – and many vitual assistants hire subscontractors to assist them with work overloads. So, there are alternatives to hiring ‘off shore’ companies, and I hope that people know this.

Another thing I find curious – where did ‘Get Friday’ come up with their name? hmmmmm?

Nancy Brown – Owner – Virtual Gal Friday

I do agree with Sandra that the Virtual Assistant industry is experiencing phenomenal growth. At VANA (VAnetworking.com), we have over 6,000 VAs ready to assist their clients with anything from administrative to websites to bookkeeping, etc. Clients submit RFPs and then hire the VA that they feel comfortable working with and who can supply the services the client requires.

You can take a look at http://www.vanetworking.com.

We work very much like a Bricks and Mortar staffing agency with the exception that our VA’s are Independent Contractors. Our VA’s can do everything from clerical and general office work to Management. To find out more, please visit us at http://www.teamdoubleclick.com. Thanks! ~Sandra Pearson