Real estate professionals are among the professionals who should consider hiring a virtual assistant (VA) to handle certain tasks so they can devote more time to other aspects of their business.

International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) acting marketing director Lauren Hidden says they should try out a VA with such tasks as mass mailings, appointment scheduling, and article or blog research.

However, she notes that many VAs also can handle writing, graphic design, bookkeeping, Web site design, and other specialty services.

When choosing a VA, professionals should ask for sample work, ensure the VA has the right skill set, and check that the VA is willing to communicate in whatever format best meets their needs. The IVAA requires members to adhere to a code of ethics.

Source: Inc. Magazine, Marla Tabaka