By now I’m sure we’ve all heard of a Virtual Assistant, right? Did you now however that it is by no means just traditional PA style business tasks that a VA carries out? Although they do provide an invaluable service to start up companies and other small businesses, the breadth of skills and services offered goes further. If you thought that a VA would not be of assistance to you because you have no transcription that needs doing, or filing to be done then think again.

Many Virtual Assistants services overlap into what is sometimes known as "lifestyle management." Generally speaking though, a VA would charge but a fraction of the price of a lifestyle management representative for similar if not the same duties. Below are some top tips and ideas on how a VA can help anybody, not just those in need of help with traditional PA duties.

1. Diary Reminders

You can give your VA access to your diary and then ask them to send you weekly/daily or even hourly reminders of your appointments. This way you are certain to never get timings muddled or miss appointments.

2. Important Date Reminders

It is never a good feeling when you realised you’ve missed a birthday or anniversary. If you provide your VA with all of the important dates in the year, they can remind you with plenty of warning so there is even time to buy a present.

3. Buying Presents

Going a stage further than just reminders, your VA could buy all of your presents and cards during the year. This can include mothers day, birthdays, even your Christmas shopping can be taken care of with the likes of ebay, amazon and a host of online gift suppliers at your VA’s disposal.

4. Making Appointments

Anything from dentist appointments to booking your car in for a service can easily be handled by a VA as the web has ensured all the information they could need is available.

5. Finding Information/ Carrying out Research

I’m sure that there are plenty of things you would like information on but simply don’t have the time to research yourself. When and where your local market is held, where is the nearest place to have your car serviced, who can provide the cheapest car/house/life insurance policy, where is a good place for a family holiday....there are countless questions you could have answered quickly and easily.

6. Job Search

If you are actively looking for a new job or even just curious as to what else is out there, a VA can do all the leg work for you and even send in the applications.

7. Bill Paying

This monthly chore can easily be outsourced to your VA who can pay everything online for you in one go. That way you can keep an eye on your outgoings but stay on top of your bills.

8. Social Event Planning

From romantic nights out to large scale party planning, this is exactly the type of task that can be outsourced leaving you time to concentrate on other important things.

9. Ebay Assistance

Ebay is the answer if you’ve unwanted possessions cluttering your home or you have found something you wish to sell on a continuous basis. Your VA can set up the adverts, monitor the selling process and answer any customer queries. Once the item has been sold, all you need to do is pop it in the post!

10. Moving House

Thought to be one of the more stressful aspects of life, a VA can search for properties, organize viewings, liaise with estate agents and more to ensure your house move is as smooth as possible.

So there you have it. A list of 10 things a VA can do that are not thought of as traditional PA style roles. Everyone would benefit from the use of a VA whether you are a CEO of a large company, a time-poor employee or a stay at home mum.