A virtual assistant is a business professional who works offsite (virtually) providing business support services for busy professionals, executives and companies to meet ongoing, part-time needs and/or project-based work requirements.  A virtual assistant often serves as a “right-hand” resource for managing various projects, enabling the company or individual to focus on the core functions for success and growing the business.  A virtual assistant is an independent contractor, who works from his/her own office, so the client avoids expenses associated with onsite staff such as office space, computer, printer, phone, employee benefits, etc.