Freelance / Virtual Admin? Anyone done it/doing it?

[Bouquetsofdynomite]

I heard about a lady today who does admin from home for local self-employed types, charges a retainer and is making lots of money. To me it could be the answer to my limited transport/childcare issues but am wondering what the good folk of Mumsnet have to say on the subject . Any experience, anecdotes, advice, links etc most welcome thanks.

bump because sounds like something i would be interested in too !!

Well I'm not an expert but I do run my own business and have been advised countless times to use a virtual secretary.

My understanding is that you basically perform a range of admin/secretarial/reception type duties remotely for small businesses who can't afford to hire someone.

Take a look at this site for an example. I think if you searched on virtual secretary, you'd see loads of examples. You could either set yourself up as a stand alone person or you could try to link into an established network/organisation.

Yes, seems to be a real thing from all the sites. The lady I know found a couple of nearby buildings full of IFAs and gets paid for say 10hrs a week retainers (£10ph!) whether she does 10hrs or not (not I think is the case most of the time!.) Apaarently this is still very cheap as some admin staff have been made redundant since her appearance!

Was thinking about just knocking up some flyers and approaching very local places on a non-retainer basis (I'm too chicken, sounds so cheeky) until I got going. I guess you'd need the retainers if you were going to pay for a bit of childcare though.