Before 2020, I used various apps to set reminders, enlist tasks of the day, or jot down short notes. However, none seemed to meet my particular needs as a virtual assistant until I stumbled upon Google Meet. I say 'stumbled' because I wasn’t even looking for a tool when I came across it. I was searching for some Chrome extension when it popped up under “similar tools you can try” or something. I didn’t even know it was a Google property when I added it to my Chrome. Okay, I had been seeing “Keep” somewhere on my Gmail dashboard, but I didn’t bother to check what it was for. Once I started using it by and by, I realized it was just the right tool for me. Anyway, Google Keep is a versatile and user-friendly note-taking application that has helped me in many ways since 2020. By the way, I use it for other personal stuff, not just virtual assistance work. It is my ultimate notebook. This is where I write my thoughts, be they random ideas or a poem I’m inspired to write while tr...

 Choosing Google Drive for your virtual assistant (VA) activities can be a strategic decision based on various factors. I’m writing from personal experience. My online work would be difficult without a tool such as Google Drive. I know other people out there have other options but for me, I have always preferred Google Drive ever since I realized its true worth about 5-6 years ago. I have not longed for an alternative or sought to find a better option because it meets all my needs. If you are an established or an upcoming VA, I urge you to consider using Google Drive . Here are some reasons why you might prefer Google Drive for your VA tasks: 1.      Collaboration and Sharing Google Drive is known for its strong collaboration features. It allows multiple users to simultaneously work on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. No need to email a document around. One document can be worked on by different people in different locations. This is particul...

 The appropriate hourly rate for a Kenyan virtual assistant (VA) can vary depending on several factors, including the VA's skill set, experience, the complexity of tasks, and the specific services they offer. Additionally, market rates and cost of living in different regions of Kenya may influence the hourly rates. Considering these factors is essential when determining a fair and competitive rate. Pay at least Kes 500 for a job that will likely take about 1 hour. The level of work and the expertise required may push up the service fee. Please, and again, please, do not exploit Kenyan virtual assistants. Here are the general guidelines to look into when figuring out what to pay a Kenyan virtual assistant: 1.      Entry-Level VAs: For VAs with basic administrative skills and limited experience, hourly rates range from $5 to $10 per hour. These individuals may handle tasks like data entry, email management, and basic administrative support. 2.  ...

Finding a missing person can be a challenging and sensitive task, especially when you are already in a panic mode. You may have reported to the police, but then their speed may not be impressive. After all, they deal with all sorts of cases, some worse than finding a missing person. I once lost a young family member. On reporting to the police, they told me to wait for 24 hours to be sure the missing person was really lost and not just hanging out somewhere. Indeed that’s the law here. A philosopher would retort that as a human race, we are all lost anyway, and should all be sought and found. Eh, this article is not about philosophy though. Anyway, a virtual assistant conversant with the advanced search engine mechanisms can help you find a missing person. I have written this article because I helped find a missing person last year. Okay, I didn't rely solely on the internet. I personally talked to friends familiar with the location where the missing person was last seen. Truth...

 The laws and regulations regarding private investigators vary by jurisdiction, so it's essential to ensure that you follow the legal processes in your area when looking for a private investigator. Additionally, be cautious about privacy and ethical considerations when seeking the services of a private investigator, and make sure to engage with reputable professionals or agencies. Some so-called private investigators are merely clueless, dubious agencies out to do shoddy, unhelpful investigations and then ask for pay. If you need to hire a private investigator in Nairobi, you can first hire a virtual assistant to help you out.  Can a virtual assistant help you find a private investigator in Kenya? Yes, a virtual assistant can surely help you get a private investigator.  Or you can follow these general steps a virtual assistant would usually use to get the right private investigator for a client: 1.      Research and Gather Information: · ...

Like everything, working online also has its pros and cons. It’s not like when you work online you only have good things to talk about it. Before making the move to work online, you need to consider these advantages and disadvantages to help you if it is the best thing for you. Pros Working online full-time has various advantages, making it an appealing option for many individuals. Here are some key benefits: 1.      Flexibility Online work often allows for a flexible schedule. You may be free to choose your working hours, which can be particularly beneficial for those with personal commitments or preferences for non-traditional working hours. For example, I can work up in the middle of the night and finish a task I was supposed to finish in the morning, so I can have free time to take a long morning walk. Flexibility. If I’m to attend a meeting in the evening, I see if I can do my tasks in the afternoon. That’s how flexible online work can be. However, not...